What Makes the Perfect How to Book Cheap Cruises

Booking a budget-friendly cruise vacation is easier than you think. With smart strategies and timing, you can find deals that match your budget and travel plans. Whether you want an affordable trip or a cheap getaway, there are ways to get the best cruise deal¹.

Being flexible is a big help in finding cheap cruises. Booking at the last minute can lead to big discounts, as cruise lines try to fill empty cabins¹. Also, sailing during the off-season or on repositioning cruises can save you a lot of money².

Another tip is to use cruise deal websites and be open to different cruise lines or itineraries for the best deals¹. By staying informed and flexible, you can find great ways to save on your cruise.

Key Takeaways

Flexibility is key when booking cheap cruises, as last-minute bookings and shoulder season travel can yield significant savings.
Checking cruise deal aggregators and being open to switching itineraries or cruise lines can help you find the most budget-friendly options.
Ancillary costs like specialty dining, drinks, and shore excursions can greatly impact the overall cost of a cruise, so be mindful of these extra expenses.
Booking early is important for popular itineraries and new ships, as the best deals are often snatched up quickly.
Certain discounts, such as military, senior, and teacher rates, as well as resident-specific offers, can provide additional savings.

Timing is Crucial for Booking Cheap Cruises

Booking cheap cruises is all about timing. Experts say booking early is key to getting the best cabins and itineraries. This is especially true for popular cruises and new ships³. Prices can drop as low as £39/$50 per night if you book early, especially when the itineraries first come out³.

Book Early for Prime Itineraries and New Ships

But, don’t wait too long to book. Cruise lines often give big discounts to fill up the ship³. Booking around 60-90 days before departure can lead to lower prices as they adjust for space³. Maiden voyages can be super cheap because of possible issues with the new ship³.

Traveling during the off-season can save you a lot of money. For example, going to the Caribbean in late spring or fall can be cheaper³. Autumn/Fall and Winter, especially November, December, January, and February, often have the best deals³.

The best prices for popular cruises come out when fares are first released. Prices go up as the ship gets full⁴. Cruise lines might ask for full payment 60 or 90 days before sailing, so plan ahead³.

Discounts and promotions happen during “Wave Season,” from January to March³. Booking on a Wednesday or Thursday might be a good idea, but opinions vary³. The best time to find a cheap cruise depends on the destination³.

Booking early is important because of the paperwork needed, usually two to three days before departure³. In the US, price guarantees can lower fares if the cruise price drops after booking. The price you pay at booking is usually set, after paying a deposit³.

Shoulder Seasons and Repositioning Cruises Offer Discounts

Cruising in shoulder seasons like spring and fall can save you a lot of money. These seasons are cheaper than summer and holidays⁵. Places like Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean have shoulder seasons too, which means lower prices⁵. Repositioning cruises also offer great deals. They move ships between places and are usually longer, lasting from a few days to 28 nights⁶. These cruises let you see new places without spending a lot.

⁶ Repositioning cruises have more sea days and are available from spring to fall⁶. They take you to different parts of the world, depending on the season⁶. These cruises have special themes, lectures, and activities because they last longer at sea⁶. They are often cheaper because they have more sea days than regular cruises.

⁵ Booking a cruise 6 to 12 months ahead can get you better deals, especially for new ships or popular dates⁵. Repositioning cruises can be 50% cheaper than regular ones, making them a smart choice⁵. Joining cruise loyalty programs can also get you discounts, as cruise lines want you to come back.

⁵ Booking a cruise on a ship can get you discounts and credits for your next trip⁵. But, finding last-minute deals is rare now because of the pandemic, so waiting for discounts might not save you money⁵. Choosing older ships, 5 to 7 years old, can be a good deal. They have the same comforts as newer ships but cost less⁵. Working with a travel advisor who knows about cruises can help you find the best deals.

By choosing shoulder season and repositioning cruises, you can have a budget-friendly vacation and see new places without spending a lot during peak times⁶⁵.

Check Cruise Deal Aggregators and Promotional Offers

Finding great cruise deals can seem tough, but don’t worry – cruise deal aggregators and promotional offers can help. Sites like Cruise Critic and Cruise Sheet look at many cruise lines and sailings to find the best prices⁷. Cruise lines also offer deals, like onboard credits or free upgrades, which can save you a lot on your cruise⁷.

These aggregators are great because they track price changes over time². Cruise Critic shows 90-day trends for cruise prices, helping you decide when to book². CruiseDirect lets you hold a reservation for free and offers bonus deals, giving you options without rushing⁷.

Cruise line promotions can lead to big savings⁷. Priceline might give you up to $2,000 to spend onboard and waive deposits up to $500⁷. American Airlines Cruises and Delta SkyMiles Cruises offer up to 100,000 miles on certain cruises⁷. United Airlines Cruises lets you earn up to 7x miles and gives extra perks for Premier members⁷. Marriott Bonvoy Cruises also offers up to 6x points on cruises and lets you use points for trips⁷.

So, if you’re looking for the best cruise deals or want to use your loyalty points, check out these resources. A bit of research and planning can lead you to the perfect cruise at a great price⁷².

Rebook or Request Onboard Credit for Lower Rates

Timing is key when looking for cruise rebooking and lower cruise rates. If the cruise fare drops after you book, you might get a better deal by rebooking or asking for onboard credit from the cruise line⁸.

How to get lower fares depends on the cruise line. Some offer a “Price Protection” program, letting you claim the difference up to 72 hours before sailing⁸. Others, like Carnival, have a “Best Price Guarantee” for a refund if you find a cheaper fare within 48 hours of booking⁸.

Always read the details and know the cruise line policies on cruise rate adjustments. Some lines don’t refund deposits, so it’s key to understand the rules early⁹. If you’re past the final payment deadline, you’re more likely to get the lower fare or onboard credit⁹.

Working with a travel agent or the cruise line can help you get the best deal on rebooking or onboard credit for cruise rates¹⁰.

“If a request for a lower cruise fare is submitted on or before the due date of final payment, Celebrity will reduce the cruise fare to the available prevailing cruise fare and issue a refund if full payment has been made.”¹⁰

By staying informed and proactive, you can save more and have an amazing cruise vacation at a great price.

How to Book Cheap Cruises

Booking cheap cruises needs a smart plan. Be flexible with your travel dates, cruise lines, and routes. Keep an eye on prices, sign up for alerts, and use group or loyalty discounts to find cheaper options.⁷

Booking early can save you money. Cruise lines offer discounts for early planners. This way, you get to choose the best routes and enjoy new ships⁷. Also, consider off-peak seasons and repositioning cruises for big savings⁷.

Use special websites and deal sites to find great cruise deals. These sites let you compare prices, track trends, and spot exclusive deals. Check out CheapCaribbean, Cruise Critic, CruiseDirect, Priceline, and Avoya Travel for deals and guarantees⁷.

If you find a better deal later, ask to rebook or get onboard credit. Many cruise lines will lower the price or give you more credits to keep you on board⁷.

“Booking cheap cruises requires a combination of flexibility, timing, and research. By being open to adjusting your travel plans and leveraging the right resources, you can unlock significant savings on your dream cruise vacation.”

By using these tips, you can find amazing deals on budget-friendly cruises⁷¹¹.

Booking Websites for Finding Cheap Cruise Deals

Finding the best cruise deals can feel like a treasure hunt. But, with the right tools, it’s easy to find great deals. Many websites are made to help you find and compare cruise prices. This way, you can get the best voyage at a great price.

Popular Cruise Deal Websites

Cruise Critic is a top site for finding cruise deals. It has a strong price tracking system and scores deals for you. Cruise Sheet is another great choice, always on the lookout for the latest discounts and deals.

Vacations to Go is perfect for those looking for great value. It offers a huge selection of discount cruises and special deals¹². Travel agencies like Priceline and Avoya Travel also offer great cruise packages. These often come with extras like onboard credit or prepaid tips.

Website	Key Features	Unique Offers
Cruises.com	Price tracking, deal scoring	Up to $2,000 cash back or up to $1,500 onboard credit¹²
Travelocity	Convenient booking platform	Potential for difficult cancellation policies¹²
CheapCaribbean.com	Price match guarantee	110% Best Price Guarantee within 48 hours¹²
Delta SkyMiles Cruises	Earn miles, price match guarantee	Up to 30,000 miles earned, 110% Price Match Guarantee, $24.99 processing fee¹²
American Airlines Cruises	Earn miles, price match guarantee	110% Price Match Guarantee, $24.99 processing fee¹²

By checking out these cruise booking sites, you can find lots of deals and discounts. This makes your next cruise vacation unforgettable and easy on the wallet¹²¹³⁷.

Tips for Enjoying a Cheap Cruise Vacation

Onboard Cost-Saving Strategies

Going on a cruise vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. Even with a low-cost cruise, you can save more by using smart tips onboard¹⁴. Prices for cruises range from £13 per night to over £4,000¹⁴. A family of four can spend less on cruises than leasing a car¹⁴.

Avoid extra costs for soda, photos, specialty dining, and alcohol¹⁴. Tips and gratuities can add $16-18 per person, per day, making it about $450 for a family on a seven-night cruise¹⁴. But, some cruise lines like Marella, MSC, and P&O include gratuities in the ticket price for UK guests¹⁴.

Bring your own water, snacks, and alcohol (if allowed) to cut costs¹⁵. Also, book shore excursions on your own and skip the casino to save more¹⁴. The cheapest cabins are usually inside cabins or “guarantee cabins” where the cruise picks your room¹⁴.

Using these tips, you can make the most of your cruise and have a great time without spending a lot¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶.

“Selecting cruises where kids cruise free can save families up to 50% on the total cruise price.”¹⁴

Conclusion

Booking a cheap cruise vacation is easy with the right approach. Prices can change and even go over $100 USD per day¹⁷. But, by booking during the “wave season” from January to March¹⁸, you can save money. This way, you can cruise for as little as $30 USD per day¹⁷.

Also, look for last-minute deals. Ships try to fill empty cabins before they set sail¹⁷. This can help you save even more.

Using repositioning cruises, loyalty programs, and discounts on extras can also cut costs¹⁸. Whether you want a budget-friendly world cruise starting at around $15,000 per person¹⁹ or something more luxurious, planning and research are key. They help you find a cruise that meets your budget and travel dreams.

Strategies like booking early, choosing shoulder seasons, and using deal sites and promotions can lead to a memorable cruise without high costs. With effort and the right mindset, you can enjoy all the perks of cruising while keeping your expenses in check.

FAQ

How can I book cheap cruises?

To book cheap cruises, be flexible and plan well. Look for deals at the last minute as cruise lines offer discounts to fill cabins. Also, consider off-peak seasons or repositioning cruises for big savings. Using cruise deal websites and being open to different options can also help find the best deals.

When is the best time to book a cruise to get the best deals?

Booking early is key for the best cabins and itineraries, especially for popular times. But, waiting until the last minute can also lead to great discounts as cruise lines try to fill remaining cabins.

What are the best times of year to take a budget-friendly cruise?

Cruise in the shoulder seasons, like spring and fall, for big savings. Repositioning cruises are also a great choice for budget-friendly travel. They offer low rates and let you visit new places.

Where can I find the best cruise deals?

Use cruise deal websites like Cruise Critic and Cruise Sheet to find top deals. They compare prices across many cruise lines. Cruise lines also offer special deals, such as onboard credits or discounts, which can save you a lot of money.

What can I do if the cruise fare decreases after I’ve booked?

If the cruise fare drops after you book, you might get a lower rate by rebooking or asking for onboard credit. Check the cruise line’s policies and work with a travel agent for the best outcome. Some cruise lines have rules about deposits, so know them before you act.

What are some tips for booking cheap cruises?

For cheap cruises, be flexible with your dates and options. Keep an eye on prices and sign up for deal alerts. Using group discounts or loyalty programs can also help you save money.

What are the best websites for finding cheap cruise deals?

For the best cruise deals, check out Cruise Critic, Cruise Sheet, and Vacations to Go. These sites track prices and let you compare deals across different cruise lines. Travel agencies like Priceline and Avoya Travel also offer exclusive cruise deals.

How can I save money on a cruise once I’ve booked?

Even with a cheap cruise, you can save more by being smart onboard. Skip extra charges for soda, photos, and other items. Bring your own water and snacks to save money. Booking shore excursions on your own and avoiding the casino can also help you save.