Secrets of the High Seas: How to Score the Best Deals on Your Next Cruise
Sea More. Cruise More. That’s our motto, and we believe the only thing better than a perfect day at sea is knowing you paid a great price for it.
We get asked all the time: "How do I find those unbelievable cruise fares I see online?" or "Is it better to book now or wait?" The truth is, snagging the best deal isn't just about luck—it's about strategy. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or planning your very first voyage, we’ve rounded up the industry’s best-kept secrets to help you keep more money in your pocket (for the important things… like umbrella drinks and shore excursions!).
Here is your guide to navigating the waters of cruise pricing.
1. The Early Bird vs. The Last-Minute Gambler
In the world of cruising, timing is everything. Generally, there are two sweet spots for getting the lowest fares:
Book Far in Advance: We’re talking 6 to 12 months—or even two years—out. Cruise lines love to fill ships early, and they often release itineraries with the lowest baseline prices. Plus, this is the only way to guarantee you get that specific aft-facing balcony cabin you’ve been dreaming of.
The Last-Minute Gamble: If you are spontaneous and flexible, you can sometimes find "fire sale" prices 30 to 90 days before departure. This is when cruise lines scramble to fill empty cabins after the final payment due date passes. It’s a risk—flights might be pricier and cabin choices will be limited—but the savings can be huge.
2. Embrace the "Shoulder Season"
Supply and demand rule the waves. If you want to save big, try sailing when the kids are in school.
Caribbean: Late August through early November (often hurricane season, so buy travel insurance!) and the first two weeks of December.
Europe & Alaska: The beginning and end of the season (May and September) offer incredible value compared to the peak summer months of June, July, and August. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, milder weather, and a significantly happier wallet.
3. Consider an "Older" Ship
We all love the glitz and glam of the brand-new mega-ships with their roller coasters and robot bartenders. But don't overlook the "older" vessels in a fleet. Cruise lines keep these ships in immaculate condition, and they often offer the same incredible service, food, and destinations for a fraction of the price of their newer sisters. It’s the best value afloat.
4. Play the "Guarantee" Cabin Game
If you aren't picky about exactly where your room is located on the ship, book a "Guarantee" cabin (often marked as GTY). Basically, you pay a lower rate for a specific category (like Oceanview or Balcony), and the cruise line picks the specific room number for you closer to sailing. You’re guaranteed at least that category, and sometimes—if the cruise gods are smiling on you—you might even get a surprise upgrade to a better category!
5. Repositioning Cruises: The Hidden Gem
Twice a year, ships have to move from one region to another (like moving from Alaska to the Caribbean for the winter). These one-way voyages are called Repositioning Cruises. Because they often include more sea days and are longer itineraries, the daily cost is often rock-bottom. It’s a fantastic way to relax and see the ocean for less.
6. The "Wave Season" Phenomenon
Mark your calendars for January through March. In the travel industry, this is known as "Wave Season." Cruise lines roll out their most aggressive promotions of the year during these months. We’re talking free drink packages, free Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities, and massive onboard credits. It’s essentially Black Friday for cruisers, lasting three whole months.
7. The Secret Weapon: Use a Travel Agent (Like Us!)
We might be biased, but this is the most important tip of all. Many people think booking direct saves money, but the opposite is often true. As travel specialists, The Cruise Boys™ have access to:
Group Rates: Exclusive pricing you can't find on the public website.
Price Monitoring: We watch the fares after you book. If the price drops before your final payment, we can often get your rate adjusted or secure you onboard credit.
Exclusive Perks: We can sometimes toss in extras like chocolate-covered strawberries, wine, or shipboard credit just for booking with us.
Ready to Find Your Deal? Don’t spend hours endlessly scrolling through search engines. Let us do the heavy lifting. We take the time to understand your travel style, preferences, and budget to build the perfect vacation.
Contact The Cruise Boys™ today and let’s get you on board for the best price possible!
Sea More. Cruise More.