Don't Book Until You See These 13 Cruise Deal Tricks!
Ready to sail away without sinking your budget? With a little savvy and a few insider tips, you can cruise the seas in style — without overpaying. Let's get you on board with 13 of the best ways to score unbeatable cruise deals!
1. Cruise During Off-Peak Seasons
Smart cruisers know that timing makes all the difference. Sail during less popular times, like hurricane season in the Caribbean or September in Alaska, and you'll snag those cabins at a fraction of the price. Want to avoid sticker shock? Skip the holiday and summer peak periods.
2. Grab Last-Minute Bargains
Got a bit of a spontaneous streak? Embrace it! Cruise lines slash prices within 90 days of departure to fill empty cabins, so keep an eye out for last-minute steals. Flexibility with your dates and destinations means you could land a luxury cruise for less.
3. Lock in Early for Popular Routes
If you've got your heart set on a sought-after itinerary, don't wait. Book 12-18 months ahead, and you'll secure the lowest rates and snag the best cabin options. Early birds truly catch the best deals!
4. Work With a Travel Agent
Think travel agents are a thing of the past? Think again! Cruise-specialized agents often access exclusive group rates and can offer extras, such as onboard credits. They navigate the sea of options so you don't have to.
5. Leverage Cruise Deal Aggregators
Why do all the heavy lifting when sites like CruiseSheet.com and VacationsToGo.com do it for you? These deal aggregators scour the internet to find the cheapest cruises around, so you don't have to.
6. Subscribe to Cruise Line Newsletters
Want to get the inside scoop? Sign up for email lists from major cruise lines and stay in the know about flash sales and exclusive promotions. Those email alerts might just lead you to the jackpot.
7. Set Up Price Alerts
Don't have time to constantly check prices? Let CruisePlum.com do the work for you. It tracks fare changes on specific sailings and pings you when prices drop. Now that’s smart cruising!
8. Compare Total Costs
Before you commit, look beyond the base fare. Consider what's included – drink packages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, the works. Sometimes that "cheaper" deal ends up costing more when you add everything up.
9. Consider Repositioning Cruises
Looking for adventure and value? Repositioning cruises – those one-way trips when ships move to a new region – deliver more sea days and unique port experiences. They're a goldmine for cruise enthusiasts who want something off the beaten path.
10. Choose Older Ships
Chasing the latest, greatest ship often means paying top dollar. But if you don't mind sailing on a slightly older vessel, you'll find the fares far more budget-friendly. Classic never goes out of style!
11. Opt for Refundable Fares
Love a good safety net? Book a refundable fare. If prices drop after you've booked, you can request adjustments or pocket some onboard credit. It's like winning twice!
12. Use Credit Card Rewards
Don't forget to cash in on those credit card perks. Co-branded cruise credit cards or travel statement credits can slash your overall cost, making that dream cruise even more affordable.
13. Watch for Wave Season
Wave season, from January through March, offers some of the biggest cruise discounts of the year, with perks like reduced deposits, onboard credits and free upgrades. Keep an eye out during this period for top-notch deals, but act fast – they don't stick around for long!
Ready to Sail Away?
Armed with these tips, you'll find cruise deals that'll make you feel like you've hit the jackpot. Stay flexible, stay vigilant, and don't hesitate when you spot that perfect offer. The open seas (and amazing savings) await – happy cruising!
References: How to Get a Cheap Cruise for As Little As $30 a Day | 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise | How to Find the Year's Best Cruise Deals: Wave Season Bargains | CruisePlum | Are Cruise Tickets Always Refundable?
