Everyone would like to travel in a suite, there is no need to deny it.
However, many people cannot afford it since they have to watch their budgets and perhaps prefer to spend that money on something else.
But is it possible to book a suite while spending little? In some cases, yes, but it’s not an easy task.
You need to follow certain tips, and you might be able to secure a cheap suite that will definitely enhance your travel experience.
1. Book at least 1 year in advance
Booking well in advance is one of the essential things to get a suite at a low price.
Consider that the number of suites is very limited and they can sell out quickly.
The more people book them, the more their price goes up. That is why it is always better to plan ahead.
I usually recommend at least a year in advance, but if possible even a year and a half earlier.
2. Use discounts or special promotions
Before booking, check to see if there are any promotions or special offers that can save you money.
Usually, discounts for cruise ship cabins or hotel rooms are not that common, but you can still come across some interesting ones.
For example, you can usually find promotions around major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year’s sales.
You could also receive special discounts if you’re subscribed to newsletters or on travel deal websites like CruiseCritic and CruiseDirect (for cruises) or Booking and Expedia (for hotels).
3. Aim for a free upgrade
Receiving a free upgrade is a wonderful thing. By booking a lower-category room you may find out at check-in that you’ll be sleeping in a fantastic suite.
I want to say it right away, receiving a free upgrade is not easy. You have to follow some specific tricks.
I explained it more specifically in the article on how to get a free upgrade, check it out because it will really help to increase your chances.
I got a free upgrade a couple of times, and the second they gave me a junior suite. I was super happy when I found out about it at check-in.
4. Ask for several quotes
I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but when you book, don’t stop at the first website or travel agent.
If you want to save money you need to ask for more than one quote and evaluate the one that is most convenient for you.
In addition, always speak to people who are experienced and familiar with the travel industry, they are usually the ones who can get the best prices.
In this regard, look at the 7 travel agents you must always avoid.
5. Book a last-minute suite
At the beginning of the article, I told you that booking well in advance will save you money. Well, if you can’t do that, the other solution is to book close to your travel date and take advantage of last-minute offers.
Both cruise lines and hotels offer fairly large discounts if the rooms have not been sold and the date is approaching.
Generally speaking, you could find last-minute offers from 50 days before your travel date.
Once again, finding them could not be easy and you may have to consult different websites or different travel agencies.
6. Use your loyalty status
Your loyalty status is crucial if you want to book a suite at a lower cost.
Consider that many cruise lines, hotel chains, airlines, and train companies have loyalty programs that offer valuable perks.
Members often receive exclusive discounts, early access to promotions, and can use points to reduce the cost of bookings.
As I’ve said in the article with the list of the 20 tips & tricks to save money on a cruise, you should join the loyalty programs from day 1.
7. Choose an inexpensive itinerary and ship
The final tip is to choose a cruise ship and itinerary that are very affordable. This way, you can get a suite when, on another trip, you might have only been able to afford a lower-category cabin.
What are the cheapest itineraries and ships? As I’ve said in the article on why an old cruise ship is better than a new one, ships that are not very new tend to be much cheaper than newly launched ones (and sometimes can even be better!).
In terms of the itinerary, there’s not much difference in the location, but there’s a big difference in the travel period.
Trips during off-peak periods can be up to 50% cheaper than those during peak periods.
If you are unsure about which months to choose or which are the cheapest, you may want to read the article on what are the best and worst months to go on a cruise.
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