Budget Cruising: 7 Ways To Save Money On Cruise Vacations

07.01.2024 - 14:55 / forbes.com

A cruise vacation is often seen as a luxury choice, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. In fact, with 2024 shaping up to be one of the busiest years ever in the cruise industry, there is more choice, and more competition, than ever before, in many cases driving down fares.

Some cruise lines—such as European lines Costa and MSC Cruises—focus their business models on keeping prices as low as possible to fill their ships. But even on luxury lines, there are many strategies to enjoy a cruise vacation while spending less than you might imagine.

Arguably the biggest factor influencing price is the time of year. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider cruising during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when kids are in school and demand is lower. Fares can be less than half of what they are in the summer, and ships and destinations are less likely to be crowded.

This is a good strategy if you’re interested in a European cruise, as the season has been extended in recent years. Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and Costa operate Mediterranean cruises year-round, while others including P&O Cruises have stretched out the summer season from March to October.

For example, a 13-night Mediterranean cruise on P&O Arvia from Southampton in September-October 2024 is available at the time of writing from just £849 ($1,079) per person, based on two people sharing a cabin. Taking a similar itinerary at the height of summer would cost a couple an extra $750.

Snag a great deal by booking as soon as cruises go on sale, or just before departure. When cruises are announced, they are often accompanied by early-bird discounts, plus the choice of the best cabins. If you prefer a particular cruise line, join its email newsletter to receive notification of new cruise announcements.

Last-minute bookings can yield substantial discounts, but it’s by no means a guarantee. Choices may be limited as cruises often sell out weeks in advance during high season, and spontaneity is a must. As such, seeking a last minute deal is an option best suited for travelers living in close proximity to major cruise ports such as Miami, or Southampton in England.

That being said, industry commentators are warning that bookings for 2024 are going so well that there may be few last minute deals available.

Better than last minute deals are the offers available approximately three months before departure, when final payments become due. At this point, cruise lines know exactly how many cabins are empty.

“Most ships will be marked down around this time, and these prices usually prove to be the lowest ever offered for that departure, lower than early bird discounts, and lower than prices available within the last couple of weeks,” says Alan