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Dreaming of setting sail on a cruise in 2025 but want to make sure you find the best deal? I’ve got you covered…
If, like me, you love cruising but you also LOVE a bargain, this is the post for you. Whenever I book travel, I like to make sure I’m getting the best price possible and not overpaying. Over the years, I’ve picked up a lot of money saving tips and I’m here to share them with you!
Cruises are a brilliant way to explore multiple destinations without having to pack and unpack constantly – and I think they might be the ultimate relaxing holiday. However, the cost can add up fast, and the price of cruising seems to be higher than ever these days.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to grab a good deal if you know when and where to look. Here’s my guide to finding the best value for your next adventure at sea…
6 Tips to Get a Good Deal on a Cruise
1. Book in Advance (But Not Too Early)
One of the most common tips for getting a good deal on a cruise is to book well in advance. However, don’t jump at the first offer you see: booking about 6 to 12 months ahead tends to give you a balance of availability and price. Cruise lines often offer early-bird discounts, but booking too early might not always get you the best rate.
2. Consider Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises are a great way to snag a bargain. These cruises happen when ships are moved from one region to another, usually between seasons. They can offer longer itineraries and sometimes feature hefty discounts.
3. Look for Promotions and Flash Sales
Keep your eyes peeled for cruise line promotions and flash sales, which often appear around major holidays or events. Signing up for cruise line newsletters and following them on social media is a good way to stay informed about upcoming cruise deals.
4. Use a Travel Agent
Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals and can sometimes secure onboard credit or perks like drinks packages. It’s worth checking with them before booking directly.
5. Book a Cabin Without a Balcony
If you’re not fussed about having a view from your cabin, booking an inside room can save you a significant amount. The difference in cost between inside, oceanview, and balcony rooms can be substantial.
6. Be Flexible about When you Book
More popular travel times, such as school holidays, are usually much more expensive times to take a cruise. If you can be flexible with when you travel, you’re more likely to bag a great deal. Off-season and shoulder-season sailings tend to be cheaper:think late autumn, winter (excluding Christmas and New Year), or early spring.
When is the Cheapest Time to Book a Cruise?
Generally speaking, January is often one of the cheapest months to book a cruise. After the Christmas rush, cruise lines often offer discounts to entice people to book early for the year ahead. September can also be a good time to book, as it’s traditionally a quieter month for travel, with fewer people booking cruises as schools go back.
How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
Booking a cruise at the last minute can sometimes mean snagging a great deal, especially if a cruise line has unsold cabins closer to departure. Here’s how to find those last-minute gems:
- Monitor Cruise Deal Websites
Websites like Planet Cruise, Cruise Critic, Cruise Nation, and Holiday Pirates often feature last-minute deals on cruises. Set up alerts and keep an eye on these regularly for discounts that might pop up. - Call the Cruise Line Directly
If you’re flexible on dates and destinations, it’s worth calling cruise lines directly for last-minute deals. They may have promotions that aren’t listed online. - Use Apps
Apps like Skyscanner and CruiseDirect sometimes offer limited-time offers for last-minute bookings. These are easy to access on the go, so you can snap up a deal when it comes along. - Be Flexible with Dates and Routes
The more flexible you are with your sailing dates and itinerary, the better chance you have of securing a last-minute deal. Cruise lines may offer steep discounts to fill cabins on less popular routes.
How Do I Get Discounts on Cruises?
Getting discounts on cruises doesn’t always mean waiting for a sale. Here are some ideas to help you reduce the cost of your next cruise:
- Sign Up for Loyalty Programmes
Many cruise lines offer loyalty programmes that reward repeat guests. If you’ve cruised before, make sure to check what perks or discounts you can access for your next trip. - Use Credit Card Rewards
Some credit cards offer travel rewards that can be redeemed against cruise bookings. If you have a travel-focused credit card, check if you can use points or cashback towards your cruise. - Book with Group Discounts
If you’re planning to cruise with a group of friends or family, check whether the cruise line offers group rates. Even a small group could get access to discounts or onboard credits. - Check for Student, Senior, or Military Discounts
Some cruise lines offer discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel. Make sure to ask about these when booking. - Look for Package Deals
Many cruise lines offer package deals that bundle your cruise with flights, excursions, or hotel stays. These can often work out cheaper than booking each element separately.
Can You Negotiate with Cruise Lines?
In general, cruise lines don’t have the same level of negotiability as, say, a hotel or car rental. However, it’s still possible to get some added value through a little negotiation. Here’s how:
- Ask for Upgrades
While cruise lines may not drop the price, you could ask for an upgrade to a higher cabin category, especially if there are empty cabins in higher categories closer to sailing. Sometimes, they’ll throw in perks like a drinks package or onboard credit to sweeten the deal. - Book a Cruise Package and Ask for Extras
If you’re booking a cruise package, ask for some complimentary extras like a spa voucher, shore excursion discounts, or a free speciality dinner. - Check for Price Drops
If the price drops after you’ve booked, many cruise lines will allow you to apply the lower rate to your existing booking, though this isn’t guaranteed. If this happens, it’s worth calling the cruise line to ask if they can adjust your fare. Read more in this guide by Cruise Mummy.
Which Cruise Companies Usually Have the Best Deals?
Some cruise lines are known for offering particularly good deals, especially if you’re booking early or looking for a last-minute offer. Here are some of the best when it comes to value:
- P&O Cruises
As one of the most popular UK-based cruise lines, P&O Cruises regularly offers fantastic deals, especially on family-friendly and short getaways around Europe. Keep an eye on their special offers for some great last-minute bargains. - Royal Caribbean
Known for its innovative ships and wide variety of activities, Royal Caribbean often runs promotions with discounts on shore excursions, drinks packages, and dining. They’re great for families and those looking for a bit of luxury without the hefty price tag. - MSC Cruises
MSC offers competitive pricing on Mediterranean and European sailings. Their promotions often include discounts on cabins or onboard credit, so it’s worth checking out their offers. - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
If you’re looking for a more traditional British cruising experience, Fred. Olsen often offers great deals, especially for older travellers. They have smaller ships, which can make for a more intimate and affordable experience. - Carnival Cruises
While it’s more US-based, Carnival has started making waves in the UK market. Their cruises are often geared towards families, and you can sometimes find incredible deals on shorter cruises, especially in the Caribbean. - Marella Cruises
TUI’s cruise company Marella are known for their reasonably priced midrange cruises and comprehensive all-inclusive packages. I took a Marella Cruise this summer and it was fantastic – and the package (which included flights and transfers as well as all food & drink) really helped keep the overall cost of the trip down.
Conclusion
By keeping these tips in mind and being strategic with your booking, you may be able to grab a fantastic deal on your 2025 cruise. Really, it all comes down to planning and research: whether you’re booking early or hunting down last-minute bargains. Remember to shop around, check all your options, and try calling the cruise line or travel agent directly to see if they can offer a better price than what you’re finding online.
A little bit of planning can go a long way in making your dream cruise both affordable and unforgettable. Bon voyage!
