Cruise prices - how to get a good deal

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Gemini

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#214672 23-May-2017 13:20

Looking at a couple of cruises and wondering how to get a good price

Does anyone know an NZ cruise expert who can get good rates or who to use from overseas?

Quote from Air NZ (NZD)

Cruise 1 - $1979
Cruise 2 - $2009

Quote from cruise line NZ website (NZD)

Cruise 1 - $1682

Cruise 2 - $1710

Quote from Expedia US and cruise line US/CA/IN website (using VPN)

Cruise 1 - $999USD

Cruise 2 - $1049USD

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#1786659 23-May-2017 13:20

Allow me to introduce you folks to our new travel community: TravelTalk NZ.

We hope to see you there!

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trig42

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#1786717 23-May-2017 13:38

Not sure what the issue is.

$999USD is 1426 NZD. Add GST and its 1639. $50 difference - are they offering anything like Cabin Credit etc?

(In fact, difference will be even less, or perhaps in your favour as CC exchange rates will be worse than the 'official' ones)

frankv

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#1786733 23-May-2017 13:47

I'm told that if you can make your IP appear to be in a poorer country, you can get cheaper airfares. Maybe the same might apply to Expedia and/or cruise lines?

Stu

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#1786765 23-May-2017 14:08

As above, taking into account the exchange rates, there's not much difference in the USD quotes and NZD quotes.

So far we've had excellent service from cruisesalefinder.co.nz for previous and upcoming bookings. They've always given us quite sharp pricing and/or benefits (eg onboard credits) compared to list prices.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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xpd

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#1786810 23-May-2017 15:02

I've been told for cruises (by a friend who is a travel consultant) if you're not too picky about getting onto a particular ship or not, is leave your booking until the "last minute" - if a cruise hasnt sold well, they'll generally sell a lot cheaper to get numbers and fill it up.

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Jaxson

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#1786816 23-May-2017 15:07

One word my friend: Relocation Cruise

Stu

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#1786835 23-May-2017 15:19

Last minute bookings are great if you can travel without having to arrange sitters/pets/whatever in advance, absolutely.

Relocation cruises are often very short or very long in duration (depending on how far away the destination is, obviously), and don't always stop at all of the usual spots on the way (which is sometimes good). They do usually work out to be a little cheaper per day though, and sometimes quieter (less passengers), but that can depend on start/finish locations. Flights and accommodation at either end of the journey can beef up the overall cost though.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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JaseNZ

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#1786862 23-May-2017 15:36

Or go this option, way cheaper and nothing wrong with it.

http://www.freightertravel.co.nz/

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Gemini

429 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1787198 24-May-2017 07:08

Gemini:

Looking at a couple of cruises and wondering how to get a good price

Does anyone know an NZ cruise expert who can get good rates or who to use from overseas?

Quote from Air NZ (NZD)

Cruise 1 - $1979 (includes compulsory tips $221)
Cruise 2 - $2009 (includes compulsory tips $221)

Quote from cruise line NZ website (NZD)

Cruise 1 - $1682

Cruise 2 - $1710

Quote from Expedia US and cruise line US/CA/IN website (using VPN)

Cruise 1 - $999USD

Cruise 2 - $1049USD

Excludes GST of course - thanks trig

CruiseSaleFinder (an Australian cruise specialist) - thanks Stu

Cruise 1 - $1648

Cruise 2 - $1676

saves $35 lol

Stu

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#1787201 24-May-2017 07:23

Pretty sure they have staff in Auckland also. Are those prices from their website or via phone?

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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Gemini

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#1787202 24-May-2017 07:27

Stu: Pretty sure they have staff in Auckland also. Are those prices from their website or via phone?

Called the NZ number, spoke with Jason, prices were quoted in NZD

Gemini

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#1787206 24-May-2017 07:41

Might try Hello World travel agent too

Stu

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#1787212 24-May-2017 08:03

Depending on the time of day and how busy they are, you do sometimes speak to Aussie. All good staff and always get NZ pricing. Seem like an okay bunch! They've always undercut Princess Cruises' advertised and verbal quotes.

Hello World's advertised prices aren't always the lowest, but I haven't called them to check for better pricing.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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KillerHulk

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#1787214 24-May-2017 08:08

Not sure if true or not

But i read/heard somewhere that some website uses cookies to track your data and give you higher prices everytime you search

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Jaxson

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#1787228 24-May-2017 08:20

We used http://www.icruise.co.nz/ many years ago to spot good deals.

My take is to first question where you want to cruise, and on what level of ship?

Locally it's P&O mostly, although there are occasional big ships passing through doing trips around NZ.

If you're after a full blown cruise experience, then I'd suggest stepping up to something bigger than P&O.

However, if you're on a tight budget, then they've got to be worth a look.

Some do short breaks away, a taster if you will.

Lots of options really, just comes down to budget and wants.

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