Caribbean cruise deals are available but you need to know where to look and you also need to know what features you should look for. If you are getting ready to plan your first cruise you can use the following tips to help you find the best deal. Even if you happen to be a more experienced traveler there are certain to be some helpful suggestions that you can use.

When to find great Deals

Vacation packages can be found more easily during the “off season”. This is the time of year when the demand for cruises to the Caribbean are less numerous. When you want to find some really great Caribbean cruise deals it is a good idea to search the calendar dates from May-November. Many people forget that the summer months are not the peak season for Caribbean tourists. The winter season is the peak time for Caribbean cruises. If you compare the prices for typical cruises that set sail in the months of December through April you can easily see that the costs are generally higher.

You can still find some good cruise packages during the most popular months if you are flexible about your departure and return dates. Most of the cruise lines have special offers that occur periodically. There are also some last minute deals that you can purchase for prices that are 50-80% of the regular cost.

Network your way to Cool Caribbean Cruise Deals

Networking is something that can help you advance your career, but it will also help you land a great cruise package. You can sign up with some of the cruise line sites and this will keep you updated about any upcoming specials. If you browse a few of the reputable travel sites and submit your email address they will be able to send you “member only” offers that can save you 50% or more off of the usual cost of cruise tickets and shore excursion packets. You can also accumulate points if you usually travel with one particular cruise line.  These can be used in much the same way as Frequent Flyer miles.

Choose your Destinations

Decide where you want to go. Do you want to visit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands or would you prefer stopping at Mexican hotspots like Acapulco and Belize? You can go online and find all of the upcoming cruise dates and destinations. Then you can research the ports of call and this should help you choose the Caribbean cruise deals that appeal to you the most.

Eastern/Western-Which One is Best?

Both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise deals are very similar. Either of these will give you an opportunity to visit some beautiful beaches. Royal Caribbean has many different cruises to offer. If you choose an Eastern cruise you generally have more options because there are many weekend cruises as well as those that last 5 days or longer.

The ports of call are different and the Western cruises include some of the larger cities and resorts in the Caribbean. The Western Caribbean destinations are separated by longer distances than those on the Eastern islands. This means that passengers on a Western Caribbean cruise will spend more time at sea while those on an Eastern Caribbean cruise will be traveling to different islands on an almost daily basis.

Finding a Good Price

You really want to get the best price whenever possible and this means that you will have to compare the cruise packages before you make a final decision. Remember that you can cut costs with a little sacrifice.

The inside cabins do not have the balconies and great ocean views, but they are the least expensive options for you to choose. For instance an inside cabin on Royal Caribbean is at least $80-$90 cheaper than an outside cabin and the biggest difference is the view. There is usually a price difference of about $200 between an inside cabin and one with a private balcony. I

If sticking to a budget is of prime importance the inside cabin is going to be the best choice. After all you can go above deck and enjoy the ocean view as often as you like.

These inside cabins can be a bit small, but they are practical and reasonably comfortable. If you are cruising for the first time with your family you might want to splurge a little and get a cabin with a better view and a private balcony. You should check out the virtual ship tours that are available online. Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America, Disney Cruises and Royal Caribbean all have great sites that give you the opportunity to check out the ships from your computer.

Check it Out

If an offer sounds too good to be true, remember that it probably is. Before you sign up for any special Caribbean cruise deals investigate it thoroughly. There are some legitimate offers out there, but sometimes you will end up with a “pig in a poke”.

Some of the cheap specials do not mention the taxes and surcharges that are applied. That $200 price may sound outstanding until you factor in some of the mandatory costs that were not disclosed. Many people have discovered that their bargain cruise offer cost them double (or triple) the advertised price.

If you deal with reputable sites you will not run into this type of problem. The cruise lines all have their own sites online as well. You can browse their web pages and even talk with their own certified vacation planners for free.Another good idea is for you to check out the passenger ratings for any of the ships and cruise lines that you are considering. This gives you the chance to get a lot of real “inside” information.

Budget Busters to Keep in Mind

Cruises include the entertainment and your meals but there are extras which can run the total higher if you are not careful. You get all of the tea, juice and coffee that you want but soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will cost you Premium Prices. If you shop onboard be aware that the prices for the snacks and souvenirs are higher than what you would pay otherwise. Computer time is another budget buster, so be careful of how often you decide to go online to check and send emails. You can easily spend $100 just for using the computer during your cruise.