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31 May - Best deals of the week

  • Writer: Fleet Captain James
    Fleet Captain James
  • May 31
  • 5 min read

A change of format this week.


My picks of the best deals of the week are now loaded to the front page of our website every Saturday morning, usually around 9 am.


Now, anytime you want to check our current best deals, simply visit our website - www.6star4less.com


These weekly updates will transition to a general update about the industry and the current discount trends we are monitoring.


Will prices rise or fall?


Cruise fares never used to change a great deal, the cruise lines would set discount levels and only review and change them on an infrequent basis.


The cruise lines are fast catching up to the sophisticated yield management systems the airlines have been using for decades. We are now seeing prices fluctuate, like airfares, sometimes within hours, or occasionally in the time it takes to refresh your screen.


Although we take great care to only promote deals which are available at the time we publish them, we are now finding that sometimes when we go to book that certain categories may have sold out, or prices have increased.


This tends to apply to those deals that offer the most significant discounts.


Bottom line, if you see a truly exceptional deal, or it is one that I am promoting, make sure you act quickly so that you don't miss out. Oftentimes times only one or two cabins will be available at the lowest advertised price.


We are always more than happy to hold a cabin with no obligation for you while you sort out your finances or holiday leave.


We are the undisputed experts in this. If you are considering a particular cruise, ask our advice on what you should do.


My mailbag round-up


A new feature where I summarise responses to questions I've been asked over the preceding week, which may assist you in planning your next trip.


Do we sell flights and hotels?


We choose to only sell cruises. That being said, there are now so many tools available that it is very easy to DIY these online


Hotels:


I book all of our accommodation directly with Bookings.com


Use the filters to select free breakfast and free cancellation deals.



If travelling in Europe, the map feature is great as it will show you where the main train station is located.




I then search around this area to avoid having to lug bags long distances. Most streets in Europe, even big cities, feature cobblestone streets. Venice is even worse, with a lot of bridges with stairs. Trust me, careful research will save the day when you arrive fatigued after an international flight.


It's always wise to double-check public holidays before travelling, as many streets and CBD areas can be closed off, making it impossible for easy access. Contact the hotel direct to ask these sort of questions.


Always read the reviews to learn which hotels are best and worst. I try to not book any below 9/10. Do your due dilenge re air conditioning, stairs, lifts and fly screens.


Florence, for example, can be very hot over summer and has a mosquito problem. If you have booked a room without air conditioning (which you really need), you won't be able to open the windows without fiy screens.


Many cheaper rooms and Airbnbs can be 5/6 floors up. Smaller properties may not have a lif,t which can be a huge problem with suitcases in hand.


Flights



The more time you devote to this, the better deals you will find. Secondary airports will often be much cheaper than main hubs. In Italy, instead of Rome, look to Milan, Naples or Bologna. Try Munich instead of Frankfurt.



To find available secondary options instead of adding cities to your flight search, use countries, and all available airports will be displayed.


View which dates offer the cheapest and most expensive fares
View which dates offer the cheapest and most expensive fares
Select flexible to see which months offer the cheapest flights
Select flexible to see which months offer the cheapest flights
Use the filters to select direct flights only, or only your preferred airlines.
Use the filters to select direct flights only, or only your preferred airlines.

Hire car


I will make a post on how to find the best rates in the coming weeks.


Europe over winter. 


The deep water fleet traditionally used to flee the Med in Oct when many of the small coastal ports and islands shut down for the winter. We are now some lines lingering longer, with a few ships remaining right through winter. 


Personally, I love the idea of cruising Europe in winter without the crowds. Sure, some things will be closed, but as this trend becomes more entrenched, local operators are bound to stay open longer, if only for the days these ships are in port.


Crystal Cruise questions


Deposits are 25%, and you can cancel up to the final payment date for only an admin fee of $125 AUD per person. Crystal have a large number of solo cabins at rates greatly reduced to other lines.



The cheapest cabins available are the ocean view category, which are similar to a hotel style and footprint. Aquamarine ocean view cabins are larger. All ocean view cabins face onto the promenade deck. Some have an obstructed view due to the position of the lifeboats.




Deals from previous weeks


Antarctica - deal of the year:

28 December 2025 - 17 nights

New Year at Sea

Regent ❘ Seven Seas Splendor Balcony suite

Balcony suite Was $48,098 Now $6,500 USD


NB: Only one or two left at this price

Higher category suites are available


If you missed our incredible 17-night deal to Antarctica sailing on Regent - in a balcony suite - 28 December - get in touch as we still have a few cabins left.z


For personalised advice and assistance about planning a trip to Antarctica, please reach out to any of my team members or me personally on 0430 200 535.



All you need to know about all our preferred brands.


View our recently updated FAQs and compare brands and all inclusions.



Should you book now or wait?

  • Unsold cabins are the best indicator of whether prices will rise or fall. 

  • Only 6 Star 4 Less gives you access to this information

  • Watch this quick video to learn how to view all unsold cabins.. 


Add Cruise Line, Ship, and Date to the filters.


Just a quick recap about pricing:


  • All pricing below is USD, but we can sell most lines in AUD, and prices will usually work out cheaper but not always.

  • We will match or better any price.

  • We are fully licensed, registered, and insured in Australia.

  • NOTE: as you click through for live pricing, you may find discrepancies; this is because often only one or two cabins might be offered at the cheaper rates

  • As these sell out, prices will fluctuate.

  • Our live results update in real-time, and you can view how many cabins remain at each price point.

  • Airline Staff - Switch to interline to view even cheaper closed rates.



Compare the actual end cost vs the value of inclusions across brands.


What's included in standard fares
What's included in standard fares
Indicative additional value of Inclusions in our preferred high-end brands
Indicative additional value of Inclusions in our preferred high-end brands
Indicative additional costs fo products/services that are included for free on 6-star lines
Indicative additional costs fo products/services that are included for free on 6-star lines
Total cost of a 10-day cruise vs the value of inclusions offered on 6-star brands.
Total cost of a 10-day cruise vs the value of inclusions offered on 6-star brands.


Contact Captain James 0430 200 535



Hot Tip: If you missed our best deals last week, you should check them out; most are still current and available.

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    INTERLINE CONDITIONS: In addition to all standard conditions of carriage of the operator you and all members of your travelling party must abide by the following: 1/ You must not disclose to any other guest on your cruise the nature of the discounts you have received. 2/ Any such breach can see the cruise operator, at their discretion, convert your fare to full commercial rates and you will be liable for the difference. 3/ As with staff travel on the airline of your employment, your behaviour must always be above reproach. Unruly and unacceptable levels of intoxication and abuse of staff are strictly forbidden and the operator has the right to offload you at any time. 4/ The operator can at any time revoke your ability to purchase future interline discounts. 5/ Interline rates are a privilege, not a right. You are entitled to them solely through the relevant interline agreement, which is a benefit directly related to your employment. Any unacceptable behaviour will be reported back to your employer which could result in the loss of airline staff benefits, and/or further disciplinary action. 6/ Eligible staff members need to realise that these rules apply to any beneficiary who books interline rates under their name. These rules must be clearly communicated to all passengers travelling under their benefit entitlement. INTERLINE RATES: You must provide us proof of employment in aviation for an Interline Rate. Unless otherwise advised, Interline bookings are non-refundable. Prices may change before departure. A price drop does not entitle you to any refund of your fare, (either deposits or full payments). We will always endeavour to get a price adjustment but understand that this is unlikely. FAB does not guarantee or warrant cruise itineraries. Itinerary changes are at the discretion of the cruise lines. Changes to itineraries are governed by the T&Cs of the cruise lines. 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Read our guide on how insurance policies are priced when to buy, and how to save money: www.fabinterlinecruises.com/insurance If you have not already taken out Travel Insurance with us, please read the following carefully: If you become ill with Coronavirus If you are cruising and become ill with Coronavirus If you lose your luggage If you become ill or have an accident If you suffer the pain of a toothache or damage your teeth through an accident If you lose your tickets, travellers cheques, passport etc. If your transport is delayed If a relative at home becomes sick or dies If any of these things happen to you and you have no Travel Insurance, it will probably ruin what should have been a wonderful experience. Fab Interline Cruises, ABN 19610361025 is a distributor of NIB Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and receives a commission for nib products purchased through Fab Interline Cruises. 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