Cruise companies faced massive financial hits during and after the 2020 pandemic — and to coax travelers back aboard, many offered extra-value incentives.
Jump to today and ships are busy and buffets are plentiful. As a result, cruise prices have largely returned to their pre-pandemic levels, making bargains harder to come by.
The upside? Budget-friendly cruises still exist — you just need to know where to search and how to cut costs.
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17 Money-Saving Cruise Tips
Below are proven strategies to trim costs on your next cruise getaway.
1. Book Early
Many lines, such as Royal Caribbean, release their itineraries with the most attractive fares. As cabins fill, prices commonly rise.
You can typically reserve a cruise up to 18 months ahead of departure. Early reservations often come with extras for booking early — think drink packages or included excursions.
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2. Cruise During Shoulder Seasons
Shoulder seasons are the quieter intervals when demand is lower, varying by region and season.
For instance, Caribbean sailings often cost less in late summer and early fall due to hurricane season. European cruises tend to be cheaper in May and September. Travel during these lower-demand windows to secure savings.
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3. Keep Checking Prices, Even After You Book
Lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian offer repricing options that can secure a lower fare after you’ve already booked. The specifics differ by company.
For example, on Royal Caribbean, if the fare falls within 48 hours of booking, you may get the difference as a nonrefundable onboard credit after final payment or as a rate adjustment prior to final payment.
This approach lets you book early to avoid hikes while retaining the option to claim a lower price if rates drop.
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4. Where You Cruise Matters
It’s a matter of supply and demand. With many sailings from Florida and throughout the Caribbean, prices on those routes tend to be more competitive. Alaska and European itineraries are fewer and usually cost more.
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5. Travel Agents Can Help
With online booking so simple, using an agent might seem outdated — but for pricier trips like cruises, they can be invaluable.
Agents know the best timing for promotions, which lines suit your needs and what deals exist. If you’re busy, an agent can also save you substantial research time.
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6. Make a Bid to Upgrade Your Cabin
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity let passengers place upgrade bids on cabins when booking.
If your bid doesn’t succeed, there’s no penalty. If it does, you could score a nicer stateroom for the price of a lower-category room. Bids are per person, and usually cost less than reserving the higher room outright.
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7. Book Last Minute
We just recommended booking early, but last-minute deals can appear too. As departure nears, lines sometimes slash fares to fill unsold cabins.
The optimal window for last-minute savings is roughly 60 to 90 days before sailing, when cancellations can occur without charge.
Don’t rely solely on this method — it’s less predictable — but it can yield bargains if you’re flexible and possibly within driving distance of the port to avoid pricey flights.
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8. Take Advantage of Redeployments
Redeployments occur when a ship relocates to a distant region — for instance, moving from Australia to Alaska for the summer season.
Lines may present special fares for passengers who don’t mind a longer, mostly-at-sea voyage with fewer stops. Remember these repositioning trips are often one-way, so you’ll need to arrange your return flight.
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9. Eat to Your Heart’s Content (But Watch Where You Eat)
You’re kidding if you think you shouldn’t enjoy the food — you’re already paying for it.
Cruise dining has improved, and most lines include breakfast, lunch and dinner in the base fare. Specialty restaurants cost extra and often feature signature chefs or elevated menus.
Food lovers may splurge on specialty venues, but sticking to the included dining options will save money. One nice perk: if one dish disappoints, you can try something else at another onboard restaurant at no additional cost.
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10. Consider an Inside Cabin
Interior cabins lack ocean views, but they’re the most budget-friendly choice. Some ships even feature LED screens that simulate a window view.
If you plan to spend most of your trip enjoying shipboard activities, the cabin may be little more than a place to sleep, making an inside room a sensible money-saver.
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11. Book Shore Excursions Direct
With some digging, you can book excursions independently and save money. If punctuality concerns you, booking through the cruise ensures you’ll return before the ship departs.
Often the cruise line outsources tours to local operators — if you identify those vendors, you can reserve directly with them, usually for less, and still make it back on time.
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12. Bring Your Own Wine
Don’t overdo it — you can’t haul a cask aboard.
Most lines permit two bottles of wine per stateroom. Bottles bought at port shops will typically be held and returned to you at the end of the voyage.
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13. Consider the Beverage Packages
Drink packages can provide significant savings if you consume enough beverages. Options typically include alcoholic and nonalcoholic plans.
Do the math to determine whether a package pays off. Packages can be purchased any time during the voyage; consider sampling a day or two to see whether the cost makes sense. If you’re only having a couple cocktails and soft drinks a day, paying per drink might be cheaper.
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14. Avoid the Internet Package
Ship Wi-Fi plans commonly cost $15–$20 per day for limited data, which accumulates quickly over a week. Use the trip to unplug and soak in the scenery.
If staying in touch is essential, use Wi‑Fi at ports or rely on an international phone plan when ashore.
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15. Limit the Extras
Upsells abound onboard — from drink plans to specialty dining, photos and spa services.
Be selective: read reviews of specialty restaurants, check past cruisers’ feedback on excursions and use your smartphone camera instead of buying expensive photo packages.
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16. Pick the ‘Guaranteed’ Cabin
“Guaranteed” cabins are often the least expensive option. The cruise company guarantees you’ll get a cabin, but not which specific one.
This choice is sensible if you plan to use your room mainly for sleeping and will spend much of your time enjoying onboard amenities.
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17. Look Out for Specials on Port Days
Many passengers disembark to explore ports, but if you remain aboard, you can often find discounts in ship shops and quieter spa appointments.
Staying on also lets you enjoy the meals and included beverages you’ve already paid for rather than dining ashore.
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