Contact the Cruise lines directly. Trips within one to three months of sailing are likely to be deeply discounted, with some of the best deals within a week of departure. Visiting the cruise line websites can often yield last minute deals, or you can call and have a reservation agent search for the best deals.
Enlist the help of a travel agent. Once cruise lines know how many confirmed cabins they have sold, they discount the ones that are still empty and often send lists of these availabilities to travel agents. In addition to having access to last-minute discounted fares, agents can also help with transportation to and from port.
Search online travel sites. Like brick-and-mortar travel agencies, these online agencies often have access to deeply discounted cruises for last minute travel. Sign up for newsletters from multiple sites to see who has the best selection and price.
Consider a one-way cruise. Also known as repositioning cruises, these trips depart from one port and end in another port so the cruise line can move the ship. Repositioning cruises are often cheaper, particularly at the last minute, but the cost of returning home from the new port should be considered.
