Travel Better for Less Tip #3: Cruise With Your Friends for Nothing

Dear Reader,

Today’s the third day in our “Travel Better for Less” series, bringing you a new tip on traveling on the cheap by arranging to cruise for free.

If you missed our last “Travel Better for Less” tip, on scoring a $50 restaurant certificate for free, you’ll find it here.

And here’s your tip for today…

— Lori

TRAVEL BETTER FOR LESS TIP #3 – NAB A FREE CRUISE

Next time you plan a wedding, anniversary, family reunion, birthday, college reunion, company retreat, or any other large gathering of family or friends, consider taking a cruise. Not only have cruise fares fallen dramatically, but group rates make your voyage even more affordable.

What’s more, many cruise lines (including Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Disney, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean) will give you a free cruise if you’re the organizer of the group, a.k.a. the “tour conductor.”

To qualify for tour conductor status, you’ll typically need your group to book at least eight state rooms for 15 paying passengers. During off-peak season, this requirement may be lowered to 10 to 14 passengers. And some lines, such as WindstarCruises.com, offer occasional deals for as few as six.

[Editor’s Note: Learn more about opportunities to profit from your travels (and even from your own home) in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.]