Black Friday is almost here – and with the recent fuel price hikes, deals in the travel sector are more popular than ever. If you’re looking to go overseas, the weakening rand makes travel bargain hunting even more attractive, and something like a river cruise can be a great way to save since one fare covers so much of your trip. But not every deal is equal, so it’s worth doing proper research to know exactly what you’re paying for. Divan Viljoen, South Africa Sales and Marketing Manager for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, shares his top tips on what to check before you commit to a Black Friday river cruise deal.
1. Look beyond the headline price
As a first step, check to see exactly what the total price of the cruise includes, as this can make two deals that seem similar actually completely different in reality. “While two cruises may appear to be similarly priced, one may include everything while the other leaves you paying for drinks, tours and extras so that the overall price of your trip becomes significantly higher,” says Divan.
2. Check the type of excursions
While many river cruise companies include a certain number of excursions in their overall price, look closely at what kind of excursions these are. While standard day trips to popular tourist attractions may look like a value-add, Divan says that speciality excursions such as private visits and small group experiences to certain sites can elevate your experience. “After-hours access can make all the difference when it comes to visiting popular tourist attractions,” he says. “Visiting once the day-trippers have left means you’re not jostling for space, and so the entire experience becomes more personal and meaningful.”
3. Don’t overlook the food
On a river cruise, dining is an integral part of the experience, so check the kind of meals on offer. While smaller river cruise vessels with fewer guests mean you won’t be queuing at a buffet alongside hundreds of other passengers, the overall dining experience still differs between operators. Some offer set menus, others a mix of buffet and à la carte, while others focus on regional dishes that reflect the countries you’re sailing through.
Also check whether meals are included at every sitting, whether wine is served with dinner, and how dietary requirements are handled. While most river cruises will cover your main meals, others may charge for everything else such as drinks and snacks in between. “With a Uniworld cruise, for example, all-inclusive means all the time, not just when you sit down for a meal,” Divan explains. “This means that everything from your morning coffee to a drink on the deck in the afternoon is covered, so you can relax knowing you’re not paying extra at every turn.”
4. Choose the ship, not just the route
Many travellers pick an itinerary first and then treat the ship as an afterthought, but river vessels vary in size, layout, cabin types and the lounges and outdoor space available to guests. Look at cabin sizes and whether balcony options are available, as these differ widely between ships and operators. “Because river ships are smaller, the ship becomes your base for the whole trip,” says Divan. “It’s worth looking at the design and character of the vessel, and not only the route.”
Uniworld’s fleet, for example, includes the SS Marlene and the SS São Rafael, as well as the SS Audrey, each featuring its own design, layout and facilities.
5. Book early and read the fine print
If your dates are flexible, consider booking a trip during the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn, when the weather is milder and flights are often cheaper. Whenever you book, always check the fine print, including deposit and payment terms, whether transfers are included and what flexibility you have if plans change. “Be clear on what you’re getting and when you need to pay,” says Divan. “A great river cruise deal should make planning easier, not more complicated.”
The bottom line
A good Black Friday river cruise deal isn’t only about the discount. It’s about getting real value for money in terms of what’s included in the fare, what kind of excursions are offered, the kind of food served on board, and staying on a vessel that suits the way you like to travel. By asking the right questions and doing thorough research beforehand, you’ll have a better idea of whether you’re looking at a true bargain – or an average offering hidden by an attractive price tag.