Look at the early savers or early booking programs. These programs offer deep discounts if you book months ahead of time. They are usually a fraction of the regular price and offer on-board credit. An on-board credit is money that the cruise line gives you for extras. Early savers programs usually come with free cabin upgrades; if you book an inside cabin, the cruise line may upgrade you to an ocean view depending on the rooms that are available.
Look at last-minute cruises. If you are flexible you can find great deals 60 days before a cruise. Many people book their cruises in advance and cancel before the deadline, which is usually 60 days before the cruise. The cruise line will sell these cabins at bargain basement prices. Booking last-minute can save you hundreds of dollars.
Schedule your cruise off season. The spring and summer months are popular in the cruise industry so they are more expensive. You can spend $1,000 per person in the summer and for the same cruise pay $400 in the winter. Prices are cut by as much as 60 percent in the winter. Prices are low because these months are not traditionally vacation months for most travelers.They offer discount incentives to get you on board.
Book an inside cabin. This is the rock-bottom rate for cabin cost. The cabin is small and usually does not have any windows. Booking these rooms early may prove to give you great incentives later. Cruise lines will offer free upgrades a month or two before the cruise to free inside cabins for quick sales.
Book during the wave season: January through March. The wave season is the traditional time of year when cruise lines give your their best sale prices to get you booked on their ships. If cruise lines make record sales during this season, you will probably not get many deals later. If they fall short of their targets, you will see increased sales leading up to your cruise date to fill up the ship. Booking during this season is the best time to get free room upgrades and increased on-board credit.
Budget yourself once on-board. The cruise lines will issue a combination ID-purchase card. This card is attached to your credit or debit card for on board purchases. You also have the option of putting cash on this card. Putting a preset amount of cash on the card will keep you from over spending on the extras.
Avoid additional purchases once on board. Per-person cruise fares are low, but your final tab can quickly increase with extras. According to a May 2009 CNN article, "Five ways passengers are getting even with cruise lines," if you avoid the extras such as premium restaurants, drinks and pictures, you will save by avoiding the up-sell.
Shop around. Call and get your prices from a travel agent and then call the cruise line direct to see if there is a price difference. Sometimes using a travel agent can get you more extras. Travel agents know the industry and may have a specific contact person they deal with regularly who will give their clients special deals and credits.
