Prices. Summer cruises tend to be the most expensive, even for the Caribbean during hurricane season. Winter cruises can be a great deal, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is a slow travel period.
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The best time of year to book a cruise is often January through March. During this period — also known as wave season — industry-wide sales occur and the price of that cruise you've been dreaming of may drop significantly.
The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.
Best Time to Take a Holiday CruiseThanksgiving cruises are slightly cheaper, but the best holiday cruise bargains fall between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. These are also the best dates for cruisers looking to celebrate without quite so many children onboard.
Taking a Cruise in DecemberPros: The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the absolute cheapest times to sail. With many people not looking to travel between these two major holidays, cruise lines slash fares. It's not unusual to see a trip costing 50% less than a comparable trip during the summer.
Taking a Cruise in JanuaryCruise lines typically have discounted rates to fill up the ship in January; the same cruise departing at the height of the busy summer can cost hundreds of dollars more than in January.
According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise. Prices associated with travel are always in flux due to supply and demand, so the prices of a cruise can change daily. Prices could spike on a Wednesday and drop, well, on a Thursday.
As any seasoned traveler knows, you'll often find lower rates or free add-ons as the departure date approaches and the cruise line works to fill the ship.
Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.
You can often land deals if you travel during the early weeks of December and in the later spring, when weather is still mostly calm and dry. The cheapest time for Caribbean cruises runs from late summer into fall, when hurricane season is at its peak.
January to March is typically the most cost-effective time to cruise, but there is a better chance of inclement weather and ships may have to change course to steer clear of storms.
The cheapest months to cruise to the Caribbean are May, September and October. The peak season for the Caribbean is December to April when it is driest – cheaper months tend to experience more rainfall and the risk of hurricanes causing changes to itineraries.
Can you negotiate Cruise prices? Cruise lines don't typically negotiate their prices, but that doesn't mean that you cannot get a great deal on a cruise. Getting the best cruise deal begins with understanding the industry and using that to your advantage.
Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain.
December is one of the best times to take a cruise. Whether you're looking to escape the winter cold or just prefer to celebrate the holiday season at sea, the end of the year is the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind on a ship.
Every cruise line wants its customers to come back onboard and therefore offers excellent incentives to book your next cruise onboard. Cruisers who know they will sail again can take advantage of these offers and earn perks they otherwise will not receive once they return home.
Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.