How to Find the Best Small-Ship River Cruise Deals
Gliding down an urban river with a gentle hum, sipping a glass of wine, and taking in all the sights and sounds of a region is an exceptional experience many people aspire to relish.
River cruises offer an intimate look at the world’s most treasured cities from a picturesque view that is not available to all. Since river boats dock in the heart of the city instead of a large port outside town, they have unparalleled access to entertainment, dining, and attractions.
Planning a cruise can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming. Even if you know exactly where and when you want to go on your river cruise, getting the best deal possible can be an ordeal in and of itself.
Utilize Bundle Deals and Package Offers
Many cruise lines, including American Queen Voyages, have curated bundle deals that can significantly decrease the overall expenditure of your trip. By consolidating your cruise, airfare, transfers, and even pre-and post-cruise accommodations, these deals offer more for less. Additionally, they often come sprinkled with added benefits, from onboard credits and complimentary shore excursions to exclusive dining experiences and spa treatments. It’s advisable to regularly monitor cruise websites and sign up for newsletters to stay updated on these lucrative bundle offers.
Find River Cruise Deals Early in the Season
The earlier you book a small-ship cruise, the better your chances of finding a deal. The earlier in the season you can secure your spot on board, the more likely it will be possible to choose your cabin location and room type. However, if you wait until later in the year, there may not be any available cabins left at all.
Even if you book early, consider a non-peak destination that’s not considered a summer vacation spot. So, for example, suppose you’re looking for an exciting river cruise on the Mississippi River and have never been to New Orleans before. You might consider going there in February when it’s not as hot as in July. Similarly, another great way to save money on your river cruise would be to take advantage of the off-season and avoid peak-season travel dates.
Look for Last Minute Deals on River Cruises
While planning your trip, keep an eye out for last-minute deals on river cruises.
If a cruise line can’t fill their ships to capacity, they might be willing to reduce the price to get people on board quickly. In addition, last-minute deals can be beneficial if you’re trying to save money by traveling during an off-season period when rates are lower than usual.
Consider River Cruise Loyalty Programs
Loyalty can certainly have its rewards, especially in the cruising world. By joining a loyalty program, regular cruisers can gain points or credits with each journey. These can be redeemed for exclusive discounts, lavish onboard amenities, or even complimentary cruises. For example, American Queen Voyages Steamboat Society of America loyalty program has exclusive benefits for its members. Repeated voyages on specific rivers or during certain seasons could also provide additional perks.
Best Time of the Year to Get Discount Cruises
Summer is the peak season for all travel, but did you know you can find remarkable value if you cruise during off-season months?
The best time to get discount cruises is during the off-peak season. During this time, fewer people travel, so cruise lines can offer more tempting discounts on their ships. They might even have specials like free cabin upgrades or complimentary services to entice more guests onboard.
Fall explodes in color with tree leaves changing color to prepare for winter, and that means you can save a bundle. In addition, pre-season cruises before the summer rush also present opportunities to find discount cruises.
The next best times for finding good deals are during the holiday and slow season (December through April). Cruise lines want to sell the remainder of their inventory, so they usually offer lower prices on their ships. They hope to attract more travelers interested in discounted luxury amenities like private balconies and concierge service at a lower cost than usual.
Off-season cruises often provide the lowest prices of the year on select sailings on American Queen Voyages.
Pick a River Cruise Deal Closer to Home
Many people think about Europe when considering a river cruise, but that’s not the only destination. There are river cruises worldwide, including in Asia, Russia, and the United States.
You’ll find luxury river cruises close to home on the Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Cumberland, Tennessee, Columbia, and Snake Rivers. But if you’re looking for more exclusivity, American Queen Voyages also has ships exploring the Great Lakes, coastal New England, Alaska, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Southeastern states.
There are dozens of exciting itineraries in North America rivaling Europe’s splendor that are much closer to home. Depending on the time of year, your itinerary choice can impact which discounted cruise deals are available.
For example, climates that remain warmer during the later months, such as the southern Mississippi River delta, are more popular than cooler climates like Washington during the fall and early spring months.
In addition, a repositioning itinerary can also save you big bucks. For example, several times a year, cruise lines reposition ships from warmer to cooler climates, or vice versa, depending on when the demand picks up. As a result, you can often find great deals on a trip from New England to Florida in late fall when it gets too cold, and the leaves have fallen up north.
Repositioning cruises typically start and end from different ports. That slight inconvenience can add up to significant savings for you. You might have the best luck if you call the cruise line or your travel agent to ask about repositioning cruises. Who knows, you may end up getting more personalized service as there are fewer people to attend to!
Discover Deals on the Mississippi River
The mighty Mississippi, with its rich history and cultural significance, offers a unique cruising experience. Special deals, especially during shoulder seasons or themed cruises, are not uncommon. Consider opting for a Mardi Gras cruise in New Orleans or a Jazz-themed voyage to get a real taste of the river’s essence. Always watch out for American Queen Voyages’ exclusive offers for Mississippi adventures.
Ohio River Cruise Specials
The serene Ohio River promises a journey through the heartland of America. Cruise deals here might include exploring the vibrant cities of Cincinnati or Pittsburgh or the picturesque landscapes of the river’s quieter stretches. Special promotional deals may be available during festivals or local events that align with the cruise itinerary.
Cumberland & Tennessee Rivers Bargains
Journey through the soulful sounds of the South on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Specialized cruises, perhaps focusing on the music heritage of cities like Nashville, could come with promotional prices. There’s also the natural allure of the Great Smoky Mountains, which some cruises might incorporate into their route, often with enticing deals attached.
Columbia & Snake Rivers Promotions
Experience the Pacific Northwest’s stunning beauty by cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Keep an eye out for deals that coincide with the region’s famed cherry blossom season or perhaps a wine-themed cruise that explores the renowned vineyards of the area. Many cruise lines, including American Queen Voyages, will sometimes roll out limited-time offers for these scenic routes.
Consider Airfare Costs
Consider the airfare if you can’t score a good deal on your cruise. The cost of booking flights separately can be less than half of what it would have been if you’d booked them as part of a package deal. Sometimes, a great cruise deal does not match airlines’ low prices. Typically, cruise lines do not include airfare in the cruise price. However, American Queen Voyages provides free or discounted airfare on select itineraries. Before booking, ensure you know what is included in the airfare deal.
Ask Your Travel Agent About River Cruise Deals
Ask your travel agent to check out off-peak season dates that might work as an option for you.
If you can’t find a great deal on a river cruise in the summer, consider non-peak destinations. Many river cruises depart from Europe, but there are also some fantastic options from the United States.
For example, American Queen Voyages has several small-ship cruises along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Columbia Rivers that are an incredible value during off-season months.
Look at the Cruise Line’s Special Offers and Deals Pages
The first place to look for a cruise line’s best offers and river cruise deals is by checking their website. Then, look beyond the cruise line’s website to their social media pages. Customers are more likely to respond if their offer comes from one of their partners than if it comes directly from them (i.e., consider those Facebook ads).
Also, check newsletters, blogs, travel agent partner pages, and other sites that promote small ship river cruising. Often, they have special offers and the best deals on these cruises.
(Original Publish Date: September 23, 2022)
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