Best Time to Book a Cruise

Timing changes what you pay and what you can choose. Here's what to know about when to book.

The Wave Season Advantage

"Wave Season" is generally January through March, though some lines start earlier, and it is when cruise lines run their biggest promotions. Offers can include:

• Reduced rates across all cabin categories
• Onboard credits
• Free or reduced airfare
• Complimentary upgrades
• Reduced deposits
• Free drink packages or specialty dining

During Wave Season, cruise lines compete aggressively for bookings for the upcoming year. This is the best time to book if you're planning 6-12 months ahead.

Book Early or Late

There are two sweet spots for cruise pricing:

Early Booking (6-12 Months Ahead)

Advantages:

• Best cabin selection and location
• Early booking promotions on some sailings
• More time to pay off the cruise
• Greater availability for shore excursions
• Peace of mind with plans secured

Best for:

• Popular sailing dates (holidays, school breaks)
• Specific cabin requirements
• Suite or premium cabin seekers
• Those who like to plan ahead

Last-Minute Deals (Within 90 Days)

Advantages:

• Lower fares on cabins the line still needs to fill
• Cruise lines trying to fill remaining cabins
• Opportunity for upgrades

Best for:

• Flexible travelers
• Those who can travel on short notice
• Inside or oceanview cabin seekers
• Spontaneous adventurers

Drawbacks:

• Limited cabin selection
• Less time to arrange travel logistics
• Shore excursions may be sold out
• Airfare may be more expensive

Avoid Peak Times

Cruise prices spike during:

• School holidays (spring break, summer, winter break)
• Major holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving)
• Summer months (June-August)
• Popular event times (Mardi Gras, festivals)

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often offer:

• Lower fares than peak season
• Pleasant weather
• Fewer crowds
• More availability
• Better service with fewer passengers

Be Flexible for Better Deals

Flexibility gives you more sailings to choose from:

Date Flexibility

• Sail mid-week instead of weekends (especially for short cruises)
• Avoid sailing during school holidays
• Consider itineraries departing within a few days of your ideal date

Cabin Flexibility

• Inside cabins cost less than balconies
• Oceanview cabins offer a middle ground
• Booking by category and letting the line pick the exact cabin often costs less
• Consider cabins on higher or lower decks

Destination Flexibility

• Less popular itineraries often have better prices
• New ships on maiden voyages sometimes offer deals
• Repositioning cruises offer exceptional value

Port Flexibility

• Drive to a different embarkation port for better deals
• Consider round-trip vs. one-way itineraries
• Sometimes flying to a different departure city saves money overall

Monitor Price Drops

Many cruise lines offer price protection:

Price Matching Policies

• Some lines refund the difference if prices drop
• Others offer onboard credit equal to the difference
• Policies vary by cruise line and fare type

Action steps:

1. Register for price alerts with cruise lines
2. Check your booking periodically
3. Contact your travel agent or cruise line if prices drop
4. Request a price adjustment or onboard credit

Tools to Track Prices

• Cruise line email alerts
• Cruise deal websites and forums
• Travel agent notifications
• Price tracking apps

Consider Repositioning Cruises

When ships move between regions seasonally (Alaska to Caribbean, Mediterranean to Caribbean), they offer repositioning cruises with:

• Lower per-night fares than the same ship's regular season
• Longer itineraries (10-20+ days)
• More sea days (great for relaxation)
• Unique routes and ports
• Better value per day

Ideal for:

• Retirees with flexible schedules
• Those who enjoy sea days
• Budget-conscious travelers
• Experienced cruisers

Consider:

• Usually one-way (need to arrange return transportation)
• Fewer port days
• Potential for rougher seas during ocean crossings

Bundle and compare

Booking packages can change the price:

What to Bundle

• Cruise fare + airfare
• Hotel stays pre/post-cruise
• Shore excursions (packages)
• Beverage packages
• Specialty dining packages
• WiFi packages

Compare the package price with the same items bought separately before you choose.

When Booking Air Through Cruise Lines Makes Sense

• If a flight booked through the line is delayed, the line's air program handles getting you to the ship; read its terms before you book
• Convenient airport-to-ship transfers included
• Often competitive pricing during Wave Season
• Less stress managing separate bookings

When to Book Air Separately

• You have frequent flyer miles
• You find significantly better deals
• You want more control over flight times and routes
• You're extending your trip with additional days

More ways to compare costs

Loyalty Programs

• Past passenger offers
• Onboard credits for repeat cruisers
• Cabin upgrades
• Priority boarding and other perks

Credit Card Rewards

• Use cruise line credit cards for points
• General travel rewards cards
• Booking bonuses
• Statement credits

Group Bookings

• The group minimum varies by cruise line
• Free or reduced fare for the organizer (the ratio varies by cruise line)
• Group onboard credits
• Perfect for family reunions or friends

Casino Players

• Some cruise lines offer deals for rated casino players
• Can include reduced or free fares
• Requires gambling history

Red Flags to Avoid

Be wary of:

• Deals that seem too good to be true
• Third-party sites with poor reviews
• Non-refundable deposits without travel insurance
• Hidden fees not disclosed upfront
• Pressure tactics to "book now"

Your booking action plan

1. Set price alerts for your desired destinations
2. Be flexible with dates, cabins, and destinations
3. Book during Wave Season for best selection and deals
4. Consider shoulder seasons for value and experience
5. Monitor prices after booking for price drops
6. Work with a reputable travel agent for insider deals
7. Bundle when possible, and compare the package price with buying the items separately
8. Join loyalty programs for ongoing benefits

Ready to plan?

Want help finding a fare? Tell us your dates and budget through the trip request, and we'll look at the sailings that fit.