Booking a Cruise: When is the Best Time to Save Money?

As the editor of an online recreation magazine, it’s my job to help readers find the best deals and make informed decisions about their leisure activities. Today, we’ll be discussing when is the best time to book a cruise based on supply and demand, market trends, and other factors.

Getting the Best Deal During Wave Season

January to March is known in the cruise industry as “wave season.” This is the time when most cruise lines release their best deals for the upcoming year, along with bonuses such as cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, welcome amenities, and onboard credits. It’s the ideal time to book your dream cruise vacation if you’re looking to save some money.

Booking Early for the Best Selection

Booking early is the best way to secure the itinerary, cabin, and date that you want. It also allows you to take advantage of early-bird discounts and other exclusive perks. Most cruise lines start accepting reservations 18-24 months before the departure date. The sooner you book, the better!

Tracking Cruise Fares

The best way to track cruise fares is by downloading the Shipmate app or by keeping an eye on the sailings you’re interested in. Many cruise lines offer price protection guarantees if you book directly with them or through a qualified travel agent. This means that if the price drops for the same cabin and fare type, you can score the lower rate as long as you have not already paid in full or passed the guarantee window.

Booking During Holiday Promotions

During holiday promotions, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, cruise lines offer a slew of impressive deals, representing major savings and significant perks on sailings for the coming year and beyond. The best deals are likely to be when a cruise opens for sale, so the sooner you book, the better.

Other Factors to Consider

You should also take into account the following factors when planning your cruise:

Summer is a popular time to visit the Mediterranean, and the winter cold keeps Caribbean-bound ships filled.
Cruise fares are dynamic and can vary by the sailing, with holiday periods being the most expensive.
Sailings with greater frequency offer deals well into the booking cycle since there is more to choose from of those itineraries.
Expedition ships, like those going to Antarctica or the Arctic, are often much smaller and their cabins can fill up quickly.

Earning or Redeeming Miles on a Cruise

Cruise lines often partner with travel agencies and airlines to offer incentives in the form of miles and points to people who book through them. Other websites also allow travelers to earn or redeem miles and points for a cruise. The best time to buy a cruise with miles and points is no different than when booking a sailing with cash, as the redemption rates can vary.

Conclusion

Supply and demand regulate the pricing of cruises, so the best time to book a cruise depends on the itinerary, the cruise line, and your travel preferences. Booking early will get you the itinerary, cabin, and date you want, while tracking prices can help you score the best deal. Be sure to consider your loyalty programs and travel credit cards to maximize your savings.

Originally Post From https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/best-time-book-cruise

“8 Considerations When Determining the Best Time to Book a Cruise – NerdWallet”