An Insider’s Look at how to find cheap cruises online

I’ve worked in the cruise industry for years and seen how prices change a lot. From luxury cruises over £4,000 per night¹ to budget-friendly ones starting at £13 per night¹, there’s a cruise for every budget. I’ll share tips to help you find great deals on your next cruise.

Want a Caribbean getaway, a European tour, or an Alaskan adventure? Finding affordable cruises means knowing how prices change. This guide will teach you how to find the cheapest deals online. You’ll learn about the true cost of cruising, the best lines for budget travelers, and more.

Key Takeaways

Cruise prices can vary dramatically, from as low as £13 per night to over £4,000 per night¹
Understanding the true cost of cruising, including gratuities and other fees, is essential for budgeting
Certain cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises, are known for offering more affordable options¹
Timing your cruise to the off-season can result in significant savings
Cruising with children can be more affordable, as some lines offer free or discounted fares for kids¹

Understand the True Cost of Cruising

When you book a cruise, it’s key to know all the costs involved. The fare usually covers your room, meals, basic drinks, shows, and pool access². But, things like special dining, spa treatments, casino games, and tips add up, affecting your total cost².

What’s Included in the Cruise Fare

Here’s what you usually get with your cruise fare:

Your cabin or stateroom
Meals in main dining areas and buffets
Entertainment and activities on board
Use of recreational facilities like pools, hot tubs, and gyms

Don’t Forget to Factor in Gratuities

Gratuities are often overlooked in cruise budgets. It’s suggested to tip $16-$18 per person daily, which can add up fast for families². Some cruise lines include tips in the fare, so check the total cost before booking².

Knowing the full cost of a cruise, including what’s included and tips, helps you plan your budget better.

“Cruises are becoming increasingly less all-inclusive each year. Specialty restaurants on cruise ships can increase cost compared to dining areas, buffets, and other shops.”²

To cut costs, bring your own water, soda, and beer on the ship if allowed². Also, booking shore trips with local operators can be cheaper than the cruise’s options².

The Best Cheap Cruise Lines

Looking for affordable cruise options? Some cruise lines are more budget-friendly than others. MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises are great choices for those on a tight budget³. But remember, the total cost includes taxes, fees, and gratuities, which can add up².

Some cruise lines, like Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises, don’t charge extra for gratuities for UK guests³. This makes them a great pick for those watching their wallets. It helps keep costs down and makes pricing clearer.

Cruise Line	Average Price per Day	Gratuities Included
MSC Cruises	$50-$100	Yes (for UK guests)
Costa Cruises	$60-$120	No
P&O Cruises	$70-$150	Yes (for UK guests)

The prices listed are just a rough guide. The actual cost can change based on the cruise, its route, and other details². By looking around and comparing options, you can find a cruise that fits your budget and likes.

In short, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises are top picks for affordable cruises³. With some planning and research, you can discover a great cheap cruise for your next vacation.

Choosing the Right Cruise Ship and Cabin

When planning your budget cruise, picking the right ship and cabin is key. Newer, bigger ships can be pricey, even after updates⁴. Look for deals on older ships that are still in great shape for a good deal⁴.

The Best Cheap Cruise Ships

Older cruise ships are often the best for saving money. They might lack the newest features, but they offer great value⁴. Cruise lines also offer the cheapest fares when bookings first open, often for trips far ahead⁴.

The Best Cheap Cruise Cabins

Inside cabins without windows are usually the cheapest⁴. “Guarantee” inside cabins, where the ship picks your cabin, can also save you money⁴. But, finding last-minute cruise deals is rare today since cruise lines manage their inventory well⁴.

Booking through a cruise travel agent can also help. They might get you lower fares not seen by the public⁴. Repositioning cruises, sailing one way between regions, can also be cheaper because of their unique route and longer trip⁴.

Cruise Ship Type	Typical Fare Range
Newer, Larger Cruise Ships	Higher
Older, Well-Maintained Cruise Ships	Lower
Inside Cabins without Windows	Most Cost-Effective
“Guarantee” Inside Cabins	Additional Discounts

Keep these tips in mind to find the best budget cruise ship and cabin. This way, you can enjoy your vacation without spending too much⁴⁵⁶.

how to find cheap cruises online: Destination and Timing Matters

Planning a budget-friendly cruise means looking at the destination and timing. Choosing a cruise from a nearby port can save you a lot⁷. Also, the cheapest times to cruise are during the off-season, like December/January in Europe and August-October in the Caribbean⁷.

The Best Cheap Cruise Destinations

The Caribbean, Mexico, and the Mediterranean are great for budget-friendly cruises⁷. These places offer many cruise lines and itineraries. This lets you find the perfect trip for your budget⁷. To save more, look for less popular ports. They might have cheaper options.

The Cheapest Time Of Year To Cruise

The holidays and summer breaks are the most expensive times to cruise⁷. But, the shoulder season, between peak and off-peak times, offers big discounts on cruise fares⁷. This is a chance to enjoy a luxury cruise for less.

Being smart about your destination and timing opens up affordable cruise options. You can go on your dream vacation without spending a lot⁷.

Strategies for Affordable Family Cruises

When cruising with your family, look for cruise lines that offer free or discounted fares for kids. Some cruise lines charge full adult prices for each child. But, options like MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises offer more affordable rates for kids⁸. Choosing a cruise with a “kids sail free” deal can save you a lot of money⁸.

The Best Cheap Family Cruises

Here are some tips for an affordable family-friendly cruise:

Book inside cabins for the cheapest option⁸.
Look for discounts for seniors, military, or certain state residents⁸.
Travel before or after the peak holiday season for lower prices⁸.
Save on transportation by driving to the cruise port⁸.
Choose older cruise ships for up to 20% off⁸.
Use “Kids Sail Free” promotions for certain ages or cabin additions⁸.

With these tips, you can find family-friendly cruise deals that are budget-friendly and make lasting memories⁸.

“Booking a year in advance can help secure promotional rates, so plan early for cost-effective cruises.”⁸

Also, consider booking through online or local travel agents who specialize in cruises. They might offer discounted rates⁸. Always keep an eye on cruise prices after booking. You might find lower fares closer to the departure date⁸.

Cruise Line	Kids Sail Free Promotion	Minimum Age
MSC Cruises	Kids sail free with two full-paying adults	17 and under
Costa Cruises	Kids sail for a reduced fare with two full-paying adults	18 and under
Royal Caribbean	Kids sail for a reduced fare with two full-paying adults	12 and under

By looking into these deals, you can plan an affordable and fun vacation for your family⁸.

Where and How to Find Discount Cruise Deals

Finding great cruise deals is easier than you think. Instead of looking for deals yourself, sign up for cruise line loyalty programs⁹. Also, join Facebook groups for your favorite cruise lines. This way, you’ll get the scoop on exclusive offers, last-minute deals, and sales⁹.

Use the Vacations To Go 90-Day Ticker to find discounted cruises⁹. Being flexible with your travel plans can also lead to big savings¹⁰.

Destination	Shoulder Seasons	Potential Savings
Alaska	April, early May, September, mid-October	Up to 50% on repositioning cruises¹⁰
Europe	April, May, September to November	Advance booking 6-12 months can lead to better deals¹⁰
Caribbean	May, June, July, December, January, March	Prices tend to increase closer to sail date¹⁰

Look into expedition-style cruises and older ships for great deals¹⁰. A travel advisor who knows cruises can also give you exclusive discounts and perks¹⁰.

By using these tips, you can find amazing last-minute cruise discounts, cruise booking websites for deals, and loyalty programs for cruise savings. This will make your dream cruise vacation come true⁹¹⁰¹¹.

“Cruising is one of the best ways to explore the world while enjoying a stress-free vacation with all the planning taken care of by the cruise line.”⁹

Conclusion

Finding cheap cruises online means knowing the full costs and picking the right cruise line and ship. Timing your booking for the off-season helps too. Plus, using strategies to uncover the best discounts is key¹². This way, you can have a dream cruise vacation without spending a lot.

Using cruise comparison websites and online travel agents can lead to special deals you won’t find elsewhere¹³. Booking early can save you money and give you more cabin choices¹³. Traveling during the off-season and being flexible with your dates can also get you the best deals¹³. Plus, choosing ports other than Miami can cut down on cruise costs¹³.

Don’t forget to look into senior, military, and group discounts. Also, keep an eye out for flash sales and limited-time promotions from cruise liners¹³. These can save you a lot of money.

By using these tips and strategies, you can go on a dream cruise vacation without spending too much. So, start planning your next affordable cruise adventure today!

FAQ

What’s included in the cruise fare?

Cruises usually offer accommodation, food, basic drinks, entertainment, and access to pools and fitness areas. But, things like specialty dining, spa treatments, casino, and tips are extra.

How much should I budget for gratuities?

Gratuities can cost about -18 per person each day. This adds up fast for families. Some cruise lines include tips in the fare, so check the total cost before booking.

What are the cheapest cruise lines?

The cheapest cruise lines are MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises, from lowest to highest price. But remember, taxes, fees, and tips can increase the final cost.

What are the best cheap cruise ships and cabins?

New, big cruise ships are pricier than older ones, even after updates. Look for deals on well-kept older ships. Inside cabins without windows are the cheapest. “Guarantee” inside cabins can also offer discounts.

When is the cheapest time to cruise?

The cheapest cruise times are in the off-season, like December/January in Europe or August-October in the Caribbean. Prices drop due to weather issues. The most expensive times are holidays and summer breaks when more people want to cruise.

How can I find cheap family cruises?

For family cruises, look for lines offering free or discounted kids’ fares. Some charge full adult prices for kids, but others like MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises offer better deals. “Kids sail free” promotions can save families a lot.

Where and how can I find discount cruise deals?

Instead of searching for deals, join cruise line loyalty programs, cruise line Facebook groups, and use the Vacations To Go 90-Day Ticker for last-minute sales. Being flexible with your choices can help find the best deals.