Cruising has become one of the most popular vacation choices for travelers looking for a relaxing getaway, offering a unique mix of luxurious amenities, breathtaking destinations, and all-inclusive experiences.

However, booking a cruise can sometimes come with a hefty price tag, especially if you’re not familiar with how to score the best cruise deals.

Luckily, with some planning and insider knowledge, you can save big on your next adventure at sea.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to find the best cruise deals, when and where to book, and how to make the most of discounts and perks.

How to book cruise deals and save big

Booking a cruise deal isn’t just about finding the lowest fare, it’s about getting the best value for your money. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, there are several strategies that can help you secure a great price on your next sailing.

Here’s a guide to help you get started:

1. Book early for the best cruise deals

One of the most straightforward ways to save on a cruise is to book early. Many cruise lines offer early-bird discounts for travelers who secure their spot months in advance. By booking six months to a year before the sailing date, you can lock in lower fares and have a wider choice of cabins and itineraries.

Cruise lines often release their itineraries far in advance, and in many cases, the prices are lower when they first go on sale. As the departure date gets closer and cabins start filling up, prices tend to rise. So, if you have a specific destination or cruise ship in mind, it’s best to book as soon as possible to take advantage of these early deals.

2. Be flexible with your travel dates

If you have flexible travel dates, you’ll have a much easier time scoring a great deal. Certain times of the year, particularly during off-peak seasons, offer cheaper fares. For example, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas or late January through early March are typically less busy, and cruise lines will offer discounts to fill cabins.

Sailing during the shoulder season (just before or after peak season) is another way to find a great deal. Not only will you enjoy fewer crowds, but you’ll also likely pay less for your cruise fare. Look for deals during the fall or spring for destinations like the Caribbean or Europe.

3. Take advantage of last-minute deals

If you’re spontaneous and don’t mind booking closer to your departure date, you can often find fantastic last-minute cruise deals. Cruise lines don’t like to sail with empty cabins, so they’ll offer significant discounts on remaining space to fill up the ship.

These last-minute deals typically pop up 60 to 90 days before sailing, when passengers need to pay their final balances and some cabins may become available again.

While last-minute deals can offer deep discounts, you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. You may not have a wide selection of rooms or itineraries, but if you’re open to a variety of options, you can score a fantastic price.

4. Use a travel agent to find the best cruise deals

While it may seem easier to book a cruise online by yourself, working with a travel agent can actually help you find hidden deals and discounts. Travel agents often have access to special offers and group rates that aren’t available to the general public.

They also have relationships with cruise lines and can negotiate better perks, such as onboard credits, drink packages, or cabin upgrades.

Additionally, a good travel agent will keep an eye on price drops and notify you if your cruise fare decreases after booking, potentially saving you even more money. Best of all, their services are usually free to you, as they earn a commission from the cruise lines.

5. Look for all-inclusive packages

Many cruise lines now offer all-inclusive packages that include not only your cruise fare but also extras like drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, and onboard activities. While these packages may seem more expensive upfront, they can actually save you money in the long run, especially if you like to indulge in extras while onboard.

When comparing prices, be sure to factor in what’s included in the fare. A cruise that seems cheaper at first glance may end up costing you more if you have to pay for drinks, dining, or entertainment out of pocket.

6. Sign up for cruise line newsletters and special offers

If you’re serious about scoring the best cruise deals, make sure to sign up for newsletters from cruise lines and travel agencies. These newsletters often include exclusive deals, promotions, and limited-time offers that aren’t available elsewhere. You’ll also be the first to know about flash sales and last-minute discounts.

Many cruise lines also have loyalty programs that reward repeat customers with special discounts, upgrades, and onboard perks. If you’ve sailed with a particular line before, be sure to sign up for their loyalty program to take advantage of these offers.

7. Book a repositioning cruise for big savings

Repositioning cruises occur when cruise ships move from one region to another at the start or end of a season (for example, moving from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean). These cruises are often much longer, with more sea days, and tend to be significantly cheaper than regular itineraries.

If you’re open to spending more time onboard and don’t mind fewer port stops, a repositioning cruise can be a great way to save money.

8. Consider group cruises for discounted fares

If you’re planning a family reunion, wedding, or large group trip, consider booking a group cruise. Many cruise lines offer discounts or free cabins for groups of 10 or more.

In addition to discounted fares, you may also be able to score special perks like private cocktail parties, group dining arrangements, or onboard credits for everyone in your group.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Go on a Cruise?

When it comes to cruising on a budget, the key is to remain flexible, plan ahead, and be open to various options. Here are a few additional tips for finding the cheapest way to go on a cruise:

– Opt for an inside cabin: Inside cabins (those without windows or balconies) are usually the cheapest option on a cruise ship. While you may sacrifice some views, you’ll still have access to all the onboard amenities and activities.

  – Sail on older ships: Cruise lines often introduce new ships with all the latest features, but older ships tend to be more affordable. These ships may not have the newest bells and whistles, but they still offer excellent service and itineraries.

– Watch for Flash Sales: Many cruise lines run flash sales that last for just a few days. During these sales, you can find deeply discounted fares, free cabin upgrades, and added perks like drink packages or onboard credits.

– Use Cruise Deal Websites: several websites offer comprehensive listings of the latest cruise deals and last-minute offers. These sites make it easy to compare prices and find the best deals based on your preferences.