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Cruises can be fantastic value for money, but prices can vary hugely depending on when and how you book. If you are hoping to cruise without overspending, a bit of flexibility and a bit of forward planning can go a long way to helping you to save money. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to keep your cruise costs down while still enjoying a great holiday.
Avoid School Holidays Where Possible
Cruise prices rise sharply during school holidays due to increased demand from families. If you are able to travel outside half-term breaks, summer holidays and Christmas or Easter periods, you are far more likely to find lower fares, better cabin availability and quieter ships. This is particularly relevant for popular family-friendly cruise lines.
Cruise During the Shoulder Season
Shoulder season refers to the periods just before or after peak travel times. These are times when demand is lower, often due to cooler weather or quieter travel months. While you may need to be slightly more flexible with your expectations, you can often enjoy the same onboard experience at a much lower cost. For example, late spring and early autumn in Europe or early December in the Caribbean. These sailings often offer excellent value, pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them a strong choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Consider a Repositioning Cruise
Repositioning cruises occur when ships move from one region to another at the start or end of a season, such as from the Caribbean to Europe. These cruises are usually one-way and can be significantly cheaper than traditional round-trip itineraries. They often include many sea days, which appeals to those who enjoy onboard amenities and a more relaxed pace. If you can combine this with a great deal on airfare then you’ll be wining on both counts.
Opt for a Longer Cruise
While short cruises may seem cheaper at first glance, longer sailings often work out at a lower cost per night. Cruises of seven nights or more tend to offer better overall value than weekend breaks or short “taster” cruises, which are typically priced at a premium due to high demand and limited availability. For example. A short cruise with Cunard Queen Anne for 4 nights for an inside cabin works out at around £150 per person per night, whereas a 12 night itinerary at the same time of year in the same grade cabin works out at £95 per person per night.
Choose Less Popular Itineraries
Itineraries with lower demand often come with better pricing and more frequent promotions. Routes that visit lesser-known ports or regions, or sail during quieter times of year, can provide excellent value while still delivering a memorable experience. Lower demand generally means cruise lines are more motivated to offer discounts. Enlisting the services of a knowledgeable travel advisor who specialises in cruise holidays can help you access the best deals.
Book Early or Book Late
Cruise pricing often follows a predictable pattern. The lowest fares are commonly available when cruises are first released, before demand begins to push prices up. Alternatively, good deals can appear around 90 days before departure (when final payments are due). At this stage, cancelled cabins are released back onto the market and cruise lines may reduce prices to fill remaining space. So the moral of the story is – if you are supper organised and can pan well in advance or if you have flexibility and nerve to hold out for a late deal, you could be handsomely rewarded.
Be Flexible With Your Dates
Even small changes to your travel dates can result in noticeable savings. Delaying your departure by a week, or sometimes even a day or two, can significantly reduce the fare. This is especially relevant for school holidays – choosing a cruise which might return a day after school term starts can save you a significant amount of money. Midweek sailings are often cheaper than weekend departures, and flexibility gives you access to a wider range of offers. You’ll also find that pre-cruise hotels may also have lower midweek rates making your pre or post hotel stay more economical too.
Book During Wave Season
Wave season runs from January to March, just after the New Year. This is when most cruise lines launch their biggest promotions, often including reduced deposits, free upgrades, onboard credit or drinks packages. While prices may not always be the lowest, the added value during this period can make a significant difference to the overall cost of your cruise.
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