Is it better to book cruise in advance? (2024)

Is it better to book cruise in advance?

Booking a Cruise Early

Do cruises get cheaper the closer you book?

Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

How far out should you book a cruise for the best deal?

Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.

Is it cheaper to book directly with the cruise line?

We found cruise pricing to be more or less the same across booking sites — it's the perks that are different.

Do cruises get cheaper as the date gets closer?

As any seasoned traveler knows, you'll often find lower rates or free add-ons as the departure date approaches and the cruise line works to fill the ship.

How can I pay less for a cruise?

What day of the week do cruise prices drop?

According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise. Prices associated with travel are always in flux due to supply and demand, so the prices of a cruise can change daily. Prices could spike on a Wednesday and drop, well, on a Thursday.

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

Is it better to book a cruise directly or through a third party?

You should book your cruise with a travel agent if you're a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to get the best deals. At Cruise Critic, we tend to think that most people should use a travel agent for the best experience.

How many days on a cruise is enough?

If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway.

What are the benefits of booking a cruise with AAA?

Cruise with AAA

As a AAA member, you'll save time and money. By booking with AAA, you'll have access to free support from a AAA Travel Agent — an expert who will guide you every step of the way — so you don't have to shop around various cruise lines or worry about missing out on limited-time deals.

Do travel agents get discounts on cruises?

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

Their service to you is usually free, though some may charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it. In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which may save you money on the cruise fare.

Do you need a lot of spending money on a cruise?

Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.

What months to avoid for cruising the Caribbean?

Wet season and dry season are both good times to cruise the Caribbean. The worst time for a Caribbean cruise weather-wise is August to September, as it is peak hurricane season.

What month are cruises the most expensive?

The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.

Do cruise prices change daily?

Another way cruise fares are like airline fares is that they can change daily, based on complicated algorithms of supply and demand, as well as time-sensitive sales, so you'll want to do some research or watch prices for a few weeks to know what's a good deal.

Which cruise room category is less expensive?

Interior or inside staterooms are typically the least expensive category on a cruise. Those cabins are generally the smallest on board and rarely accommodate more than three people, according to Joy Hess, owner and lead travel consultant at Outside the Lines Travel.

Is it better to tip cash on a cruise?

Cruise lines generally prefer to have tips given electronically to maintain cashless environments onboard their ships, but passengers who do prefer to tip in cash should give cash in the ship's stated onboard currency.

What fees are not included in a cruise?

Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Balcony cabins are great for giving you that much needed bit of personal space when you're both in the room. If he wants to nap but you're wide awake, a balcony offers you a place to hang out without worrying if you're making too much noise or using too bright lights.

Which is the best side of a cruise ship to be on?

Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

Do I need a passport to cruise? Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. We strongly recommend that all guests present a passport as their form of ID on boarding day, and for some guests a passport is required.

Why is Carnival so cheap?

To encourage onboard spending, cruise lines may offer lower upfront fares, knowing that passengers will likely spend more once they're on the ship. Furthermore, some Carnival cruise itineraries are shorter and visit destinations that are closer to their homeports, which can result in lower fuel and operating costs.

Why are cruises so expensive in 2023?

It's not even that the cost is simply higher compared to the ultra-low ticket prices of early pandemic prices—December 2023 prices are also up 43% compared to 2019 prices. Revenue is actually at a record high, but cruise companies are claiming higher food and labor costs as reasons to keep tickets at a higher cost.

What is considered last minute cruise deals?

Why Wait to Book? Cruises that have departure dates within the next 60 days – or 90 days for Alaska itineraries – are considered “last minute”. This is because it is the end of the window (for most, but not all cruise lines and itineraries) for travelers to cancel existing reservations without penalty.