How to Find the Best Cruise Deals

Book a Cruise Late—Just a Few Weeks (or Days) in Advance

Photo Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Cruise ships do not like to sail with empty berths. Any revenue from an unfilled bed is lost forever. In addition, many mainstream cruise lines bring in as much revenue from onboard expenditures as they do from fares. Many who cruise spend more on shore excursions, wine, specialty dining, and in the shops and casino they do on the cruise fare! In addition, empty cabins do not generate tips for the crew, leading to unhappy workers.

 

If you can be patient, cruise lines will sometimes offer extremely good last minute deals on upcoming cruises sailing in the next few weeks (or days). This tip works best for those who (1) can take off without much notice from their jobs, (2) are retired, or (3) live close to an embarkation port since last-minute airfares are often very expensive.

Book a Repostioning Cruise

Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Many experienced cruisers book repositioning cruises to get the best cruise deal. It's all a matter of supply and demand. Cruise ships sailing in destinations like Alaska or northern Europe must move (reposition) to warmer locales in the winter months.

 

Repositioning cruises include many sea days and are usually longer in length, so they might not be right for you.

 

Since many people do not like many sea days or cannot take two weeks off for a cruise, the demand is not as high, so cruise lines often offer great cruise deals on these cruises. Cruise lines also offer good deals on repositioning cruises since more sea days results in higher onboard revenue.