How long before a cruise do prices drop?

Cruise prices typically drop 60 to 90 days before departure. This window aligns with final payment deadlines, when cabins are released back into inventory if not paid for. While last-minute deals (30–90 days out) can offer discounts, booking 12–24 months in advance is generally better for the lowest prices and best cabin selection.

Will cruise prices drop closer to the date?

Yes, cruises can get cheaper closer to the sail date to fill unsold cabins, but it's a gamble; popular routes/ships often get more expensive, while less busy ones or those with cancellations might see last-minute drops, especially in off-peak seasons or for specific homeport deals, but you risk limited choices and needing flexible plans. Booking early guarantees the best selection and often the lowest initial price, with the chance to re-fare if prices drop, while late booking offers potential deep discounts if you're flexible. 

How far in advance should I book a cruise to get the best price?

🎯 Cruise Booking Strategy Tips:

Book early & save (12–24 months out) to lock in some of the best rates, cabin choices, and group perks. Book cruises during Wave Season (January-March) for the biggest incentives. You can also book two years in advance.

What day of the week are cruise prices the lowest?

Cheap cruise bookings and the best days of the week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the lowest fares, as cruise lines release midweek deals to boost early-week bookings.

What happens if I book a cruise and the price goes down?

After booking, check back in on the voyage you booked over the following two days. Many cruise lines offer a 48-hour grace period to submit a claim form if a lower price appears. Carnival's Lowest Price Guarantee offers 110 percent of the difference (in publicaly available rates) in the form of onboard credit.

Cruise IQ - How are Price Drops handled after booking your cruise?

What is the secret code on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships use secret codes like Code Alpha (medical), Code Bravo (fire), Code Oscar (man overboard), and Code Charlie (security threat) to alert crew to emergencies discreetly, preventing passenger panic while allowing for swift response, with codes like Operation Brightstar (medical), Operation Rising Star (death), PVI (public vomiting), and 3030 (cleanup needed) varying by line but serving similar functions to manage incidents. Passengers should stay calm and out of the way if they hear these, as crew handle the situation.
 

How to get cheaper cruise rates?

It's generally best to book a cruise about 6 to 12 months before your cruise departure. That's the safest way to balance availability and affordability. Technically, you can book earlier or later than that, with some last-minute cruise deals occasionally available up to a weekbefore cruise departure.

What is the 3:1:1 rule on Royal Caribbean?

𝐼𝓉 𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓆𝓊𝒾𝒹𝓈, 𝒶𝑒𝓇𝑜𝓈𝑜𝓁𝓈, 𝑔𝑒𝓁𝓈, 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝓈, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓈 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝟥.𝟦 𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓈 (𝟣𝟢𝟢𝓂𝓁) 𝑜𝓇 𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒶𝓉 +𝟣 (𝟪𝟪𝟪) 𝟦𝟢𝟤-𝟧𝟨𝟪𝟣. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓈𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒, 𝒸𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇, 𝓆𝓊𝒶𝓇𝓉-𝓈𝒾𝓏𝑒𝒹, 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸 𝒷𝒶𝑔, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝓅𝒶𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒷𝒶𝑔 𝒶𝓉 +𝟣 (𝟪𝟪𝟪) 𝟦𝟢𝟤-𝟧𝟨𝟪𝟣.

Do travel agents offer better cruise deals?

Travel agents often have significant buying power, which can result in better prices, especially when booking multiple cabins for a cruise. Travel agents also enjoy early access to special offers and may secure deals like low deposits. You can expect complimentary perks and freebies when booking through them.

Does the 6 month rule apply to cruises?

The passport must be valid for six months after the day your cruise ends. The name on your passport should match the name on your reservation.

Are cruise prices negotiable?

No. You can't negotiate with the cruise line. Travel agent may have a group rate which could be lower than NCL's direct rate or they might add something to the booking to make it a better deal like OBC.

What is the most expensive month to cruise?

Of the months surveyed, December was the most expensive month to sail, and September was the cheapest. Based on Cruise Critic data gathered in September 2025 for average fares, per person, for a five- to seven-night cruise in 2025 across mainstream cruise lines.

Do cruise prices fluctuate often?

Cruise prices fluctuate frequently based on availability, demand, and special deals. Unless you're interested in an in-demand sailing, be patient and look out for flash sales. Don't overlook traditional discount days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November.

What time of year do cruises go on sale?

Wave Season (Jan–Mar) Best overall Biggest sales of the year + Free at Sea perks. Black Friday / Cyber Monday (late Nov) Big advertised discounts; value is often in perks, not just price. October (Plan a Cruise Month) Good promos, especially for future sailings.

Where not to get a room on a cruise ship?

Cabins near elevators

The areas around elevator banks and stairways on cruise ships can be noisy, just like they can be at land-based resorts and hotels. You'll get people milling around talking as they wait for an elevator car. On some ships, you'll also hear a distinctive chime every time an elevator arrives.

Which balcony is best on a cruise?

The best balcony location depends on your priority: Aft-facing cabins (at the back) offer huge, wake-view balconies, while midship locations (middle of the ship) provide the most stability and convenience (less motion, close to elevators) for motion-sickness-prone travelers, often on the "hump" for larger balconies. For ultimate space, look for aft corner cabins with wraparound balconies, but be aware of potential privacy/soot issues, while lower, central spots are great for stability.
 

Why do cruises skip floor 13?

Many ships, including cruise liners have omitted having a 13th deck due to triskaidekaphobia.

What does pineapple mean on a cruise?

On a cruise, an upside-down pineapple (often as a sticker, magnet, or on clothing) is a discreet symbol used by couples or individuals to signal they are part of the swinging or partner-swapping community and are open to meeting others for "adult fun". While a regular pineapple signifies hospitality, the inverted version transforms it into an insider code for those in the swinging lifestyle, allowing them to identify each other subtly on any ship, though it's more prevalent on adult-themed cruises.
 

What's the least expensive cruise ship?

Seven Seas Splendor

Regent Seven Seas Cruises currently hold the title of having built the most expensive luxury cruise ship. With a cost of over $600 million, Seven Seas Splendor is an exquisite vessel. The ship was launched in 2020 and features 375 suites, each with a private balcony, and accommodates 750 passengers.

What cruise ports to avoid?

Cruise Ports for Cruise Passengers to Avoid

The most dangerous cruise ports can be found all around the world. Places like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Nassau, and Antigua have reports of crime, including theft, assault, and dangers from unlicensed jet-ski operators.

Why can't you cruise past 24 weeks?

They are very strict about the 24-week cutoff. It's a firm rule for safety reasons, as ship medical facilities aren't equipped for premature births.

Which Caribbean island is the most affordable?

Which are the cheapest Caribbean islands?

• Cuba (still my favourite country in the world and a unique place to visit, but also one of the more budget-friendly options)
• Dominica.
• Dominican Republic.
• Grenada.
• Jamaica.
• Puerto Rico (I'm there next year so watch this space for more!)
• Trinidad and Tobago.
• US Virgin Islands.