Updated: Nov 21, 2024

Cruises provide an all-in-one vacation experience that can take you to beautiful destinations. Find the best cruise deals, whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned cruiser looking for big savings.

Cruises can be an affordable and convenient way to explore multiple destinations, with accommodations, meals, and entertainment all included in the price. However, finding the right cruise at the best price takes some planning and know-how. From timing your booking to choosing the right cruise line, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get the most value for your money. By following these tips, you’ll be setting sail on a dream vacation without blowing your budget.

Why Cruises Are a Great Vacation Option

Cruises offer a unique vacation experience where you get to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of booking hotels, transportation, or finding places to eat. Everything is handled for you, and that convenience can make it one of the most relaxing vacation options. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Caribbean, Europe, or even Alaska, there are a wide variety of cruise options to suit your preferences.

In addition to visiting new places, cruises provide plenty of onboard entertainment. From live shows and fine dining to pools and kids’ clubs, there’s something for everyone, making it an excellent option for families, couples, and even solo travelers. Best of all, with some smart planning, cruises can be surprisingly affordable.

When to Book a Cruise for the Best Price

Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best cruise deals. Knowing when to book can make a huge difference in the price you pay for your vacation. Here are the key times to look for discounts:

1. Book Early for the Best Selection

Cruise lines often offer “early bird” discounts for travelers who book six months to a year in advance. Booking early not only secures a lower price but also gives you the best selection of cabins. If you want a specific cabin type or a room with a balcony, booking early is your best bet.

Many cruise lines also offer price protection, meaning if the price drops after you book, you can often request the lower rate or receive onboard credit for the difference. Always ask about this policy before finalizing your booking.

2. Look for Last-Minute Deals

On the flip side, last-minute deals can be a fantastic way to save big. Cruise lines don’t want empty cabins, so they often slash prices as the departure date gets closer. If you have a flexible schedule and can travel on short notice, you can score significant discounts—sometimes up to 50% off or more.

Check websites like CruiseCritic, Expedia, and the cruise lines’ own pages for last-minute deals, or sign up for email alerts to get notified when prices drop.

3. Sail During the Off-Season

Just like any other type of travel, cruises have peak and off-peak seasons. Sailing during the off-season can lead to huge savings, as cruise lines drop prices to attract more passengers. For example:

• Caribbean Cruises: Hurricane season (June to November) tends to have lower prices, though you’ll want to consider travel insurance in case of weather disruptions.
• Alaskan Cruises: Shoulder seasons in May and September often have lower rates, with fewer crowds and cooler weather.
• Mediterranean Cruises: Traveling in the spring or fall can offer discounts compared to the busy summer months when prices peak.

Off-season cruising may also mean more availability for excursions, onboard activities, and dining, as ships tend to be less crowded.

How to Find the Best Cruise Deals

There are plenty of ways to hunt for the best cruise deals, but it helps to know where to look and what to ask for. Below are some strategies to help you find the most affordable cruise for your next vacation.

1. Use a Travel Agent

Many people assume that booking directly through the cruise line is the best way to get a deal, but travel agents can often find exclusive discounts or added perks like onboard credit, free drinks, or room upgrades. Since agents work closely with cruise lines, they sometimes have access to promotions that aren’t advertised to the general public.

Even better, using a travel agent doesn’t usually cost extra—they get paid by the cruise line, not by you. So, it’s worth consulting an agent, especially if you’re new to cruising or planning a complex trip.

2. Sign Up for Cruise Line Newsletters

Cruise lines frequently offer exclusive promotions through their email newsletters, including flash sales, limited-time discounts, and package deals. Signing up for these newsletters ensures you’re among the first to know when new deals become available. If you’re open to traveling at short notice, this can be an excellent way to score big savings.

Some popular cruise lines to follow include:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises

These newsletters often include special deals for past passengers or members of their loyalty programs, so if you’ve cruised with a specific line before, you might get even better offers.

3. Use Online Deal Websites

There are several websites dedicated to finding and sharing cruise deals. These platforms allow you to compare prices from different cruise lines, dates, and destinations, helping you pinpoint the best deal based on your preferences. Some of the best sites to use include:

• CruiseCritic: Known for its user reviews and deal-finding tools, CruiseCritic makes it easy to compare cruises and find promotions.
• VacationsToGo: This site specializes in discounted cruises and often features last-minute deals at unbeatable prices.
• Cruises.com: A comprehensive site that offers price comparisons, deals, and expert advice on finding the right cruise for you.

4. Look for Package Deals

Some cruise lines and travel agencies offer package deals that bundle your cruise with airfare, hotel stays, or even pre-paid shore excursions. These packages can provide excellent value, especially if you’re traveling to a port city far from home and need to arrange flights.

Package deals can also help you avoid the hassle of booking everything separately, and they sometimes include extra perks like free airport transfers, onboard credit, or complimentary meals in specialty restaurants.

Saving Money on Board

Finding a great deal on the cruise itself is only part of the equation. Once you’re on board, there are several ways to keep costs down and avoid spending more than you planned.

1. Skip the Drink Packages

Cruise lines offer drink packages that cover unlimited sodas, cocktails, or specialty coffees. While this might seem like a good deal, these packages can add up quickly. If you don’t plan to drink much alcohol or soda, it’s often cheaper to pay for individual drinks as you go.

Many cruise lines offer free coffee, tea, water, and juice at meal times, so unless you’re a heavy drinker, the package might not be worth the extra cost.

2. Book Shore Excursions Independently

Shore excursions booked through the cruise line tend to be more expensive than if you book them independently or with local tour operators. With a little research, you can find similar or even better experiences for a fraction of the cost by booking directly through tour companies or exploring on your own.

Just make sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship before departure—if you’re late, the ship won’t wait for you!

3. Take Advantage of Free Onboard Activities

While cruises offer plenty of extra-cost activities like spa treatments or specialty dining, there are also tons of free activities to enjoy. From poolside movies and live shows to fitness classes and trivia games, there’s no shortage of entertainment that doesn’t cost extra.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning and the right strategies, finding a great deal on a cruise is easier than you might think. Whether you’re booking months in advance or snapping up a last-minute bargain, there are plenty of opportunities to save on your next vacation. By being flexible with your travel dates, using deal websites, and taking advantage of perks, you’ll be able to set sail without worrying about your budget.

Cruising offers a fantastic way to relax, explore new destinations, and enjoy world-class entertainment, all while sticking to your financial goals.