10 Ways to Find Discount Cruises

A cruise is a fun vacation option that offers something for every member of the family, but luxury tropical getaways may seem very out of reach for many travel budgets. Fortunately, there are a number of easy ways to find discount cruises that can help prospective passengers save big on a wonderful vacation.

Reverse Auctions

A reverse auction is a simple way for interested passengers to find the very best cruise deals effortlessly. For a reverse auction, prospective buyers enter their travel dates and preferences, and cruise agents respond with their best available rates. This allows passengers to reach a wide range of agents who have access to special discounts that other booking agencies may not have available. The passengers then respond to the offers that best suit their budget and travel needs.

Group Rates

When booking a large number of cruise ship cabins, passengers can take advantage of deeply discounted group rates. These bargains are great for family reunions, holiday gatherings, and corporate retreats. Many social groups, including churches, hobbyists, and other special interest clubs arrange group rates for their members, often including special on board events and meetings. Depending on the cruise line and total number of passengers, group rates may be available for as few as five or six cabins.

Past Passenger Deals

Travelers who have sailed with a cruise line previously may be able to book future cruises at special loyalty rates and discounts. For most cruise lines these rates are available only on particular sailings, but they can represent significant sailings for passengers with flexibility in their travel plans. In addition to discounts, past passengers may also be eligible for free upgrades, special boarding times, on board receptions, and other benefits, and for many cruise lines these benefits are available after only one prior cruise and increase as passengers sail more frequently.

Free Upgrades

Getting a free stateroom upgrade on a cruise isn't as difficult as it may seem, and it can be a great way to enjoy a better class of cabin at a much cheaper rate. Many cruise travel agencies offer free upgrade deals on particular sailings and during special sales events, or passengers may be able to request an upgrade directly from the cruise line, particularly if they are returning passengers. Passengers who book their travels well in advance may also be pleasantly surprised with a substantial free upgrade if the cruise line has difficulty booking more expensive cabins.

Interior or Guarantee Cabins

Choosing an interior cabin is a quick and easy way to save when booking a cruise. While they are smaller cabins and do not have windows or balconies, they are far less expensive and passengers have the same access to all the entertainment, fine dining, fun activities, and other features of the ship. This makes interior cabins the best discount deal without sacrificing the enjoyment of the cruise.

Similar to booking an interior cabin, passengers can opt for a guarantee cabin that is usually a few dollars cheaper than specified cabins in the same category. This choice reserves a cabin within a particular category, such as an oceanview or balcony stateroom, but the exact cabin assignment will not be made until shortly before the cruise. Passengers with guarantee cabin reservations are assured of getting at least the cheapest cabin in their preferred stateroom category, and many times they will be pleasantly surprised with more expensive accommodations within that category.

Online Brokers

Working through an online cruise agency rather than a typical travel agent can save interested passengers hundreds of dollars on their travel plans. Many online brokers specialize in cruise vacations and because they have few overhead costs, they have more leeway to offer deep discounts. With many online agencies available, interested travelers can easily shop around for the best deals and incentives, but they should always be careful to choose a reputable and well established agency before booking.

Book Early

Many cruise companies, such as Carnival Cruise Line, offer steep discounts for passengers willing to book their travel more than three months in advance. In addition to the best rates, booking early may also give passengers a better opportunity for free upgrades as well as a wider choice in available cabins, sailing dates, and itineraries. For popular travel dates, such as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, passengers should consider booking their cabins six months or more in advance for the best deals.

Changing Sailing Dates

Passengers with flexible travel plans may find good discounts if they examine sailing dates a week or two away from their original choice. Cruise ships operate rotating itineraries, often changing between two or three different itineraries on a regular schedule every seven to fourteen days. Depending on the time of year and the popularity of a particular sailing, fares may be just a few dollars different or they may vary by $100 or more per passenger just by shifting travel dates slightly. This is a quick and easy way to find discount cruises without needing to change cruise lines or opt for a different destination.

One Day Sales

Many cruise travel agencies offer spectacular one day sales that feature deeply discounted rates and cheap cruise prices. The details of the offers are not usually revealed until the day of the sale, and travelers must be willing to make a reservation and offer a down payment without hesitation to reserve the best price. Signing up for agency newsletters is the easiest way to be notified of upcoming sales and to get a preview of available deals.

Just Ask

Many times, travelers can get a better discount on a cruise just by asking their travel agent for a deal. In order to guarantee a booking instead of risking clients choosing the competition, agents may be willing to reduce their own commissions or otherwise pull strings in order to lower a price by at least a few dollars. If the agents cannot lower the price, they may be able to offer other valuable discounts, such as on board credit, free travel insurance, or other incentives.

There are many ways to find discount cruises quickly and easily, and many of these deals are available to all passengers no matter where or when they are planning their vacation. By choosing cheaper cruises, travelers can enjoy an affordable vacation while still taking advantage of all the luxury and variety a cruise has to offer.