I Booked a Priceline Cruise for the Price of a Motel Room

What differentiates Priceline Cruises is variety and value. Their long lists of partners include big industry players like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, who can offer clients many itineraries and destinations to suit all tastes and budgets.

Interested? Let me give you a virtual tour through Priceline Cruises, sharing some of my personal experiences and insider tips on how to get your dream cruise at a price that you'll love.

Brief Overview of Priceline Cruises

Priceline.com has proved to be a globally recognized brand with challenging and unique ways of booking hotels and Priceline flights. Now, the website has expanded its prowess into cruise holidays.

With Priceline Cruises, you can reach an extended collection of sailings with top lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and so many more.

This will open you up to many destinations, from the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean to Alaska's breathtaking glaciers and Europe's historic ports.

One more critical element that makes Priceline Cruises special is the way it runs with transparency and flexibility throughout its various operations. They display every last detail about each cruise, including itinerary, cabin choices, onboard activities, and dining options.

What's more is that on the payment side, Priceline offers deposits and flexible payment plans to afford you ease of budgeting for that dream vacation.

Want the best deals? Well, Priceline Cruises has them. From "Express Deals" to "Pricebreakers," they have a variety of discounts and promotions to give.

Express Deals offer deep discounts on last-minute cruises, while Pricebreakers allow customers to bid on unsold cabins for a shot at sailing in luxury at only one-tenth of the usual price. With Priceline Cruises, cruises are not far-fetched ideas, no matter your budget.

I am a budget traveler myself and I am always keen to discover how Priceline opens up cruises without bursting my wallet. Their commitment to value comes out in every element of its platform.

And that's not all in terms of savings. Priceline Cruises seems always to be running some type of special promotion. Many include onboard credits, free upgrades, and other benefits like special dining packages that can genuinely make the cruise experience unforgettable.

Smooth Sailing from Search to Booking Priceline Cruises

What makes Priceline Cruises stand out is the website itself and, of course, the tools they have in place for searching.

I remember the very first time going through their cruise offerings—the lack of hassle and muss was refreshing and right straight into what I wanted.

You can filter by

Destinations: From turquoise water destinations in the Caribbean to historic landmarks in Europe—these choices can be sorted out quickly.
Cruise Line: From an array of varied, dignified cruise lines—each with something unique.
Departure Date: Easily find cruises to fit in with your plans by selecting preferred travel days.
Amenities: Looking for a Cruise that includes family-friendly activities or has spaces strictly for adults? Filter through these and more at Priceline to find the perfect cruise based on your required amenities.

Once you have found a cruise of real interest, a lot of information is there to help you make an informed decision.

This includes

Detailed Itineraries: Be aware of the destinations you will be visiting, how long at each port, and all the exciting excursions available to make your experience worthwhile.
Cabin Options: Take a look inside different cabin categories, which range from the coziest interior stateroom to very luxurious suites with private balconies. You can even view pictures and virtual tours of the cabins to get a feel for the layout and amenities.
Onboard Activities: From Broadway-style shows and live music to refreshing water slides and soothing spa treatments, learn how to use this incredible entertainment on board.
Dining Choices: Know the different dining options, from casual buffets to elegant and intimate special restaurants. You can even sneak peek at sample menus to get a feel for the treats in store.

Priceline Cruises will help you search for the voyage of your lifetime through an easy and enjoyable process.

Priceline's Effortless Cruise Booking Experience

Booking your dream cruise with Priceline is stress-free and straightforward. Let me take you along the way, pointing out the flexibility to change and the support you get in each of these stages.

Choose Your Cruise: After you have looked at the itineraries, select the one that best fits your needs. Click "Select" to choose your stateroom category along with any upgrades. Priceline goes into detail and pictures each category of cabins so that you can pick the cabin most suitable for you and your budget.
Personalize Your Booking: You can select your stateroom, depending on the availability, then add other guests if you wish to sail with other family members or just a few close friends, and even pre-buy shore excursions. This is where everything gets a tad personalized so it turns out precisely per your taste.

Review and Payment: Read over your booking details to ensure accuracy. Priceline offers a variety of ways to pay:

*Pay in Full: You may complete the full payment of the cruise fare in advance to confirm your reservation; after that no further payments are due.
*Deposit: Most cruises will let you put down a deposit to hold your reservation and then pay the rest closer to your departure date.
*Flexible Payment Plans: Priceline will also offer flexible payment plans via partners like Uplift, letting you spread the cost of a cruise over time.

Confirmation and Help: After the booking process, you will receive an email with an order confirmation that includes all the cruise details. Priceline has dedicated customer service; you may contact them in case of any issues or problems you might encounter during the reservation.

Priceline has labored to design the booking process so one doesn't have to get cold feet. With flexible conditions for payment and responsive customer support, you can feel assured and at ease while you spend on that long-awaited cruise of a lifetime.

Priceline's Extensive Cruise Line & Itinerary Options

Priceline Cruises doesn't bind you to just one or two cruise lines. They have partnered with a fleet of well-known names, each providing a different onboard atmosphere that caters to many different tastes, variations, genres, and more—all under one roof. For me, it has been tremendously beneficial to set my cruise experience according to my interests and budget.

Here are some of the cruise lines you'll find on Priceline, each with its own unique charm and appeal:

Royal Caribbean: With ingeniously conceived vessels, exciting activities, and varied entertainment, this company will help you taste a high-spirited vacation. I had the chance to sail on one of their Oasis-class ships, and it felt like walking into an afloat city with excitement and awe. With zip lines, surf simulators, Broadway-style productions, and fine dining, there wasn't a single moment left to get bored.
Norwegian Cruise Line: For a more laid-back and flexible cruise, Norwegian's "freestyle cruising" is a great company. No formal times to dine or formal dress codes, will allow you to relax and enjoy your holiday at your own pace. I just like the fact that I can eat wherever and whenever I want to.
Carnival Cruise Line: This cruise line is known to live life to the fullest and have as much fun as possible. Their ships are more or less floating amusement centers with a full menu of onboard activities for people of all ages. I've loved every moment spent on these vessels, from water parks, comedy clubs, and themed parties to late-night dance floors—the spirit on board is always on overdrive.
Celebrity Cruises: A much more polished and luxurious sail would be that offered by Celebrity Cruises, the crème de la crème of the companies. On board their ships, you will find elegance and refinement in world-class dining, art galleries, and being pampered with spa treatments. I have been on a Celebrity ship, and I felt as if I was entering a world of polished luxury—service is top class, the cuisine exquisite, ambiance serene and relaxed.
Princess Cruises: The romantic ambiance, paired with the destination-focused itineraries, makes Princess Cruises the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Their Movies Under the Stars is one of my favorites, while their immersive shore excursions will make you truly part of the culture and natural beauty of your destinations.

With that kind of variety, you will easily find one that fits your style of travel and your tastes perfectly.

Sun, Sand, or Snow? Priceline Cruises Takes You There

Now, let's talk destinations because, to me, beauty on cruise holidays lies not just within the ship itself but also with the great places you discover. And with Priceline Cruises, it is the whole world that becomes your oyster.

The Caribbean: The exact heaven on earth that comes with a million options. I have done Eastern Caribbean, where this energy's so alive; you just have to walk through the crowded marketplaces of St. Maarten or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of St. Thomas. I've taken another to the Western, where things are at a bit more leisurely pace. Here, you will find ancient Mayan ruins in Costa Maya and a kaleidoscope of flavors to feast on in Cozumel. For a genuinely off-the-beaten-path adventure, look southward to the Caribbean, where you can hike through lush rainforests in Dominica or chill out on pristine beaches in Grenada.
Alaska: If you're seeking another type of adventure, the harsh beauty of Alaska will take your breath away. I have watched the beautiful scene of calving glaciers, seen humpback whales breach in the distant view, and been amazed by towering peaks on the Inside Passage. Take an Alaskan cruise with Priceline, be brought into contact with nature, and make stops at an unique destinations.
Europe: Rich in history and culture, overflowing with secrets for the explorer. I've admired Tallinn's medieval architecture on a Baltic cruise and hiked Scotland's Highlands—the dramatic cliffs facing out to sea—as part of a British Isles itinerary. Tailor your European adventure toward the arts, history, and cuisine, or simply soak up the charm of seaside towns.
Other Popular Regions: It's not just the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe—Priceline goes on to offer cruises to some other riveting destinations, such as Asia, Australia, and South America. Think visiting overwhelming markets in Bangkok, seeing the Great Barrier Reef bright with underwater life, or sailing between snow-capped peaks through the majestic fjords of Patagonia. Choices are enormous, and Priceline will do much to help turn your travel dreams into reality.

More Bang for Your Buck - Priceline's Perks and Promotions

Now, to my favorite part—the deals and discounts! Priceline Cruises is a treasure chest of deals. There are so many ways that you can get that luxurious cruise at next to nothing. Allow me to share some inside information and personal experiences that will help you maximize your opportunities in this area.

Priceline's Express Deals Offer Luxury at a Fraction of the Cost

Imagine this: You're scrolling through Priceline Cruises, and what do you see? There is a "70% off Caribbean cruise" deal. That is the magic of Express Deals!

These deeply discounted purchases for cruises leaving very, very soon are perfect for set-it-and-forget-it spontaneous travelers or those who have flexible schedules.

This is how they work: You will see the destination, date of departure, cruise line, and star rating, but the specific ship and itinerary remain unknown until you have booked. And that is where the big part of the fun lies—you may end up on some boat you've always wanted to be on!

Pros of Express Deals:
You can sometimes get 50% or more off.
Perfect for those spontaneous travelers looking to make a last-minute getaway.
You might discover a new favorite cruise line or ship.
Cons of Express Deals:
Less flexibility - You're less in control about the exact ship and your itinerary.
Not ideal for fussy travelers. If you are very particular about your traveling habits or kind of accommodation, this might be a not-so-good deal after all.
Availability Limited - Express Deals tend to sell out quickly.

My best tip for getting the best Express Deals is to check on Priceline Cruises often since new deals are added daily. Be flexible to your dates and destinations for travel, and when one appeals to you, be ready to move fast. I've used this method to snag some fantastic deals—like a week in the Caribbean in a balcony cabin for less than $500!

Name Your Price, Sail Your Dream with Priceline's Pricebreakers

If you are a smooth talker, like to roll the dice a bit and take some chances, then Pricebreakers could just be your way to get that dream cruise while indeed stealing it.

You select where you want to go, the dates of travel, and which cruise line you prefer; then, finally, you name your price against an unsold cabin. Beat the bid, and you're off on a luxury cruise at a price you call!

The bidding process is straightforward and easy. Priceline guides you with the average prices for similar cruises so you can place an informed bid. You can even adjust your bid if it's initially rejected.

Pros of Pricebreakers:
You could get cruises at much lower costs compared to the listed price.
The auction allows for quite an exciting, engaging process.
You set the price yourself, thus adhering to your budget.
Cons of Pricebreakers:
The bid is not guaranteed to be accepted.
You only get allocated a cabin, you don't choose which specific one.
A little uncertain; some may not like the bidding process involved.

My tip for Pricebreakers bidding would be always to start as low as possible and work up in small increments, as appropriate. You can research average prices for other similar cruises to give you an idea of where to start. Be patient, be persistent, and not be afraid to try several bids.

Tips for Scoring the Best Deals on Priceline

Get the best deals, and set sail with confidence.
Over the years, I have learned how to reserve the best cruise and will be more than happy to share with you some of my expert tips that will make sure you get maximum savings and stay out of most of the mess with Priceline Cruises:

Sign up for the Email Alerts: Regular email alerts with some exclusive sales, flash sales, and last-minute deals are what you will be getting from Priceline. I snagged some amazing deals via these emails.
Compare prices across different dates and itineraries: Do not jump onto the very first cruise that you may come across. Be flexible with your dates of travel and explore various itineraries. You will be surprised about how much the prices are going to vary. I saved more than $300 once by moving my departure date a few days back.
Check for Off-Peak Season Cruises: If your schedule allows, spring or fall—shoulder seasons—and even winter months are when to cruise. Off-peak times usually have lower fares and fewer crowds, allowing you to have a more relaxed and intimate experience. What I've found is that during the fall, Caribbean cruises offer exceptional value and stunning weather.
Read Reviews and Ratings: Before booking any cruise, I always read reviews and ratings from other travelers to get inside information about the atmosphere on board, amenities, food quality, and what kind of experience one can have. I have found some excellent secrets and also ruled out a few possible disappointments because people were honest enough to share their cruises experiences. All these reviews are available at one click on Priceline's website to enable you to make a wise decision before you book.
Book Early for Best Selection and Availability: Yes, last-minute deals can be tempting, but the early bird gets lots of goodies—the best cabin selection and itineraries. Very simply, you get the first pick of cabins and sailings, which allows you to make the most out of early booking discounts and promotions. I learned about this from experience when I waited too long to reserve a family cruise, only to find all connecting cabins sold out.

With these tips, you'll be prowling Priceline Cruises like a seasoned professional, from finding those hidden gems to maximizing your savings and gliding through a smooth booking process.

Priceline Cruise Reviews - Real Stories from Travelers

While I can praise Priceline Cruises all day, the best stories are those of people like you who have experienced it. Well, I spent hours upon hours surfing around internet forums and cruise review sites, and the overwhelming majority all say one thing in common: Priceline does offer an affordable way to experience unforgettable travel.

Take Sarah, for example—a young professional who all her life wanted to cruise to Alaska. Her purse strings were tight, she doubted that a cruise could fit within her price range. Then, BAM—a beautiful Alaskan cruise booked for less than half of what she had anticipated. She said it was incredibly scenic, with wildlife encounters, and that she felt great about the value received through Priceline Express Deals.
Then there is Viktor and his wife Gabriela: a retired couple from Bulgaria, looking to organize their anniversary celebration in the form of a romantic cruise within the Mediterranean. Using Priceline's Pricebreakers feature, they gained access to a luxurious balcony suite. This meant they could spend their anniversary indulging in gourmet cuisine and taking in the stunning views from their private balcony—all because of the incredible savings they found through Priceline.

These are just some of the millions of travelers' stories who came to Priceline in search of that perfect cruise holiday at an unbeatable ideal price.

All Aboard! Priceline Cruise FAQs Answered

As someone who knows the ins and outs of booking a cruise on Priceline, I can only imagine that you have a sea of questions before actually setting sail. Let me present some of the most frequently asked questions so that you feel confident and ready for your next adventure.

How do I cancel or change a booking with Priceline Cruises?

Life happens, and at times, plans change. In most cases, canceling or modifying your Priceline cruise booking is pretty straightforward. You can do this primarily online via your Priceline account; other times, you must contact their customer service team.

Be warned, though: cancellation fees and penalties may apply depending on the cruise line and proximity to the departure date.

I had to reschedule a Caribbean cruise because of an unexpected work commitment. The customer service team at Priceline was accommodating and cooperative through the process, working hard to ensure everything got rescheduled onto new dates.

Does Priceline Cruises offer travel insurance options?

Priceline has some insurance options that will protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Policies may vary and can include trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost/stolen luggage, and many more things that could go wrong. I always suggest travelers to buy travel insurance for every trip, especially cruises.

I learned this the hard way when, before embarking on a European cruise, one of my family members fell ill. Thankfully, I had purchased travel insurance through Priceline that covered the cancellation fees and allowed us to reschedule our trip for a later date.

Does Priceline Cruises offer accessible options for travelers with disabilities?

Yes, Priceline offer accessible travel for all their clients. Most cruise lines offer cabins as well as services and facilities for people with disabilities. If you need more help, you can contact the customer service of Priceline at +1-877-477-5807.

What tips do you have for first-time cruisers?

First Timer? Welcome aboard! Cruising is one of the best ways to see the world and bring back loads of unforgettable memories. Here are some tips that I have drawn from my own experience:

Pack Light: You do not need to bring your whole wardrobe. Most cruise lines offer laundry services, and you will undoubtedly spend most of your time in casual clothes anyway.
Arrive Early: The best way to avoid stress at the very last minute is to get to the port of departure well before your sailing, allowing smooth processing at embarkation.
Explore the Ship: Take some time to get familiar with the ship's layout, amenities, and activities on board.
Plan Outings: Research and book the shore excursions in advance to get the desired spots during popular stops.
Relax and Enjoy: Switch off those gadgets; soak under the sun, gorge on delicious food, and create lifetime memories.

I hope this FAQ section has addressed your questions and concerns. If you have any further inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out to Priceline's customer service team, or feel free to ask me!

Final Words

From the moment I booked my first cruise through Priceline, I knew that I had stumbled on something good as far as any intelligent traveler is concerned. It's more than just a website—this is practically a portal into some of life's best experiences at affordable prices that won't landlubber give you seasickness.

In addition to the deals, Priceline gives an easy interface and a world full of information that will help you plan the cruise of a lifetime. Is like having your cruise consultant walk you through every step—from picking out the suitable itinerary to choosing the perfect cabin.

Their customer support squad is always there to help, so your journey will be smooth sailing from beginning to end.
I shared some of my experiences, along with some insider tips, but where the real magic happens with Priceline Cruises comes down to what it can do for you.

So what do you wait for? Sign up for their email alerts to catch those flash sales and other exclusive offers. Your dream cruise is closer than you think, and Priceline is there to help set sail on an adventure that you'll never forget.