Vacations To Go Cruises: Your Ultimate Guide to Last-Minute Deals & Luxury Voyages
Have you ever dreamed of a cruise vacation? Maybe you want to see the Caribbean. Or perhaps you want to explore Alaska. A cruise is a great way to travel. You visit many places. You only unpack once. Everything you need is on the ship. But planning a cruise can be hard. There are so many choices. That's where Vacations To Go comes in. This company is famous for cruise deals. They help people find amazing trips for less money. This guide will tell you everything about Vacations To Go cruises. We will explain how it works. We will share tips for getting the best price. We will also talk about different types of cruises. Get ready to learn how to plan your perfect sea adventure.
What is Vacations To Go?
Vacations To Go is a travel agency. It started in 1983. The company is based in Houston, Texas. Their main focus is selling cruises. They are one of the biggest cruise sellers in the world. Why are they so popular? They offer special discounts. They work directly with cruise lines. This lets them get lower prices. They then pass these savings to their customers. You can book online or call them. Their website is easy to use. You can search for cruises by date, destination, and price. They have a team of cruise experts. These experts can answer your questions. They help you choose the right trip for you.
The History and Mission
Alan Fox started Vacations To Go. He saw a need for discounted travel. His idea was simple. Help people travel more for less money. The company grew quickly. Today, they have millions of customers. Their mission is still the same. They want to make cruise vacations affordable for everyone. They believe everyone should experience a cruise. A cruise is more than a vacation. It is a collection of memories. Vacations To Go helps make those memories possible.
How Their Booking System Works
Their system is user-friendly. First, you go to their website. You enter your travel details. You pick your destination. You choose your travel dates. You select the number of people. Then, you see a list of available cruises. The list shows the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and price. You can sort the list by price or date. You can filter by cruise length or departure port. Once you find a cruise you like, you can book it online. You can also call their agents. The agents are very helpful. They can explain cabin categories. They can tell you about dining options. They make the process smooth and easy.
Why Book a Cruise with Vacations To Go?
There are many reasons to use Vacations To Go. The biggest reason is price. They often have the lowest prices available. But there are other benefits too.
Major Cost Savings
You can save a lot of money. How do they offer lower prices? Cruise lines give them special rates. These rates are for unsold cabins. As the departure date gets closer, cruise lines want to fill the ship. They offer big discounts to agencies like Vacations To Go. This means you can get a last-minute deal. Sometimes you save 50% or more. For example, a balcony cabin might cost $2,000 normally. With Vacations To Go, you might pay only $1,000. That is a huge saving. You can use that extra money for excursions or spa treatments.
90-Day Ticker for Last-Minute Deals
This is their most famous feature. The 90-Day Ticker is a special list. It shows cruises departing in the next 90 days. These cruises have the deepest discounts. You can see the prices drop as the date gets closer. It is perfect for people with flexible schedules. Maybe you are retired. Maybe you can take time off work quickly. The 90-Day Ticker is for you. You can find amazing trips for very little money. It is updated daily. You should check it often.
Price Guarantee
Vacations To Go offers a price guarantee. What does this mean? If you find a lower price for the same cruise, they will match it. You must find the lower price within 24 hours of booking. You need to show them proof. This guarantee gives you peace of mind. You know you are getting the best deal. You don't have to worry about checking other websites.
Expert Advice and Support
Booking a cruise can be confusing. There are many details. Vacations To Go agents know everything about cruising. They can recommend the best ship for families. They can suggest the perfect itinerary for romance. They understand cabin locations. They know which ships have the best food. Their advice is free. You are not just booking online. You are getting help from a real person. This support is very valuable, especially for first-time cruisers.
Exploring Different Types of Cruises Available
Vacations To Go offers all kinds of cruises. You can go almost anywhere in the world. Let's look at the main categories.
Ocean Cruises
These are the most common cruises. Big ships sail on the ocean. They visit popular destinations.
- The Caribbean: This is the top cruise destination. The water is blue. The beaches are white. The weather is warm. You can visit many islands like Jamaica, Bahamas, and St. Lucia. Cruises leave from Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
- Alaska: This is for nature lovers. You will see glaciers, whales, and mountains. The scenery is breathtaking. Most Alaska cruises sail from Seattle or Vancouver.
- The Mediterranean: Explore ancient history. Visit cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens. You can see famous ruins and eat delicious food.
- Northern Europe: See the fjords of Norway. Visit the Baltic capitals like Stockholm and St. Petersburg.
According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), over 30 million people are expected to cruise in 2025. Ocean cruising is very popular.
River Cruises
River cruises are different. The ships are smaller. They sail on rivers, not oceans. You get closer to the land. You can see small towns and villages. It is a more intimate experience.
- European Rivers: Sail on the Danube, Rhine, or Seine. You visit historic cities. You can see castles on the hillsides.
- Asian Rivers: Explore the Mekong in Vietnam or the Yangtze in China. It is a cultural adventure.
- USA Rivers: Cruise the Mississippi on a classic paddlewheel boat.
River cruises often include tours in the price. They are great for people who want a relaxed pace.
Luxury and Expedition Cruises
These are special experiences. Luxury cruises have the finest service. The cabins are spacious. The food is gourmet. Everything is included, even drinks. Expedition cruises go to remote places. Think Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands. These ships have scientists on board. They give lectures about the wildlife and environment. Vacations To Go has deals for these cruises too. You can explore the ends of the earth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Dream Cruise
Ready to book? Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Decide What You Want
Think about your dream vacation. Where do you want to go? How long can you travel? What is your budget? Who is going with you? Answer these questions first.
Step 2: Create an Account on Vacations To Go
Go to their website. Sign up for a free account. This lets you save searches. You can also get email alerts for deals.
Step 3: Use the Search Tools
Use the search box on the homepage. Enter your destination and dates. Or, browse the 90-Day Ticker for last-minute inspiration. Play with the filters. Look at different cruise lines.
Step 4: Compare Your Options
Look at a few different cruises. Compare the itineraries. Which ports do they visit? How many days are at sea? Check the cabin prices. A balcony costs more than an inside cabin. Is it worth it for you?
Step 5: Contact an Agent (Optional but Recommended)
If you have questions, call them. The agent can clarify details. They can tell you about the ship's amenities. They might know about a promotion you missed.
Step 6: Make Your Booking
Select your cabin. You will need to pay a deposit. This holds your room. The full payment is usually due 60-90 days before sailing.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Trip
After booking, you will get a confirmation. You need a passport for most cruises. Check the visa requirements. Book your flights to the departure city. Consider travel insurance. Start planning your shore excursions.
Practical Tips for the Best Vacations To Go Experience
Here are tips to make your cruise planning better.
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
If you can be flexible, you will save more money. Maybe you wanted the Caribbean. But a great deal pops up for Mexico. Be open to it. Sailing in the shoulder season (like May or September) is cheaper than summer.
Understand the Fine Print
Read the terms and conditions. Know the cancellation policy. Some deals are non-refundable. Make sure you are okay with that. Check what is included in the fare. Usually, meals and basic drinks are included. Specialty dining, alcohol, and excursions cost extra.
Book Early or Very Late
There are two strategies. Book very early when itineraries first open. This gives you the best choice of cabins. Or, book very late using the 90-Day Ticker. This gives you the lowest price. The middle ground is often the most expensive.
Consider All Costs
The cruise fare is not the only cost. Budget for these extras:
- Gratuities (tips for the crew)
- Shore excursions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Specialty restaurant fees
- Spa treatments
- Internet access (it can be expensive on ships)
- Transportation to the port
The average cruiser spends an extra 40-50% on onboard expenses. Plan for it.
Use a Travel Agent for Complex Trips
For a simple Caribbean cruise, booking online is fine. For a complex trip like a European river cruise or a world voyage, use an agent. They can handle all the details. They can help if problems arise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Vacations To Go a legitimate company?
Yes, absolutely. They have been in business for over 40 years. They are a member of major travel associations. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Millions of people have booked with them.
2. Are the prices on Vacations To Go really the lowest?
Most of the time, yes. They have a price guarantee. This means they will match any lower price you find. It is always good to check a few sites. But Vacations To Go is a great place to start your search.
3. What is the catch with last-minute deals?
The main catch is flexibility. You must be ready to travel soon. Cabin choice may be limited. You might not get your preferred dining time. Flights to the port city might be expensive if you book them late. But if you are flexible, there is no catch. You get the same cruise for less money.
4. Can I use Vacations To Go if I live outside the USA?
Yes, but their primary market is the USA and Canada. Some promotions may be for North American residents only. It is best to check their website. You can also contact them to ask about booking from your country.
5. Do I pay more if I use a Vacations To Go agent instead of booking online?
No. The price is the same. The agent's service is free. They get paid by the cruise line. Using an agent gives you expert advice at no extra cost.
6. What happens after I book? Do I deal with Vacations To Go or the cruise line?
Vacations To Go handles your booking. They are your point of contact. If you have questions about payment or documents, you call them. Once you are on the ship, you deal with the cruise line staff.
7. Should I buy travel insurance?
It is highly recommended. Travel insurance protects you. If you get sick and cannot travel, you get your money back. If you have a medical emergency on the trip, it covers the costs. Vacations To Go offers insurance. You can also buy it from a third party. Squaremouth is a good site to compare policies.
Real Examples and Success Stories
Let's look at real examples of great deals.
Example 1: The Last-Minute Caribbean Escape
Sarah and Tom wanted a winter break. In early January, they checked the 90-Day Ticker. They found a 7-night Caribbean cruise. It was on a popular cruise line. It departed from Miami in three weeks. The original price was $1,200 per person. The last-minute price was $599 per person. They saved over $1,200 for the two of them. They booked an inside cabin. They used the savings to book two fun shore excursions. They had an amazing time.
Example 2: The Dream Alaska Adventure
The Miller family dreamed of Alaska. They planned a year in advance. They used Vacations To Go to book early. They got an early booking bonus. This gave them onboard credit of $200. They used this credit for a special glacier viewing excursion. Their agent helped them choose a cabin with a great view. The trip was perfect.
Example 3: The European River Cruise for Retirees
Robert and Linda are retired. They wanted a cultural trip. They booked a 10-day Danube River cruise through Vacations To Go. Their agent explained everything. The agent helped them with airfare too. The cruise included tours in every port. They saw castles, museums, and vineyards. They did not have to worry about anything. It was a relaxing and enriching holiday.
Conclusion: Set Sail on Your Adventure
A cruise vacation is a wonderful experience. You see new places. You meet new people. You enjoy great food and entertainment. Vacations To Go makes this experience more accessible. They help you find the right cruise at the right price. Whether you want a last-minute deal or plan a year ahead, they can help. Remember to be flexible. Use their search tools. Don't be afraid to call their agents. Read the details carefully. Budget for all costs. Consider travel insurance. Now you have all the information. You are ready to book your dream cruise. The ocean is waiting. Your adventure begins with a simple search. Visit Vacations To Go today. Start planning the vacation you will remember forever. Bon voyage!