The best time to book a cruise depends on you! Saving money is great. Almost as great as sitting on the sunny top deck of a cruise ship with a cocktail in hand. But, why not have both?
Saving money on cruises is a lot easier than you think once you know the best time to book a cruise, when to secure an upgrade and sailing on the itinerary you prefer without breaking the bank.
Discover the factors that determine the fluctuation of pricing from monthly offers, the itinerary and cabin type. The best time to book a cruise depends on the time of year you want to travel, whether you want to book early or wait till last minute and what add-ons you want to include.
The Best Time of Year to Book a Cruise
The best time of year to book a cruise is often January to March. During this “peak season”, there are sales across the whole industry with incredible deals to be had. Cruise lines often offer money off the basic fares or other promotions like free cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, onboard credit or drinks packages.
Consider the Season
Travelling within peak season, usually the summer months for the best weather, will give your cruise holiday a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of activities and excursions. However, peak season tends to fall during school holidays or major holidays like Christmas. During this time, prices do tend to be higher and popular itineraries may sell out quickly.
When to Book Early
Some sailings can be in high demand. It might be a new ship, a maiden voyage or during school holiday dates. If this is the case, it is best to book this cruise as soon as the fares are released. This will guarantee a spot on the cruise and a specific cabin type or location.
Some cruise lines offer best rates or have a launch offer on when the fares first go on sale and fares tend to increase as the ship fills up. This is particularly common on Disney Cruise Line, luxury cruises and some new ships.
When to wait
If you aren’t interested in travelling in peak season, unbothered by unpredictable weather or picky with itineraries, you can often find lower rates as the departure date approaches and the cruise line drops the prices in order to fill up the ship. Whilst this might allow you to get a once-in-a-lifetime cruise for an unbelievable price, it is important to keep in mind that your cabin and category choices will be limited. This approach tends to work better for people with flexible schedules.
Repositioning Cruises
These types of cruises occur when cruise lines relocate their ships from one region to another for a change in season. They are usually less crowded and are offered at a lower price due to the embarkation and disembarkation points being different. However, you can still experience exotic destinations and impeccable service.
By considering the cruise season, being aware of early booking benefits and last minute deals, you can easily save some money on your next cruise holiday.
Call us on 02380 658 386 or visit our deals page for our best & latest offers!
