How to Save Money on Your Next Cruise: Smart Booking Tips
Planning a cruise is an exciting adventure, especially when you snag the best price. Much like booking flights or hotels, timing is key to securing great cruise deals. Here are some insights to help you maximize your savings.
Book During Wave Season (January to March)
The period from January to March, known as “wave season,” is the best time to book a cruise. Cruise lines offer numerous promotions, including complimentary beverage packages, free cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, and even free stays for third and fourth guests.
To secure the best deals, I recommend booking early in this timeframe. Popular accommodations—suites, family rooms, and spa cabins—fill up quickly. Cruises around Christmas and New Year’s are especially in high demand, so acting fast is essential if you want to secure your preferred cabin.
Take Advantage of Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales
November and early December are prime times for cruise deals, thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Cruise lines roll out limited-time offers, providing a second chance for great discounts if you missed wave season.
During these sales, I often find perks such as:
- Free onboard credit
- Complimentary specialty dining
- Beverage packages
- Wi-Fi access
- Room upgrades
These incentives not only reduce costs but also enhance the overall cruise experience.
Score Last-Minute Cruise Deals
If you’re flexible with dates and itineraries, last-minute bookings (typically 60 to 90 days before departure) can lead to significant savings. Since these reservations are made after the final payment deadline, full payment is required upfront.
While last-minute deals can be budget-friendly, keep in mind, it might backfire on you:
- Airfare and accommodation: You might end up having to pay a lot more on airfare and hotel because you’re booking last minute. The extra costs can offset the savings you are getting by booking last minute. I suggest only consider cruises from ports within driving distance unless you can get a good deal on airfare and hotel.
- Cabin selection: Since you are booking last minute, your cabin selection will be very limited. If you’re picky with your cabin location, you shouldn’t book last minute cruises. For sure all the prime cabin locations will be gone.
- Shore Excursions: One thing to remember when you book last minute cruises is that popular shore excursions will likely be sold out. You will just have to be OK with this.
I once met a couple on a Panama cruise who booked last minute and paid significantly less than I did—definitely an eye-opener!
Save with Future Cruise Bookings
Booking your next cruise while still onboard can lead to substantial savings. Cruise ships have Future Cruise desks where you can explore offers, including:
- Reduced fares
- Increased onboard credit
- Lower deposit requirements
- Early access to unreleased cabins, sometimes even on new ships
If you’re not ready to commit, consider purchasing future cruise credits. For example, investing $150 might earn you $300 in cruise credit. It’s like buying a discounted gift card for your next adventure.
However, be careful:
- Non-refundable credits: They often have expiration dates and are tied to the cruise line where purchased.
- Limited flexibility: If your plans change, you may lose the credit. I learned this the hard way after letting one expire because I booked with a different cruise line.
Securing the best cruise deal comes down to timing, flexibility, and knowing where to find the best offers. Whether you book early, seize Black Friday deals, hunt for last-minute bargains, or invest in future cruise credits, these strategies will help you sail away with more money in your pocket—and more fun on board!
