Enjoying a cruise doesn’t have to be a costly affair.

The price of a cruise can fluctuate based on various aspects, including the departure season and the cruise line selected. Even with a rise in cruise popularity, travelers can find budget-friendly options.

“My advice is to remain flexible,” said Mike Harris, director of sales at The Cruise Web. “Flexibility is key to saving money.” Let’s explore how to uncover great cruise deals.

When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

“If you’re aiming for the lowest fare, booking well in advance is the way to go,” Harris mentioned. “Early booking increases your chances of snagging better prices and perks from the cruise lines.”

In the past, last-minute deals were more widespread, but Harris remarked that fewer cruise lines are offering discounts close to departure dates now. “Last-minute deals are rarer these days, and any that appear may not even be better than what an early planner would secure,” he explained.

Moreover, options at the last minute may be very limited. “The cabins left are often the least desirable,” he said. “While you can find deals at the last minute, I’d advise against making it your strategy.”

Additionally, cruise lines tend to provide special deals during wave season from January to March, according to Sally French, Travel Expert at NerdWallet.

Which Month is Cheapest for Cruises?

The month’s affordability depends on the cruise destination, Harris noted. “Shoulder seasons are typically good times,” he advised. “For an Alaskan cruise, for instance, May or September tend to be better value options.” He also pointed out that for the Caribbean, peak times fall when children are in school.

French agreed, noting there are many deals available from September to early November, which coincides with hurricane season. “This can result in great discounts, but you risk dealing with less-than-ideal weather,” she stated in an email.

She also mentioned that the period from January to early March is generally less busy and more affordable, while early December is often cheaper before the holiday rush, yet still features festive activities.

Which Cruise Line Offers the Best Prices?

“Cruise prices can vary based on your itinerary, ship type, and travel season, but some cruise lines are acknowledged for their cost-effective options,” said French. “Carnival Cruise Line, particularly, is known for being budget-friendly, especially on short three- to five-day Caribbean or Mexico trips.”

Harris added other lines like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line to the list. “More mainstream lines tend to offer more economical choices,” he said.

Unlike upscale cruise lines that often include extras in their prices, many mainstream options have additional fees for drinks and other activities. “Make sure to understand what’s included in your cruise fare, as low initial costs might not always lead to a budget-friendly total,” French advised.

Money-Saving Tips for Cruises

Here are some straightforward strategies to find affordable cruise prices:

◾ Being flexible with your travel dates and cabin selection can lead to reduced fares, according to Harris.

◾ Choosing a “guarantee” cabin, which secures a minimum room category but allows the cruise line to assign your specific room, can result in savings. However, “the downside is that you may not know your cabin location,” he added.

◾ More cruise companies are now offering lower, nonrefundable deposit rates, which can also save money upfront. “However, this can make changes harder to manage and comes with cancellation penalties,” Harris explained.

◾ If port activities are less important for you, consider repositioning cruises. “These are longer, one-way trips that often come with discounts,” French noted.

◾ Passengers may have a chance to lower their fare if prices decrease after booking, but this could mean losing initial inclusions—such as prepaid gratuities—and might require rebooking, Harris cautioned.

◾ Travel advisors can offer guidance during the booking process, helping clients find the best deals, along with potential perks like onboard credits or complimentary gifts.