How to Find Great Cruise Deals

Finding a cruise deal is often a combination of timing, planning, and just good luck. What constitutes a deal is often a matter of perception. Sometimes it’s simply receiving a free cabin upgrade to a higher deck on the ship or being moved to an ocean view or balcony cabin due to a cabin category guarantee.

Cruises are much like any other product—you get what you pay for! Much like hotels, cruise ships range from basic accommodations and simple food to ultra-luxury pampering and gourmet cuisine. Cruises can cost anywhere from less than $100 per day per person to over $1000 per day per person, depending on the amenities, the size of the ship, and space. For instance, a cruise deal on an ultra-luxury ship might be $500 per day, which could still be too steep for many travelers’ budgets.

If you are new to cruising, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on cruises and become knowledgeable before planning your cruise. Subsequently, locate a travel agent who specializes in cruise travel. Once you’ve selected a destination and established a cruise travel budget, many cruise travel agents (whether online agents or those in your hometown) can assist you in finding a cruise deal that aligns with your needs and desires.

Book a Cruise Early—Several Months in Advance

Cruise lines prefer to sell their “berths” (cabins) as far in advance as possible. If you plan and book your cruise more than six months in advance, you will often secure the best deal. Some cruise lines also offer “low price guarantees,” so if the fare decreases after your booking, you will receive the lowest price. Continually monitor fares after booking, and inform your travel agent of any price changes. They can often help you secure a refund or a cabin upgrade.

Booking your cruise well in advance may also enable you to utilize frequent flyer miles for your airfare to the cruise embarkation port.

Book a Cruise Late—Just a Few Weeks (or Days) in Advance

Cruise ships dislike sailing with empty berths. Revenue from an unfilled bed is permanently lost. Moreover, many mainstream cruise lines earn as much revenue from onboard spending as they do from ticket prices. Numerous cruisers tend to spend more on shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining, and shopping than on the cruise fare itself! Additionally, unoccupied cabins do not generate tips for the crew, which can lead to dissatisfaction among staff.

Paiying attention can pay off. Cruise lines will sometimes release fantastic last-minute deals on upcoming cruises sailing within the next few weeks (or days). This strategy is most effective for individuals who are (1) able to take sudden leave from their jobs, (2) retired, or (3) reside near an embarkation port since last-minute flight tickets can be expensive.

Book a Repositioning Cruise

Many seasoned cruisers opt for repositioning cruises to secure the best cruise deal. It’s fundamentally a matter of supply and demand. Cruise ships traveling to destinations like Alaska or northern Europe must relocate (reposition) to warmer areas during winter months. Repositioning cruises typically include numerous sea days and are generally longer in duration, which may not align with every traveler’s preferences.

Because many people dislike extended sea days or cannot take two weeks off for a cruise, the demand for these trips is lower. Consequently, cruise lines frequently offer appealing cruise deals on these sailings. Additionally, cruise lines stand to gain from the onboard revenue generated during these trips, which further incentivizes them to promote repositioning deals.

Cruise in the Off-Season

Similar to other products, supply and demand significantly influence cruise fares. If you can travel during the off-season, you may secure a lower price since fewer travelers are competing for the same cruise ships. For families with children or individuals working in education, this may often be unfeasible, as vacations generally must coincide with school holidays. The costliest cruises typically occur during the December holiday season, spring break, and summer vacation months.

Many travelers hesitate to visit the Caribbean in September and October due to the lingering hurricane season. However, since hurricane warnings usually provide several days’ notice, cruise ships can adjust their itineraries to navigate around storms. Importantly, ensuring passenger safety is a top priority, and cruise lines have substantial investments in their fleets.

Even considering traveling at the beginning or end of the season (often referred to as the shoulder season) can yield a discount. For example, visiting Europe between March and May or September and November will typically be more affordable than during the summer months. While weather is a concern, it can be just as rainy in summer and often much warmer!

Cruises to Alaska tend to be more economical during May or September. An added bonus to booking in September is that many retailers offer incredible “end-of-season” sales!

Cruise Where the Supply of Ships Is High

The Caribbean remains the most popular cruise destination, with numerous ships sailing to the region each week. Consequently, competition among the cruise lines is fierce, leading them to consistently offer superior cruise deals in the Caribbean compared to other locations worldwide. Additionally, North American travelers benefit from lower airfare costs to embarkation ports in the Caribbean.

It’s essential to note that Europe is also a sought-after cruise destination, with year-round cruise seasons in regions such as the Mediterranean. European cruises often cost similarly per day compared to Caribbean cruises. For American travelers, the primary concern is often airfare, while for Europeans, the overall cost can be less than that for Caribbean travel.

Do Your Research

The Internet provides an unparalleled opportunity for in-depth travel research for those willing to invest the time and effort. This investment in researching cruise lines, their offerings, and destinations will result in a more rewarding cruise vacation.

Even the best cruise deal won’t hold value if the ship or ports of call fall short of expectations. Take the time to explore cruise lines’ websites, gather tips on cruise planning, learn about the cruise ships and available destinations, establish a budget, work closely with a travel agent, discover a cruise that resonates with your interests, and embark on your journey!