Looking to take a cruise? Cruising has become a great alternative to traditional vacations with cruise lines typically offering all inclusive holidays. But how do you find the best deal?

There are numerous cruise websites and tons of travel agents who specialize in cruises. How do you know which ones to trust and which ones have the best prices? Sometimes you don't.

Not to worry. There is a sensible way to buy a cruise.

First, know where you want to cruise to, and certainly get as much information as you possibly can from the cruise company offering the trip.

Always consider taxes and port fees and make sure they are included in the price. There are quite a few web sites that offer last minute specials and these can be real money savers, however you should keep in mind that the reason they are selling at the last minute is that the ship was not sold out and they are trying to fill capacity before it sails. This could be a good or bad thing. The good is that you might end up with a great price, the bad is that there may be a reason the ship did not sell out.

Two of our best secrets for cruising include cruising for free or simply paying the port fees. How is this done? You sign up with an agency that offers your speaking services or other educational skills. Perhaps you are an expert on investments or your specialty is wine. The ship may want you for two or three 45 minute lectures while on board in return for a free cruise.

If speaking in front of an audience is not your thing, you can certainly save up to 80% my cruising as a travel agent. Travel agents are always asked by the cruise lines to sail as they make for the best form of word of mouth advertising. Becoming a travel agent is not that difficult and you can actually get a travel agent easily and for as little as $50 US Dollars.

As always, if you are looking for the best deal on a cruise. Do your homework and compare prices on websites such as Skoovy.com to the travel agents and also the cruise ship companies. By comparing prices you are sure to find the best deal that works for you.