How to Buy a Cheap Cruise With a Reverse Auction
A reverse auction is a great way to find a cheap cruise vacation. Instead of contacting a cruise line or travel agent to make your plans, you put up an auction listing for the type of cruise you are interested in and agents bid their lowest prices in the hopes of getting your business. This can lead to fantastic deals and deep discounts on many voyages.
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Instructions
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Research the type of cruise vacation you are interested in by browsing different cruise brochures or visiting cruise lines' websites. Consider the ship size, itinerary, sailing date, stateroom category and other details you want in a cruise.
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Register with an online cruise reverse auction web site. Registration requires a valid email address (so prospective agents can contact you) but is usually free and easy to do.
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Create an auction by listing the details of the cruise you want to buy. The more detailed your listing, the better deals you will get from interested agents because they will be able to match up their offerings with the exact cruise you are interested in. If you have certain things you do not want, such as a guarantee stateroom category or a specific dining time you do not like, be sure to note those as well.
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Check your email regularly to receive offers from cruise travel agents with available deals. You may receive offers within an hour or two of your listing, or it may take several days to receive all applicable offers.
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Compare the details of each offer to find the best one for you. Note the total price, any additional fees, stateroom and sailing details, payment requirements, and any terms and conditions before agreeing to work with one specific agent. Some reverse auction sites require you to take the lowest bid, so know the specifics of the auction site's rules before posting your cruise request.
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Once you have found the cruise you wish to buy, contact the agent (some reverse auction sites require you to do this through their service) to arrange your booking. Have your past passenger cruise number available (if applicable), as well as detailed information for all passengers and your payment method.
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Close the reverse auction if necessary so other agents are aware that you are no longer accepting bids. If the agents have contacted you directly, it is polite to contact and thank them for bidding but to let them know you've chosen a different agent. It is not necessary to explain why or to let them know which agent you have decided to book with.
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Offer feedback on the reverse auction site or the cruise agents if requested. This can help the service improve and gives recognition to outstanding agents who help you book the cheapest cruises.
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Tips & Warnings
Reverse auctions work best for experienced cruisers who know what they are looking for in their next cruise vacation. If you have never cruised before, it may be best to talk directly with a trusted travel agent who can answer your questions and prepare you for a fabulous getaway.
The more specific you can be in your cruise listing, the better your agent results will be. Include your preferred cruise line, ship, stateroom type, itinerary, sailing date, dining time and additional details so the agent can work with you for the best deal.
Avoid listing auctions just to get a feel for the price of an upcoming cruise. Most auction sites require agents to pay to be involved in the service (there is not usually a fee for individuals requesting quotes), and users who submit many quotes without purchasing the cruises may be banned from the auction site.
Only work with established cruise agents who respond to your inquiries. Investigate their contact information, reliability and experience (usually listed in their quote) before booking a cruise with them.
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