On a whim, I’ve booked a week-long cruise starting in four days — on Friday, May 19. I nearly booked it yesterday, but by waiting a day I saved about US$75 (A$100) on what was already a bargain price.
Last-minute deals are fantastic if you are at a loose end — on holiday with no firm plans (as I am), retired, or otherwise flexible with your time — and you don’t mind missing out if it’s already sold out.
These deals benefit both the passenger, who gets a discount travel experience, and the cruise operator, who gets to fill otherwise unused capacity.
My costs so far add up to about US$1000 (A$1400), which includes single occupancy in a twin/quad cabin, all meals and free onboard activities, plus a drinks package and insurance. That’s about what I could (but wouldn’t) have paid to share with three other people.
I’ll be onboard P&O Australia’s Pacific Aria sailing from Brisbane to New Caledonia and back, and I’ll be blogging, tweeting, Facebooking and Instagraming the experience during (affordable internet permitting) and after the cruise.
Love boat