A recent Tripso column dealt with passengers who had to pay several hundred dollars at the pier to board their ship. While the story might seem ridiculous, it’s amazing in many ways that it doesn’t happen more often. While there are always sales, and travel agents often have special group rates on some sailings, the cruise industry has now taken discounting to a whole new level.
On many sailings, there are specific discounts geared towards residents of particular states, past passengers and seniors. Not to mention other occasional discounts for teachers, public safety workers such as police, fire, and EMTs, military, and employees of the “hospitality industry.” (And I am sure I have left out a category or two.)
While the past passenger discount usually requires a number at time of booking, the other discounts are largely on the honor system, until check-in at the pier. At that time, passengers unable to show proof of belonging to the category that gave them their discount, can and probably will be charged.
And actually, this warning is generally on the documents in advance.
Now, for passengers traveling with friends and family, there are often loopholes. Some cruise lines have been known to extend discounts to a second cabin, if not, one simple solution is to split the qualifying people into different cabins.
So if for example, a couple from Virginia is traveling with a couple from Texas, and there is a discount for Virginia residents, passengers, or their travel agent, can simply book one from each couple in each cabin. Ditto if an older couple is traveling with an younger couple.
As far as getting caught, cruise lines are not in the business of bed checks, and some reservationists will even suggest this option. Similarly cruise lines that forbid two guests under 21 in a stateroom will often suggest that a booking be made with one parent in each room.
On the other hand, if the hypothetical couples from Texas and Virginia book with their own partners and the Texas couple thus shows up without Virginia driver’s licenses, the cruise line will not allow a “wife swap” at the pier. Innocent — or otherwise.
And actually, the identification issue applies to even simple legitimate bookings. While all cruisers must travel with legal identification (passport or driver’s license) that shows their age, it is possible that passengers might leave work IDs at home, or driver’s licenses if they are traveling with a passport.
The best advice, ask, or have your travel agent ask for any and all potential discounts, and give them every bit of information you have that might be relevant. Then along with your suitcases, show up with proof. Embarkation is never the most fun part of a cruise, but you at least can keep it from being expensive.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
