How do I choose the best cruise deal?

Combine a few of these strategies, and you are sure to find the best cruise deals available on your next sailing.
  1. Cruise during the off-season. ...
  2. Book early. ...
  3. Book late. ...
  4. Sail on an older ship. ...
  5. Use a travel agent. ...
  6. Consider a repositioning cruise.




People Also Ask

Booking a cruise one to two years in advance is not practical for many families, so a great time to book a cruise is between six and 12 months before sailing. In addition to the lower prices, booking well in-advance of a cruise assures you of the ship and stateroom you want to reserve.

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Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

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Beyond during holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when there may be some flash sales, January and February are particularly good times to book a cruise, as the first two months of the year are considered “wave season” in the cruising industry.

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What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won't allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can't decompress as thoroughly, either.

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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.

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What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

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The best cruise websites and how they sweeten the deal
  • For sailings across the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America: CheapCaribbean.
  • For reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic.
  • To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect.
  • For budget-friendly options: Priceline.


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Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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According to data provided by the cruise industry (CLIA: Cruise Line Industry Association), the average cruise duration is seven days and the average cost is around $1700. Cruise lines charge between $800 and $8,000 for a 7-night Caribbean trip in a balcony stateroom.

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Despite the potential of a downpour, many families choose to visit during summer break, from June to August. The best time to cruise the Caribbean in the summer is in June, when rainfall is not yet as heavy as during later months. The peak months of the hurricane season in the Caribbean are September and October.

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Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises stand out as the most affordable options, while Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises offer excellent value for money with their extensive inclusions and flexible dining and entertainment options.

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How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise: 8 Tips to Know
  1. Be Brave and Get Onstage for Free Prizes. ...
  2. A Spa Tour Just Might Come With Free Perks. ...
  3. Proving Your Cruise Line Loyalty for Free Stuff. ...
  4. Score Freebies Shopping on Your Cruise. ...
  5. Win Prizes at Onboard Trivia and Other Games. ...
  6. Attend an Art Auction for Free Bubbles.


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Wet season and dry season are both good times to cruise the Caribbean. The worst time for a Caribbean cruise weather-wise is August to September, as it is peak hurricane season.

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  • #1. Celebrity Beyond. Celebrity Cruises. ...
  • #2. Celebrity Apex. Celebrity Cruises. ...
  • #3. Odyssey of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International. ...
  • #3. Scarlet Lady. Virgin Voyages. ...
  • #5. Rotterdam. Holland America Line. ...
  • #5. Wonder of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International. ...
  • #7. Celebrity Silhouette. Celebrity Cruises. ...
  • #7. Allure of the Seas.


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All-inclusive European river cruise deals land in the $350 to $450 range per person, per night as well. All-inclusive river cruises within the U.S. trend a bit higher, so anything under $600 per person, per night is a good deal.

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Booking a cruise one to two years in advance is not practical for many families, so a great time to book a cruise is between six and 12 months before sailing. In addition to the lower prices, booking well in-advance of a cruise assures you of the ship and stateroom you want to reserve.

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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.

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So how much money do you need? The answer to this question varies a lot by person, their travel habits, spending preferences, length of the cruise and destination. Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences.

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If a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. But if a cruise's departure date is fast approaching and the ship is only partially booked, prices will drop, and complimentary add-ons will increase, resulting in some happy customers.

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