Travel News

Ask Peter: Fantasy Camp Prep, Monte Carlo Day Trips & More

Locations in this article:  Portland, OR

Sharon in Florida asked: We’re planning a cruise to Italy. What are the best deals right now?

Peter noted:  There was excess capacity in the cruise line industry before the Costa Concordia incident, which means that the cruise industry now has to unload a lot of capacity. There are great deals right now. First thing it means is you’re going to see a great deal of discounting on the cabin itself. Keep in mind that cruise lines don’t make money on they cabins; they make money with onboard revenue. Right now you’ll see cruises for $300-$400 for five days, sometimes $600 for seven days – that’s less than $100 a day. These rates are just for the cabin. Then you have to pay for the rock climbing wall, the ice skating rink, the casino, the spa, and the shore excursions – many of which you can do on your own by the way. So, remember that, it’s not all-inclusive in that regard.

The words “all-inclusive” always get me angry because they’re usually followed by an asterisk anyway. And the asterisk is the travel industry’s admission to you, their outright, open acknowledgement that they’re going to lie.

It is definitely a buyer’s market in the cruise industry this year – not just this summer – this year. The bottom line is, you need to have a conversation to get the best offer. Travel agents who specialize in cruises have those discounts. You’ll also see some last minute consolidator cruises. Worldwide Cruises is one that will get you great deals on last minute cruises, but not the airfare. The airfare you’re going to have to do yourself.

For more cruise advice, visit the Cruises & Travel Planning archives.

Mary in Portland, Maine emailed: We are planning a family trip with our parents to Ireland. There are a total of 20 people going. Does the airfare change much over the summer months?

Peter responded: Airfare is ridiculously high during the entire summer. However, if you are traveling with 20 people, don’t just book online. Have an actual conversation with a human being. Whatever airline you choose, be it British Airways or Aer Lingus, call their sales office and tell them you are traveling with 20 people. You’ll probably get a discount – over and above what they’re selling on the web. The same thing takes place with the hotel. Don’t just book individual hotel rooms. Call the manager on duty or the director of sales at an individual hotel and have a conversation. So please have a conversation, even if you’re going in July when the rates are high, you might be surprised. Also do not wait and hope the rates are going to go down. They’re not; it’s peak season in Ireland.

For more Irish travel planning, check out the Ask the Locals guide to Southwestern Ireland.

By Peter Greenberg for Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio