Cruise prices are not always cheaper when the departure date approaches. In fact, the best deals are usually found when the cruise is first launched or between 60 and 90 days before the cruise ship departs. However, there are some cases where last-minute cruise prices can be lower. To get the best price on your cruise, it's important to be flexible and book in advance.
The period from just after Christmas to February is known as “wave season” in the cruise industry, as this is when cruise lines receive a big “wave” of bookings. It's possible to book a cruise on the day of departure in some circumstances, but you can't just get to the port and board a cruise. Booking your cruise with a travel agent rather than directly with the cruise line can also be beneficial. Cruise Nation is one of my favorite travel agents in the UK, as they have a lot of last-minute offers.
If you're new to the world of cruises or don't feel comfortable booking online, you can almost always call the cruise company or travel agency to make a reservation by phone. Emma has taken things much further by developing an incredible online course called “How to Cruise for Less”. Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line both offer “Pack and Go” and “Sail Away” promotions respectively for last-minute trips. If a cruise line really needs to fill rooms, it will simply lower the price of the specific cruise instead of offering a discount on the entire fleet through an offer.
When booking a cruise right now, there are several factors to consider. Once you've purchased them every time you travel on a cruise, send an email to the cruise company's customer service center for &, they'll direct you to the correct section if they don't handle your claim directly. Most of the time, trips sell out in the weeks and months before the start of the cruise, leaving little or no opportunity to book a cruise closer to the departure date. Once you've booked your cruise, you'll want to start preparing for your vacation, since you don't have much time to prepare.
But why not have both? Saving money on that Caribbean cruise (or any other cruise) is easier than you think. You just need to know how the industry works, including the best time to book a cruise, when you can get an upgrade and how to get the navigation you want without breaking the bank. If you choose a cruise where children travel for free for a family of four, you'll save up to 50% of the total cruise price right away.
