From Alaskan cruises that let you get up close and personal with nature to Caribbean cruises that allow you to enjoy the gorgeous blue waters, there is always somewhere new to go when you want to take a cruise. They aren’t cheap, though, and for many people, feel completely cost-prohibitive. However, that may not truly be the case. There are many ways to find deals on cruises and save money on the vacation of a lifetime.
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Book Your Cruise Early or Late
When it comes to booking, you’ll get the best cruise deals if you book more than a year in advance or if you book at the last minute. When you build your itinerary early on, you’re more likely to get deeply discounted fares and still have access to some of the best cabins on the ship. This is because early on there’s still plenty of supply on the ship but not a lot of demand yet.
It’s not just the early bird who gets the worm, though. If your lifestyle allows you to book your vacations with flexible travel dates, you may find deep discounts on cruise cabins that have yet to be booked. Keep in mind that these deals are often less desirable cabins on older ships. Even so, it’s a vacation and will definitely feel luxurious if you’ve never been on a cruise before.
Avoid Getting Roped Into Those “Cheap” Websites
You’ve heard the commercials screaming at you on TV and seen the ads pop up every time you begin to search for cruises. Websites make the claim that they have the best deals on all the biggest cruises, but the reality is that they often all charge the exact same price. Factor in their fees, and you could actually find yourself paying more for your cruise than you expected. The better idea is to book your trip directly through the cruise line’s website. Taking out the middleman ensures you get what you pay for and have a direct link to the company if something goes wrong.
Learn When It’s Cheapest To Book
Did you know there are some months that are better for booking affordable cruises than others? Supply and demand come in again. The summer months (as well as spring break and holiday breaks during the school year) are the most common times that people want to go on cruises. When there’s a high demand but not enough supply, prices go up. If you want to get the best deals for your vacation, book cruises during times when other people aren’t as interested. Typically, this includes January through early March, although you may also find good deals between mid-September and Thanksgiving.
Consider Using a Travel Agent
With so many websites offering DIY options, some people forget that travel agents are still working and relevant in the digital age. If you decide to use one to book your trip, choose someone who specializes in cruises. Larger travel agencies are especially well-known for having access to lower rates in bulk, which means they’ll block out large chunks of cabins to resell later. Because they got such a steep discount, you save money but they still make a profit on the markup. Occasionally, you’ll even find a travel agent who throws in additional savings such as extra amenities or onboard credit.
Book a Trip With Other People
Travel agents aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of discounts by booking multiple rooms at once. Many ships even offer special perks to those who book in groups, such as one person cruising free for so many people booked. The key is to determine how many people make a group on the cruise line that you want to use. Then, all you need to do is find your people. Book with your extended family (if you like them enough to be stuck on a boat in the middle of the sea with them) or with some of your closest friends. Once everyone commits, you can start spreading the savings among the group.
There is no wrong time to book a cruise, but there are times when you’ll get a better deal, and who doesn’t want to save money? Use these tips to keep more cash in your wallet and enjoy your next cruise.
