How far out should you book a cruise?

“It's best to book a cruise six to 12 months out to ensure you get an optimum selection of cabin types, preferred itineraries, and special promotional rates,” says Jennifer DeLaCruz, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Lines.

Do cruise prices go down closer to the date?

If a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. But if a cruise's departure date is fast approaching and the ship is only partially booked, prices will drop and complimentary add-ons will increase, resulting in some happy customers.

How far out should you book a cruise for the best deal?

Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.

When should I book cruise for 2024?

If you're extremely flexible, booking last minute can save you 60% or more, as cruise lines are desperate to fill empty cabin space. But generally speaking, it's best to book over a year in advance during the November to March sale season.

What is the cheapest month to book a cruise?

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

Which Premium Cruise Line Is Top Of Their Game Right Now?

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

The best views. Balcony cabins don't just offer you access to an outdoor space. They typically also offer you a great view of the outdoors from inside your cabin. This is because the doors leading to balconies in balcony cabins usually are made almost entirely of glass running from floor to ceiling.

Which cruise line is the best overall?

What are the months not to cruise on?

The worst time for a Caribbean cruise weather-wise is August to September, as it is peak hurricane season.

Is it better to book a cruise sooner or later?

Many of the cheapest cabins book out well in advance, and many of the desirable cabins sell out early. That means you may have fewer cabin choices when booking at the last minute. In some cases, the cruise line may choose a cabin for you.

How many months in advance do you book a cruise?

Generally, you can book a cruise anywhere from 18 months to one week ahead of sailing. When you choose to book the cruise is up to you, but there are pros and cons for booking early or late. Booking further ahead gives you more choice when it comes to cabin location.

How many days on a cruise is enough?

Sailing on a cruise that's between 6 and 9 days in length means you can take in more exciting ports and also relax onboard (and perhaps even schedule a day to enjoy the spa or pool when the ship is in port).

How to get good rates for cruises?

How many days should your first cruise be?

What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports.

What day do cruise prices drop?

Cruise prices do not get cheaper closer to the sailing date in all cases. Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen.

How can I get a free upgrade on a cruise?

Book a Free Upgrade Promotion to Snag a Cruise Cabin Upgrade. Cruise lines sometimes offer special promotions in which two different cabin categories are priced equally -- so if you book the usually pricier cabin at the lower-cabin cost, you're theoretically getting a free upgrade.

What day is best to buy a cruise?

Beyond holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when there may be some flash sales, January and February are particularly good times to book a cruise, as the first two months of the year are considered “wave season” in the cruising industry.

Do cruise prices drop last minute?

It is possible to get steeply discounted cruise cabins if you book at the last minute, but it is not a guarantee. Cruise lines may offer last-minute deals to fill empty cabins that have not been booked, which can result in lower prices for passengers.

What is the best cruise line for adults?

Are cruises cheaper if you book early?

Booking a Cruise Early

Many cruise lines come out with their best fares when itineraries first go on sale, and then raise the rates as the ships sell out. This is especially true with luxury cruises, new or popular mainstream ships and Disney cruises that tend to book up well in advance.

What time of year are seas the roughest?

Typically, the winter months are the most intense. Transatlantic cruises tend to see their roughest waters in November, December, and February. Thankfully, the majority of mainstream cruise lines do not conduct transatlantic cruises in December and February.

What months to avoid the Caribbean?

Hurricanes occur during the low season, specifically from June 1 to November 30. The risk peaks in August and September and occasionally extends into October and even November. Travel companies generally advise against going to the Caribbean during these months.

Why can't you go on a cruise after 23 weeks?

Due to limitations of medical care, both on board and in various ports of call, women who have entered or exceeded their 24th week of pregnancy, at any time during the cruise, will not be allowed to board or sail with the ship.

What is the best side of a cruise ship to stay on?

Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.

What is the best and least expensive cruise line?