Cruises can really burn a hole in your pocket. They lure you in with a seemingly cheap room and onboard credit, but then hit you hard with pricey drinks, restaurants that aren’t included, and internet that costs a dollar per minute. I remember when I went on the Oasis of the Seas, a massive ship, for a seven-day Caribbean cruise a few years back. The price tag for that cruise? A hefty $800 USD. That’s a lot for just a week at sea. You could explore Southeast Asia for a whole month with that kind of cash. But fear not, there are ways to snag a cheap cruise for as little as $30 a day. It just takes some know-how, a whole lot of self-control, and a touch of cunning.
Booking a budget-friendly cruise is actually pretty straightforward – all you need is flexibility. Cruise prices work a bit like tour prices. The closer it gets to the departure date, the cheaper the cruise becomes. Why? Well, cruise ships don’t want to sail with half-empty cabins, so they drop prices as the departure date nears. They make most of their money from onboard purchases, so they need those ships filled up. You can also book early, but I find last-minute bookings usually offer the best deals. And since you’re booking close to departure, you have to be open to different destinations or be okay with not booking the cruise even if you’ve already booked your flights.
Doug Parker from Cruise Radio advises, "When the kids are in school, the rates are the best." This applies to all travel, but especially cruising since it’s a popular family activity. Avoid traveling when everyone else is, or opt for the shoulder season for the best rates. Chris from Chris Cruises backs this up, saying, "Book far in advance or last minute for the best fares."
For those seeking last-minute deals, Doug suggests starting with a travel agent who often has better rates and can secure last-minute bargains. If you prefer a DIY approach, check out these top three websites for finding cheap cruises: Cruise Sheet, Vacations to Go, and Cruise Deals. These sites scour the web for the best cruise deals, with Vacations to Go often offering better deals due to their direct negotiations with cruise lines. Cruise Sheet is a favorite for its ability to find all the deals in one place.
Timing is key – avoid booking too early. As Doug points out, the main benefit of early booking is securing your preferred cabin. If you’re flexible, waiting until the last minute can lead to significant discounts. Remember, cruise companies don’t want empty ships, so they often offer hefty last-minute discounts. Stay updated by subscribing to cruise company newsletters.
If you book a cruise and the price drops, don’t hesitate to contact the cruise line or your travel agent. They might provide you with the difference as onboard credit. As Chris from Chris Cruises highlights, "There are so many ships now, prices are at an all-time low." It’s a great time to set sail.
When booking a cheap cruise, keep in mind these three key points:
- Smaller ships are usually cheaper as they offer fewer amenities.
- Travel during the off-season for significantly lower fares.
- Consider repositioning cruises for affordable ocean crossings or coastal journeys.
Remember to book your flight separately to save on costs. By following these tips, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise without breaking the bank.
