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It’s never rough seas for cruise connoisseur Carol Nicole.
Nicole, 47, has been cruising for nearly six years, hitting the seas an impressive 33 times. And as a newly minted travel agent, she guarantees smooth sailing for her clients — and her over 68,000 “cruise besties” she’s dubbed on TikTok.
“That’s my whole mission as your cruise bestie. Making sure people have the best time without any nasty surprises on their bill at the end,” Nicole told The Post — while on a cruise in Key West.
Nicole immediately caught the travel bug after just one stunning Caribbean cruise turned her from apathetic to an aficionado. “What started as a vacation quickly became a lifestyle,” she said.
And if you do it right, cruises can be one of the most affordable ways to vacation, as so much is included in your initial fare, the travel expert said. Big expenses like your room, food and entertainment are all budgeted for in the booking.
Where it gets pricey is with those sneaky fees. The key to avoiding them — be informed before booking.
“Cruise pricing can look misleading at first glance,” Nicole said.
Pricing tends to be confusing because brands advertise their lowest rate possible, which is usually an interior cabin and not the coveted room with a view. But costs can change based on five factors: cabin category, occupancy, taxes and port fees, promotions and your state.
“Cruise ships offer multiple types of cabins ranging from budget-friendly interior rooms to luxurious suites,” Nicole said in a TikTok. “Each category comes with its own price point, and what may initially seem like a great bargain could mean you’re looking at a far less desirable cabin. Always review the specifics of the cabin being offered,” she added.
This means when you click on a room, make sure you check where it’s at on the ship and what it looks like inside, because the one being shown to you may not be the lower price. They’re likely showing you the best-looking to get you to buy.
Plus, depending on the cruise, it may not be the amenity overload you think. Drink packages, specialty dining, gratuities and even WiFi are all additions that customers have to pay for.
“A lot of first-timers assume all food is included and are surprised to find out there are extra-cost restaurants on board.” The cruise veteran said.
So, how do you know what’s worth it and what to throw overboard? Your ocean bestie put together a list.
Sea-worthy splurges
Grab a cocktail because first up are the drink packages. These vary based on the cruise, but Nicole recommends adding them on — especially if you’re a social drinker. “The math will typically work in your favor,” she told The Post.
Her favorite hack to save some extra cash, “Always purchase your drink and dining packages before you board — cruise lines almost always offer them at a discount when you buy ahead online versus once you’re on the ship.”
Pack a blazer or some heels because specialty dining is worth it, at least for one night.
Main dining and buffets are included, but specialty dining is lush. It’s a more exclusive, upscale restaurant, which means better food and an elevated atmosphere. She suggests adding at least one night for the experience.
Getting cabin fever? Hop off the boat and book an excursion. Check it out through the cruise line before as it might be worth the splurge, “especially if safety or timing back to the ship is a concern,” Nicole says. But make sure to compare other third-party players, as they may be the best bang for your buck.
So what should passengers sail past? Nicole dropped a few controversial options. The budget baddie says ditch WiFi. “It can be pricey, and if you don’t need it for work, honey, unplug.”
Another skip is the onboard spa. The “deals” might look tempting, but the prices are always premium. “Wait for a port day when they sometimes run specials,” Nicole said.
Cruise into savings
The number one tip Nicole stresses is doing your research before and after booking.
Her second tip is booking early and watching for price drops — it’s easier than you think to get your cabin repriced if the fare goes down. Next up is traveling during shoulder season; this is the period between the busy, high-demand summer months and the quieter, less-trafficked off-season.
Also, watch for sales around holidays and major events. “Royal Caribbean, in particular, runs some great deals around Black Friday and wave season from January to March. If you see a price you love, grab it — you can usually reprice if it drops later,” she told The Post.
Nicole suggests hitting the seas during April or May, September or October. This is the Goldilocks period where the combination of lower fares, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds is just right.
And lastly, while you don’t technically need a travel agent, the cruise expert couldn’t help herself. “Book through a travel advisor like me because we have access to group rates and perks you won’t find on the cruise line’s website,” she said.
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