Friday, December 6th
2024 Cruise Vacation Site Reviews
Travelocity
- Prices can be lower than booking direct ($402 vs $453 per person for a 5-day Caribbean cruise)
- Access to 20+ cruise lines with over 49,000 sailing options
- No booking fees or agency-specific cancellation fees
- Good search filtering capabilities by ship, cruise line, departure port, and price
- Some sailings offer WiFi packages, dining/drink packages, and onboard credits
- "A+” rating from Better Business Bureau
- Part of the established Expedia Group (operating since 1996)
Short If you're looking to book a cruise, Travelocity might save you some money compared to booking directly with cruise lines, but their service has some major drawbacks. You won't find many special perks or bonuses with their bookings, as less than 1% of their cruises come with extra benefits like onboard credits or drink packages. While they offer access to over 20 cruise lines and don't charge booking fees, their poor customer service ratings and lack of travel agent support suggest you might want to book your cruise elsewhere.
Orbitz
- Prices started at $527 for a 4-night Caribbean cruise, with potential savings of $81 compared to direct booking
- Large inventory with 51,000+ sailings from 25 cruise lines
- Operating since 2001 as part of the Expedia family
- Comprehensive search filters including cruise line, ship, and special deals
- Agency Specials include onboard credits, shore excursion credits, drink packages, discounts on additional guests, and pre-paid gratuities
You'll want to steer clear of Orbitz for booking cruises, despite their large selection of over 51,000 sailings from 25 cruise lines. While you might save a small amount through their Agency Specials and onboard perks, their "C-” rating from the Better Business Bureau and poor customer service make them a risky choice. Their website lacks helpful features like curated collections, and they're not transparent about their fees and policies, making it safer to book directly through cruise lines or use a more reputable travel agency.
More Cruise Vacation Site Reviews
The 10 Best Cruise Vacation Sites
What is the Best Website for Booking a Cruise?
Cruise vacations are an experience like no other, combining relaxation, adventure, and a variety of destinations - all while unpacking your bags just once. Whether you're a first-time cruiser looking for a family-friendly getaway or an experienced traveler searching for a luxury experience, online cruise vacation booking sites can help you find the perfect match. These platforms solve common problems, such as comparing different cruise lines, finding the best deals, or narrowing down your options based on specific needs like budget, amenities, or destination.
Some booking sites offer sailings from dozens of cruise lines, from mainstream ones like Carnival and Royal Caribbean to more specialized luxury brands like Seabourn or Oceania. The more options available, the easier it is to find the perfect cruise for your preferences.
Cruise Vacation Site FAQ
Continued from above...
Some sites focus only on cruise bookings and offer specialized knowledge, perks like onboard credits and included gratuities, and great customer service. Other cruise vacation sites may seem to have lower prices but charge booking and cancellation fees and offer less specialized help. General travel agency sites may include cruise bookings as part of their services, but they may offer fewer perks and don't handle cruise-specific concerns as well as the specialists can.
Some cruise booking services charge booking fees, cancellation fees, or both - sometimes in addition to the cruise line's fees. Look for a booking site that is transparent about their cancellation, refund, and booking policies - and in writing.
When you shop for cruises online, there are several important factors to consider before making a booking. Here's a quick overview to help you navigate your options:
- Pricing and deals. Prices for cruises can vary greatly depending on the time of year, the cruise line, and the type of cabin you choose. If price is your greatest concern, you'll want to go with a site that offers special offers, discounts, and/or price-match guarantees.
- Search filters and customization. A good cruise booking site will allow you to filter your search based on destination, cruise length, amenities, specific dates, or even ship. You should be able to save your top candidates to a list of favorites for easy reference.
- Customer reviews and ratings. User reviews can give you a window into any loopholes the cruise booking site might be trying to take advantage of. After all, you want a deal, and the booking site wants to make as much money as possible.
- Customer service and support. Booking a cruise can be a complex process, and responsive customer support can make all the difference if you have any issues with your booking or need assistance planning your trip. Choose a site with a reputation for excellent customer service, including 24/7 support and easy-to-reach agents.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best cruise vacation booking sites available. We hope this review helps you find the best service for your cruise adventure. Bon voyage!
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