Demand for cruising is high, so bargains are becoming increasingly elusive. Still, a few strategies might help you save money. Cruise bookings have increased, most cruise ships sail at near capacity, and overall fares have risen significantly.
As a result, discounts are no longer as common as they once were. Last-minute deals are unlikely on luxury cruise ships as it diminishes the brand reputation. As a general rule, you’re far more likely to get a discount – sometimes up to 50 per cent, with other bonuses such as complimentary flights, cabin upgrades or beverage packages – if you book at least a year in advance or, even better, two.
This is especially true on luxury and small ships. Cruise lines also roll out special offers to promote new itineraries. These too are advertised far in advance of actual sailings.
You may also find reduced prices on perfectly acceptable older ships at the moment a cruise line announces a new ship to great fanfare, and cruise fans scramble to get on board. Timing matters. Prices are often better a few months before the busy summer cruise season, when cruise companies go all out to fill their ships.
Look for specials appearing in January or February for Europe and North America, and in September or October for Australia and the Pacific. Prices are often better a few months before the busy summer cruise season. Credit: iStock The end of the summer season in either hemisphere can also be a discount sweet spot, since most customers have just f.