| es to the Caribbean can create memories that last a | | | | be darker, even on a sunny day. However, if you |
| lifetime. Unfortunately, the costs of going on your | | | | don't intend to spend a lot of time in your room, you |
| own little island adventure can be quite high. Before | | | | can save hundreds of dollars by going with an interior |
| you head out to your local beach, however, don't | | | | cabin and still enjoy the sun on one of the ship's |
| give up on your cruising dreams! There are quite a | | | | decks. |
| number of budget cruise options available, especially | | | | 2. Look for cruises that are all-inclusive. Paying for |
| for cruises to Jamaica. With some cruise lines offering | | | | meals on a cruise ship can be expensive, and many |
| penny pincher prices, you should be able to put | | | | cruise lines have all-inclusive options which include |
| together a great Jamaican vacation, even if your | | | | everything except for drinks. Some cruise lines |
| finances are limited. | | | | feature different meal plans as well. For example, you |
| First, you will need to choose a cruise line. Although | | | | might pay for a plan that includes the buffet, but |
| many cruise lines offer the same types of cruises, | | | | with cash options at the more formal restaurants. |
| pricing varies greatly according to the company. While | | | | This way, you can have a bit more variety and |
| you may not be able to afford the five-star | | | | choice. |
| restaurants available aboard Cruise Line A's ship, you | | | | 3. Consider the date carefully. If you can be flexible |
| might easily be able to pay for the buffet-style | | | | with your cruise date, you may be able to save |
| restaurants on Cruise Line B's ship. By setting your | | | | some money. For example, cruises over New Year's |
| budget from the start, you can see what options are | | | | Day are usually much more expensive, whereas a |
| available in your price range at every company. | | | | cruise taken in the ‘off season' will be |
| Would you rather go for a 3-day cruise on a luxury | | | | cheaper. |
| ship, or a 7-day cruise on a ship that offers sun and | | | | 4. Find out how much it costs to go on shore |
| fun but not a lot more than the basics? There are | | | | excursions. One of the most fun aspects of a cruise |
| some very popular cruises to Jamaica for under $500 | | | | is the shore excursion, in which the ship docks for |
| per person. Remember, this usually does not include | | | | travelers to explore a different city, country or island, |
| airfare and all prices related below are for various | | | | or a smaller ship takes you into that port from the |
| cruise lines posted April 2008: | | | | main ship. Some cruise ships include these in the price, |
| Carnival: | | | | while others build fees into your trip for each |
| 5-day cruise leaving from Miami in November: $339.00 | | | | excursion. Ask about excursions beforehand, so that |
| and up | | | | your bill doesn't surprise you when you get off the |
| 6-day cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in Jan/Feb: | | | | ship. |
| $449.00 and up | | | | 5. Look for family options instead of couples' options. |
| 7-day cruise leaving from Miami in Sept/Oct: $489.00 | | | | Even if you don't have children or you are going on |
| and up | | | | the cruise alone, if you look for family-oriented |
| Royal Caribbean: | | | | cruises instead of couples' or singles' cruises, you may |
| 5-day cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in Dec/Jan: | | | | also be able to save money. |
| $429.00 and up | | | | 6. Book well in advance. Last minute cruising can get |
| Celebrity: | | | | expensive, with both the ship costs and airline tickets |
| 5-day cruise leaving from Miami in Sept/Oct: $409.00 | | | | costing more than usual. It is much better to plan |
| and up | | | | your Jamaican cruise early, up to nine months or a |
| There are, of course, other cruise lines that visit | | | | year in advance. This will give you time to save |
| Jamaica as well, and this is just a representative | | | | money and compare rates between companies. |
| sampling of some popular cruises for under $500.00 | | | | 7. Work with a travel agent. This might seem like an |
| per person. If you're willing to work with a little more | | | | unnecessary extra cost, but a travel agent often has |
| money, there are a number of ways in which you | | | | knowledge that you may not because he or she |
| can go on a longer or more luxurious cruise and still | | | | deals with industry insiders often. Travel agents can |
| not break the bank. Here are some tips for cutting | | | | get great deals on flights, hotel bookings, and cruises |
| costs on your Jamaican cruise, no matter which | | | | and they can also help you learn some tricks of the |
| cruise line you decide to book: | | | | trade when it comes to saving money for travel. |
| 1. Chose an interior room. Interior rooms are rooms | | | | If you take advantage of these tips, you should be |
| that are below deck or in the middle of the ship so | | | | able to go on a great Jamaican vacation without |
| that they have no windows. These rooms tend to | | | | having to spend a lot of money. |