If you’re looking for an inexpensive getaway at sea, a cruise is almost always one of the best ways to set you sailing. With flexible monthly payments, discount offers, and other member perks, cruises have quickly become one of the most popular ways for people on different budgets to travel. Here are ten tips for how to find a discount cruise and save money.
Ten Tips on How to Save on Your Next Cruise
- Plan ahead — cruises do not get cheaper the closer you get to their sailing date. It’s best to book more than 90 days out from your desired departure. Cruise lines most often release their lowest fares when itinerary schedules are first published. Then, they may run sales to encourage filling up the ship. But be warned, as cabins fill up, the prices for cruising on that ship go up, too.
- Ride the wave — The months of January, February, and March are known as “wave season” or the “wave months” because this is the time of year cruise lines book a wave of cabins. Like the time period to Cyber Monday or Black Friday, you can save money on your next cruise if you schedule it during one of these months.
- Go to the source — You can save money if you book your cruise directly with the provider. Rather than hit up a third-party travel agent, go straight to the websites of lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruises.
- Sign up and save — Some cruise lines offer discounts when guests become members or sign up for their emails. What does membership entail? Typically these VIP-type programs require you to give the cruise line your email address in addition to other information like your name and address. Some memberships are awarded as part of your travel experience. Certain cruise lines grant you status for each cruise you take, and as your status increases or you gain points, you earn privileges and opportunities on their ships like private dining, cocktail nights, or other complimentary amenities.
- Experience and experienced ship — Book your cruise on an older ship and save money. Just because it’s twenty or more years old doesn’t mean the cruise line hasn’t worked diligently to update the interior and activities. Older ships may not offer all the state-of-the-art bells and whistles, but they can get you to sea, they’re usually quite nice, and they’re almost always more affordable than a brand-new ship.
- Drive-up port — Select a cruise with a port located close enough for you to drive. Rather than the expense of having to fly to your port — which usually requires a night’s stay in a hotel and sometimes a rental car — choose a port that offers parking. This will save you and your family money.
- Apply your SkyMiles to the sea — If you’re a member of Delta’s free SkyMiles program, you can use your earned miles and points for a cruise. When you book a cruise through the program, you can earn two miles toward future trips for every $1 spent on your cruise travel. And, if you find a better price online, Delta will refund 110% of the difference.
- Agents are your friend — While we recommend going directly to the cruise line to book your cruise online or by phone, it’s also a good idea to contact a travel agent who represents cruise lines. As a rep, the agent will not charge you a fee for their services, and they will be motivated to help you find the best deal with their preferred lines.
- Book your onboard activities in advance — You’ll often be offered discounts when you book your dinners, drink packages, spas, and other activities in advance of your departure date. In addition to saving you money, this will also help save you time while cruising.
- Eat, drink, and save money — While on your cruise, you’ll learn about several impromptu — and sometimes planned — activities where free cocktails and adult beverages of available. Rather than spend the extra alcohol package, plan to take advantage of these events on the ship or consider having a drink and lunch while at a port by visiting a local restaurant.
Cruising can be an inexpensive and almost all-inclusive getaway. In addition to these tips for finding a discount cruise and saving money, you can also save by booking an interior cabin, using credit card points you may have, and doing your research. For some of the best advice on booking the cruise that’s right for you, check out Cruise Critic.