Buy last minute and save hundreds of dollars on great cruises. Most cruise lines require their passengers to reserve their spots 6 months in advance. However, when cabins are left over, the cruise line will offer drastically reduced cabin prices. You can often save 25 to 50 percent off your cruise price by buying a last-minute cruise. Ask for last-minute cruise deals from your travel agent or monitor your favorite online travel pages. Global Travel, for example, offers last-minute cruise deals on a regular basis (see Resources below).
Pack your cabin to its capacity with occupants. The per person price for a cruise is based on the number of people in your cabin. If you can, split your room with 1, 2 or 3 people. This will lower your cruise price tag by between 25 and 50 percent per person.
Cruise during the off-season. The off-season is going to vary depending on where you are cruising to. Generally, however, the off-season is September to October and January through May. Check with your travel agent for the off-season dates for the cruise destinations that you are interested in.
Take advantage of special cruise events. For example, your company may be offering a training cruise or there may be a convention planned aboard a cruise ship. While some of your time will be spent doing work, learning or participating in convention activities, you will also be given free time to explore ports of call and to have fun on the ship. Usually these special events will save you about 25 to 30 percent off the normal cruise fare.
