8 Little-Known Tips for Getting a Great Deal on a Cruise

Cruises are all about relaxation and adventure, but if you’re not careful, you could end up spending way more than you planned. Don’t let hidden fees and missed opportunities sink your budget – savvy travelers know how to avoid wasting money when booking a cruise.

Discover eight little-known tips to score the best deals and make your dream cruise a reality.

Cruise lines and travel agents often work with “quiet offers,” which are exclusive deals they can’t publish online. These hidden bargains can undercut even the lowest advertised rates, but you have to call to learn about them.

Travel agents also get the inside scoop on sales before they go live and can flag discounts you might not even know you qualify for, such as senior and military discounts. A quick call could mean snagging that dream balcony cabin for far less than you expected.

Big, shiny cruise ships packed with the latest amenities often come with a hefty price tag. Smaller ships, on the other hand, can offer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing a good time.

While they may not have water slides or endless dining options, many passengers don’t end up using all the bells and whistles on larger ships anyway.

Another savvy move? Consider sailing on an older vessel. These ships might lack some of the flashier features of their newer counterparts, but they can deliver incredible value for the budget-conscious traveler.

Smaller or older doesn’t mean less fun – it just means more savings in your pocket.

Cruising during the offseason – September, October, and November – can save you a bundle. With kids back in school and family vacations winding down, demand for cruises drops, and prices often follow suit.

In the Caribbean, these months coincide with hurricane season, which might scare off some travelers. But if you’re flexible about potential port changes and invest in travel insurance, cruising during this time can be a steal. Plus, fewer crowds mean more room to enjoy the ship and possibly score unique itineraries you wouldn’t see during peak travel periods.

Timing is everything when it comes to getting the best cruise deals. If you have a specific ship or itinerary in mind, booking early is your smartest move. The most desirable cabins on new ships sell out fast, and cruise lines gradually increase prices as inventory shrinks. Many lines open bookings two or three years before departure, so planning ahead could lock in the lowest fare.

While it is a bit of a gamble, last-minute deals can also be a goldmine if you’re flexible. Cruise lines sometimes slash prices to fill unsold cabins as sailing dates near.

If you don’t mind a little mystery, consider booking a guaranteed cabin. This option, often offered during promotions, locks in a lower price while guaranteeing your fare and cabin category. However, you won’t know your exact cabin number until closer to your sailing date.

Many cruise lines knock $50 to $100 per person off the advertised fares for guaranteed cabins. While there’s a risk of ending up in a less-than-ideal location, you might luck out with a prime spot – or even a free upgrade to a higher category if your chosen type is unavailable.

Stay in the loop on cruise deals by signing up for promotional emails from your favorite lines. These emails often include last-minute discounts, short-term sales, and special offers.

One of the best times to catch deals is during “wave season” (January through March) when post-holiday demand dips and cruise lines roll out industry-wide promotions.

Don’t forget to also follow cruise lines on social media platforms like Instagram, X, or TikTok to spot giveaways and flash sales.

Keep an eye on cruise fares even after you’ve booked – if the price drops before your final payment, you might be able to snag the savings. Many cruise lines will let you request a rate adjustment, cancel, and rebook at the lower price. You can also ask to receive the difference as an onboard credit.

Just be aware of your booking terms — some lines have non-refundable deposit policies that could limit your options.

Scoring a great deal on a cruise is all about strategy – whether it’s booking early or late, sailing in the offseason, or opting for a smaller or guaranteed cabin. Keeping an eye on promotions, monitoring price drops, and asking the right questions can help you save money on travel.

Additionally, bundling your cruise with airfare or pre-cruise hotel stays through the cruise line can help you save even more money, while also simplifying logistics for your trip. With these insider tips, you’ll be well on your way to a budget-friendly vacation on the high seas.