Dreaming of a cruise vacation but worried about the cost? The good news is that there are plenty of ways to find cheap cruises without sacrificing fun or comfort. Whether you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, searching for last-minute deals, or trying to score the best cruise prices, this guide will show you exactly how to save money.
We’ll cover the best times to book, how to take advantage of cruise deals, and insider tips to find the lowest prices. Let’s set sail on your budget-friendly adventure!
1. Book Early or Last Minute for the Best Deals
Booking early can help secure lower prices and better cabin selection, with some cruise lines offering incentives like onboard credit, free drink packages, or specialty dining perks. The best time to book early is 6-12 months in advance, as this is when cruise lines first release their itineraries, and you’ll have access to the widest selection of rooms at the lowest prices.
On the other hand, last-minute deals—typically within 60 days of departure—can also provide some of the best cruise deals, especially if you have flexibility in your sail date and departure port. Cruise lines prefer to fill their ships rather than leave cabins empty, so you can take advantage of steep discounts. Checking multiple websites, signing up for price alerts, and being ready to book quickly can help you capitalize on last-minute bargains.
2. Be Flexible with Your Departure Date and Port
The cheapest cruises are often available during the shoulder season, just before or after peak travel times. Fall and early spring tend to have lower prices than summer and holiday periods. Caribbean cruises in September and October are especially affordable, though be mindful of hurricane season. Similarly, Alaska cruises tend to be cheapest in May and September when the weather is a little cooler, but the experience is still incredible.
Sailing from ports like Galveston, Baltimore, or Tampa can sometimes be cheaper than Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Checking multiple departure ports can help you find the best prices. If you live within driving distance of a port, you can save on airfare as well, further cutting down on the total cost of your trip.
3. Choose Repositioning Cruises for Huge Savings
Repositioning cruises occur when cruise ships move from one region to another, such as from Europe to the Caribbean in the fall or from the Caribbean to Alaska in the spring. These longer itineraries often come at discounted rates, making them perfect for travelers who enjoy extended time at sea and unique destinations. While they may require a one-way flight home, the low ticket prices often make it worth the extra travel cost.
4. Take Advantage of Cruise Deals and Special Promotions
Major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, frequently run special promotions. These deals can include discounts on fares, free upgrades, or onboard credit that can be used for drinks, dining, shore excursions, or even gratuities.
Common promotions to look out for:
- “Kids Sail Free” – A great option for families, allowing children to cruise at no extra cost.
- “Second Guest Sails Free” – Often found in limited-time promotions, where one person pays the full fare, and the second guest pays a heavily discounted rate.
- Holiday Sales – Major discounts around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Wave Season (January-March).
- Military and Senior Discounts – Many cruise lines offer discounts for veterans, active military members, and seniors.
5. Consider an Interior Cabin or Guarantee Cabin
If you don’t mind forgoing a balcony, interior cabins are significantly cheaper than oceanview or balcony rooms. Another option is a guarantee cabin, where you don’t pick your exact room but pay a lower price in exchange for flexibility. This can sometimes result in an upgrade if better rooms remain unsold close to departure.
6. Use a Travel Agent or Cruise Tracking Tool
Travel agents often have access to exclusive rates, perks, and hidden deals not available to the public. Some agencies even offer discounted group rates or special pricing when you book multiple cabins.
Using a cruise tracking tool like The Cruise Tracker allows you to monitor cruise prices and book when rates are at their lowest. By checking price trends, you can determine the best time to book and avoid overpaying for your cruise.
7. Save Big on Extras
Look for All-Inclusive Cruise Packages
Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive deals that include drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining. While the upfront cost is higher, this can help save money in the long run, especially if you plan to enjoy onboard amenities.
Skip Unnecessary Fees
To cut costs, avoid spending on things that aren’t essential to your experience. For example:
- Bring your own beverages – Some cruise lines allow guests to bring limited amounts of wine or soft drinks onboard.
- Book excursions in advance – Booking directly through tour providers instead of the cruise line can save you money.
- Use free onboard activities – Many ships offer entertainment, fitness classes, and dining options at no extra charge.
Take Advantage of Special Rates
Many cruise lines offer discounted fares for families, seniors, teachers, first responders, and members of loyalty programs. Signing up for newsletters and loyalty programs can alert you to these discounts before they go public.
8. Consider Alternative Itineraries
If you’re flexible with your destination, choosing less popular routes can save you money. Instead of the Caribbean, consider cruises to Mexico, South America, or Canada/New England, which often have lower prices. European river cruises can also offer excellent value during the off-season.
Find the Best Cruise Deals Today
Scoring a cheap cruise is all about strategy—book early, stay flexible, use price tracking tools, and take advantage of promotions. Whether you’re eyeing a Royal Caribbean cruise, a last-minute steal, or a budget-friendly repositioning cruise, following these tips will help you save big.
With a little research and flexibility, you can enjoy an incredible cruise vacation without breaking the bank. Ready to find your perfect cruise? Use The Cruise Tracker to compare prices and book at the right time!