My 10 Tricks to Find Cheap Cruises (and Save Big)

The other day, I was talking to a friend who told me she likes cruises, but the prices have become too high for her to afford them.

The price she mentioned was quite high for two people, but I explained to her that the price can vary a lot depending on several factors (ship, itinerary, time of year, etc.).

Here’s how I got the idea to write this article. I’m going to reveal my 10 best tips for finding cheap cruises — I’ve personally used them for years, and they’ve never let me down. Don’t miss them!

1. Book at Least 1 Year in Advance

Booking well in advance is one of the essential things to get a good cruise for a low price.

Keep in mind that cruises have become much more popular in recent years and cabins sell out quickly.

And of course, the more people book them, the more their price goes up. That is why it is always better to plan ahead.

I usually suggest booking at least a year in advance — or even a year and a half if you can.

2. Travel During the Off-Season

Another thing you should definitely keep in mind is that cruise prices fluctuate a lot throughout the year.

If you want to pay less, you should consider sailing during the off-season or shoulder season for your destination.

Off-season is basically the period just before or after peak tourist season, and it often comes with much lower fares because demand is down.

For instance, a Mediterranean cruise in March or a Caribbean cruise in late October can cost significantly less than mid-summer.

According to my data, off-peak cruises can be 20–50% cheaper than the exact same itinerary during the busiest months.

3. Book Last-Minute if You’re Flexible

At the beginning of the article, I told you that booking well in advance will save you money. Well, if you can’t do that, the other solution is to book close to your travel date and take advantage of last-minute offers.

Both cruise lines and hotels offer substantial discounts when rooms are still available and the date is approaching.

Generally speaking, you could find last-minute offers from 40 days before your travel date.

Once again, finding them could not be easy, and you may have to consult different websites or different travel agencies.

4. Consider Repositioning Cruises

A repositioning cruise is one of the travel industry’s best-kept secrets for cruising on the cheap.

I think I’ve already told you about them, but for those who don’t know, they are one-way trips that occur when cruise lines move their ships from one region to another for a new season (for example, moving a ship from Alaska to the Caribbean for winter).

Because they’re not part of the regular schedule and involve lots of days at sea, demand is lower – which means prices are often much cheaper per night than typical round-trip cruises.

You might find two-week cruises across the ocean costing less than a 7-night one, so they can be a fantastic value for those who love lazy sea days and don’t mind flying one-way.

I don’t have much data on this; I’ve only been on repositioning cruises a couple of times, but I think you can save up to 40% or 50%.

5. Aim For a Free Upgrade

Receiving a free upgrade is one of the best things. You book a lower-category room and find out at check-in that you’ll be sleeping in a fantastic balcony cabin or suite.

I want to say it right away, receiving a free upgrade is not easy. You have to follow some specific tricks.

I explained it more specifically in the article on how to get a free upgrade. Check it out because it will really help to increase your chances.

I got a free upgrade a couple of times, and the second time, they even gave me a junior suite.

6. Choose an Inexpensive Itinerary and Ship

Another option could be to choose a very affordable cruise ship and itinerary.

What are the cheapest itineraries and ships? 

Well, as I’ve said in the article on why an old cruise ship is better than a new one, ships that are not very new tend to be much cheaper than newly launched ones (and sometimes can even be better!).

In terms of the itinerary, it’s all about supply and demand. Choose destinations that aren’t very popular during the time you want to travel.

7. Ask for Several Quotes and Compare the Prices

I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but when you book, don’t stop at the first website or travel agent.

If you want to save money, you need to ask for multiple quotes and choose the one that is most convenient for you.

In addition, always speak to people who are experienced and familiar with the travel industry; they are usually the ones who can get the best prices.

In this regard, look at the 7 travel agents you must always avoid.

8. Use Discounts or Special Promotions

Before booking, check for promotions or special offers that can save you money.

In general, discounts for cruise ship cabins are not that common, but from time to time, you can still come across some interesting ones.

For example, you can usually find promotions around major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or New Year’s sales.

9. The Horror of the Inside Cabin

I know, I know — people are going to hate me for this. But I always tell everyone that if you want to go on a cruise without spending much, the best option is an inside cabin.

I have no idea why, but these days just mentioning “inside cabin” feels like saying a bad word. Everyone’s obsessed with balconies and chooses them without a second thought.

And yet, an inside cabin can save me up to 50%! I know it’s not the most comfortable option and it has plenty of downsides, but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s the only way to enjoy a cruise without breaking the bank.

Read Also: 7 Reasons Why an Inside Cabin is the Best Choice on a Cruise

10. Use Your Loyalty Status

You can also use your cruise line loyalty status to save money, though the savings aren’t always direct.

For example, some cruise lines reward their loyalty members with special promotions or discounted fares that aren’t available to the general public.

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society often sends out exclusive member-only deals or bonus onboard credit offers.

Carnival’s VIFP Club occasionally includes early-access sales or discounted cabin upgrades, and Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards sometimes gives extra onboard credit or free specialty dining as part of limited-time offers.

If you wanna know more, also on how to save money on board, check the 20 tips & tricks to save money on a cruise.