Some of my favorite tricks for getting big time cruise travel deals:

1) Cruise off-season. Everyone hits the seas in spring and early summer, so bargains are few and far between. Break out of the crowd and travel between July and January to avoid the crowds, kids, and rush. Cruise lines will offer better deals in the off-season, usually 20-30% off the spring break price for the same itinerary. Not only that, but since cabins are harder to fill, incentives, special promos, and last-minute deals are commonplace.

2) Travel on a repositioning boat. These unusual itineraries are intended for moving the ship from one home port to another. As a result fares are 40 to 60% less than other routes of similar duration and region. If you don't mind fewer ports of call and really dig the relaxation of those "days at sea" then this one is for you!

NOTE: Repositioning is not recommended for the first-time cruiser as you may find yourself with "cabin fever." Only for the cruise veteran who knows all about lazing away the day by the pool with a cool drink, good book, and ipod privacy!

3) Drive, don't fly. True, most US cruises depart from Florida or Southern California, but did you know that there are dozens of other embarkation cities available? New York, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, New Jersey, Washington, British Columbia and many other states offer the occasional cruise. If you can drive to your cruise, instead of fly, that is an instant savings of hundreds of dollars. Do the research for your region of the country!

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