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When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. First of all, they’re completely stress-free. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet. On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation.

I’m ready to start planning my cruise — how can I score the best deals?

Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination , kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings don’t end when you book your cruise, though. Once you’ve made a reservation, you’ll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences — like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via My Royal Cruise .

Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?  

It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise vacation, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings , as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in hasn’t sold out yet.

If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular vacation dates — like the holidays , spring break , summer vacation and week long cruises — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale). If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories , like Balconies and even Suites. The deals don’t only apply to your cruise fare, though. Once you’ve booked your vacation, you could easily unlock discounts and specials on add-ons, including beverage and dining packages , Voom® high speed internet, shore excursions, and amazing experiences not included in your cruise fare — like a day of pampering at Vitality SM Spa, a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s galley followed by brunch, VIP seating at shows, and much more.

How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?

There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options , but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise. Add a Specialty Beverage Package — which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more — and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra.

Royal Caribbean also offers deals based on departure ports  and destinations, so if you’re a flexible traveler looking for great savings, you can plan your next vacation around which itineraries are on sale. Just check your email or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/cruise-deals to stay up to date on promotions, sales and special offers. You can even browse sailings and deals by homeport, destination and season, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible deal no matter when or where in the world you choose to set sai.

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Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn't plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise , for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it's the local hurricane season.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines’ cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.

Are river cruises worth the money?

River cruises are quite relaxing, with much more varied scenery than you'd experience on an ocean cruise. These ships often also feature several stops along the river, so passengers can enjoy a greater variety of destinations to explore. Viking river cruises are especially adept at providing this unforgettable experience.

What cruises are best for families?

The best family cruises in 2024 / 2025 tend to be Disney cruises with plenty of offerings for kids and adults alike, though MSC cruises are known for their iconic Children Cruise Free promotion. Disney cruises, specifically, are essentially a Disney theme park on a boat with live shows, rides, and attractions with your kids' favorite characters.

How much does a cruise ship cost?

Cruise prices can vary quite a bit, with cheap cruises and especially luxurious all-inclusive cruises available. Budget lines can offer cruise tickets as low as $50 per night in some cases, while the more high-end experiences can reach up to $1,000 per night and more.

What are some of the best cruise lines?

Several different cruise lines have a lot to offer, such as Viking cruises , which are known for traversing oceans and rivers with a style that blends outdoor and indoor splendor. Celebrity cruise line is more upscale with luxurious features like WiFi, included beverages, champagne, and suites with panoramic views. Other top cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise , Disney Cruise , and Norwegian Cruise .

How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?

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.

Are cruise trips affordable?

They can be, and it's especially simple to search for more affordable cruises with Expedia.com. Not only can you filter by cruise length, cruise line, and cabin experience, but you may also sort your results by price to put the more affordable options first on your search results page.

What is it like to go on a cruise?

A cruise is generally designed to offer the most relaxing experience possible. Despite the size of the ship, it's possible to feel the wave. Many passengers report that the movements help them sleep. Additionally, many fun cruises offer live stage performances, several restaurants, and shopping opportunities. When the ship is in international waters, you may even be able to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

Are cruises a good way to travel?

Cruise travel is great if you're looking for some varied fun. Compared to a plane or a train, cruises have their own attractions and can be considered an integral part of cruise vacations. Plus, a cruise can hit several different destinations as well, with plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and scenic locales. It's certainly worth it for a unique experience no other method of travel can match.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

The actual cheapest cruise available depends on a variety of different factors. Still, Carnival Cruise tends to be very affordable overall, most of the time with great options like the Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Horizon . Royal Caribbean is also another fantastic cruise line offering great deals if you are watching your budget.

How can I get the best cruise deals in 2024 / 2025?

If you're looking for some of the best cruise deals, booking through Expedia.com makes it easy since you can sort your cruise search results by price and have access to special deals. One Key members can earn  OneKeyCash  on all eligible bookings and get instant discounts with Member Prices. Sign up today!

What do I need to know when I book a cruise?

To book a cruise, you'll need to know where you'll be setting off from and where you'll be going, in addition to how many people will be with you and the features of the specific cruise you book. Keep in mind that you'll want to factor in spending money in your budget for the cruise's restaurants and shops in most cases.

Where should I go on a cruise in 2024 / 2025?

Plenty of incredible cruise destinations are accessible such as cruises to the Bahamas and cruises to Mexico . You may also be interested in cruises to Alaska or cruises to Europe for something outside of the Caribbean.

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

A lot of countries are accessible via a cruise, but the best include a cruise to Australia . However, a cruise to Australia is quite a long trip at sea and really allows you to take in everything the cruise ship has to offer.

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

Yes, last-minute cruise deals are often available, and you can find them on Expedia.com by inputting your travel dates in your search and sorting your results by price. The deals will automatically be applied to the price estimates so that the cheapest estimates will show up first on your search results page.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Cruises aren't always all-inclusive, but they can be. If you're interested in all-inclusive cruises, you can activate a search filter for it to ensure your search results only show cruises that meet your all-inclusive standard.

Is food free on a cruise?

Food is sometimes free on a cruise, but there are often specialty restaurants that aren't included with the general booking that you'll have to pay for separately. Check the details of each cruise before you book in the "What's included" section after clicking the cruise on your search results page.

What cruise lines are adults only?

Several lines offer adults-only cruise experiences, including Viking cruises , Carnival cruises , and Princess cruises . With an adults-only cruise, you can relax in a tranquil and laid-back setting without kids running around and enjoy all the cocktails you want.

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

Viking cruises are considered exceptionally luxurious, with smaller ships and larger cabins that make them feel more exclusive, but Celebrity cruises offer luxury cruise lines too. Booking a luxury cruise means you can expect high-end amenities including gourmet restaurants, sizable suites, top-tier performances, massive pools, and much more.

What are the best cruises for couples?

Viking Cruises have much to offer for a more romantic experience. Holland America Line cruises can be quite refined and romantic as well, with an adult-oriented experience that's sophisticated rather than rowdy. Romantic cruises offer exceptional service as well as cozy suites for you and your partner to enjoy that's complemented by delicious food often themed around the cruise destination.

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

Going on a cruise is a great way for you and your new spouse to be pampered with luxury while also being able to explore a new destination. Whether you're taking a cruise to Hawaii or a cruise to Bermuda , a particularly romantic experience is almost guaranteed thanks to the sheer number of things to do.

Are there any Christmas cruises?

Yes, quite a few cruise lines operate around Christmas, and you can find them easily by entering travel dates around Christmas into your 2024 cruise search. Some of the most popular Christmas cruises are available with Carnival and Disney.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Whether or not you need a passport depends on where you're going and the kind of cruise it is. Any US territory like Bermuda and Puerto Rico won't require a passport, of course, but you also don't need one if you're on a closed-loop cruise. This is a cruise that begins and ends at a US cruise terminal, even if there are stops in other countries on the way.

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

Booking a cruise with Expedia.com makes it easy to find a cruise type that works best for you. You can use the cruise finder and sort by cruise line, type, destination, length, and itinerary. One Key members also earn OneKeyCash on all eligible bookings that can be used to save on future eligible trips.

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

Every cruise has a different cancellation policy, but generally, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for a future cruise at a later date. Remember that they may automatically change your booking to their rescheduled date, so you may have to contact them if that date doesn't work for your schedule.

*OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia,  Hotels.com  and Vrbo.

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10 Rules to Getting the Best Deal on a Cruise

Tell us if this process sounds familiar.

You want to book a cruise, so you start searching around. A web search takes you from one site to another. Before you know it, you’ve looked at a dozen different sites to try and find the best deal.

What’s more, you’ve tried searching multiple dates, itineraries, cruise lines, and room types, searching for that best combination of price, time and route.

It’s enough to make your head spin… and that’s before you actually purchase your fare .

After that, you end up checking the same cruise obsessively, making sure you’ve gotten the best price possible.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way . We’ve spent years studying the cruise industry and have come up with our best rules to follow to make sure you’re getting the absolute best rate with as little headache as possible.

It’s no guarantee that you’ll get the lowest rate offered for your cruise, but these rules will help you be smarter about buying your vacation.

In This Article...

Want a cheap cruise? Study this chart

Before we get into the rules, we want to walk you through some of research. First, we want to show you the most important resource when it comes to what you will pay for a cruise.

The chart below shows the historic per-person cruise fare for both an interior cabin and balcony room for a 3-day Carnival cruise over a period of two years between 2021-2023 . This particular cruise sailed from Miami, with a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

We selected this cruise because it runs weekly, giving us a chance to compare the price of the trip over multiple years and see the trends in the fare.

First, you can see from the blue line (price for an interior room) that prices to travel last minute are consistent with the same time a year later. In other words, you don’t see that much of a discount — if any — by waiting until the last minute .

Second, notice the trends in the rise and fall of the prices. Cruise fares see large spikes during holidays and the summer. The basic rule of thumb is that if school is out, then cruise fares are high . Cruising off season can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Of course, there is so much more to learn about finding the best rate on your next cruise. We go into full detail of all the rules you should follow to find the lowest rate possible…

Rule #1: DO be flexible with your days to cruise the cheapest

As you can see in the chart , the fares for the same cruise can vary dramatically, depending on when you sail.

Holidays like Christmas and New Year’s fetch the highest prices by far. These rates can often be double what you would pay in the lower season. The highest rates found around the holidays are closely followed by peak summer rates when families with kids like to cruise:

The best times to sail with the lowest rates? The fall months when people are back at school and work, meaning that rates hit their lowest. You can also find lower rates in the time between New Year’s and Spring Break.

Rule #2: DON’T think there is a magic website with cheaper cruise fares

The cruise line’s website, Expedia, Cruises.com, Travelocity… the list of sites where you can search for trips is endless. The odd thing? They usually all have the exact same rates.

We researched the most popular sites for a Carnival cruise (although this rule applies to all cruise lines), comparing prices with the cruise line’s official website. This trip is a 7-day cruise from Miami in June 2025 aboard Carnival Magic. We’ve tabulated the prices we found below:

So which site should you use?

We generally suggest booking through the cruise line’s website. We like this because it takes out the middleman in booking your sailing. Should there be an issue, you can call the cruise line directly and everything is dealt with through their site.

However, many third-party sites can have special deals such as onboard credit that’s not available if booking through the cruise line. We’ve seen up to $750 in onboard credit just for booking through these types of sites, depending on their offers.

[Read: The Best Websites to Book a Cruise ]

As well, third-party sites take your search across multiple cruise lines. So instead of just searching for Carnival cruises or Royal Caribbean, you can search every cruise line — potentially finding a cheaper cruise with another line. Meanwhile, you typically won’t pay any more than booking directly from the cruise line.

If you know the cruise line you’d like to sail, we suggest booking directly through them. If you are open to which line you sail, then third-party websites give you the ability to search more cruise lines and itineraries to find a better price.

Rule #3: DON’T think you’ll save a ton by booking last minute

It would make sense that you would find the cheapest fares right before the ship sails. After all, if a room sails empty, the cruise line earns nothing from that cabin. They should want to get you on the ship and at least earn some cruise fare, then hope to earn more on excursions, drinks, and shopping onboard.

If that were how things actually worked, however, the cruise lines would go insane trying to plan. If rates were lowest right before the trip sailed, then every passenger would wait until the last minute. The cruise lines wouldn’t be able to plan their needs for the trip ahead of time or predict revenue, costs, or profits.

That’s why cruise lines have largely eliminated last-minute discounts.

In fact, if you look at our chart of prices for the cruise below, you can see that the price you pay for a cruise about to depart is inline with the same time a year later.

Where you can really get burned by waiting until the last minute is in your room selection.

When you book late, many of the prime rooms have been taken already. So if you had your eye on a certain type of room or location on the ship, it might not be available if booking late.

For more on buying last-minute cruises, read 9 Smart Last-Minute Cruise Buying Tips .

Rule #4: DON’T get distracted by cruise line sales

The cruise lines are like department stores — they constantly run sales and special offers. Sometimes it is 50% off the second fare. Sometimes it’s lower deposits. Sometimes it’s onboard credit.

We’ve found that there is a constant flow of deals, and they usually are all about the same. In other words, we don’t really think you should let it influence whether or not you buy… or let it affect the timing of your purchase.

Yes, it is possible that one deal might be better than another. However, they typically end up around the same price. If a cruise line really needs to fill rooms, they will simply lower the price of the specific cruise instead of offering a fleetwide discount via a sale.

Rule #5: DO sail on older ships for cheaper deals

It’s not written in stone, but you will usually pay much less to sail on an older ship compared to a newer one. Older ships are still kept up and comfy, but simply can’t offer the space or amenities as the larger, newer ships.

Over the past two decades, ships have seemingly transformed from simply seagoing vessels to floating amusement parks. From huge waterslides to promenades, robot bars, roller coasters, ice rinks, and more, it’s hard to believe what they can put on a new ship these days.

If you don’t need these sorts of things on your cruise, then look for an older ship to get a much cheaper cruise.

What can you expect to save? It’s difficult to compare apples to apples as different ships sail to different ports at different times, but we found two similar cruises to compare.

The first was a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral, departing April 2025. Wonder of the Seas is one of the cruise line’s newest ships, and it’s priced accordingly.

The cheapest price (interior cabin) we found for an April sailing on this new ship was $1,106 per person .

Compare this rate with a 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard an older Royal Caribbean ship — Adventure of the Seas. We found this cruise departing Port Canaveral during the same month (April 2024). Despite being one night longer, the trip was priced at just $955 per person for an interior cabin . That’s about $150 per person less for an additional night.

In other words, sailing the older ship in this example costs considerably less than the new ship — despite the cruise being a day longer.

(Note: There is also a 6-night cruise aboard Adventure of the Seas during that same month starting at just $666 per person — an even larger discount.)

Rule #6: DO choose your room location carefully

While not every cruise line does it, many will charge you different amounts for the same class of room in different locations of the ship. For example, a room on a higher deck will cost more than one on a lower deck. Through years and years of bookings, the cruise lines know which rooms are most desirable and charge accordingly.

Most times the premium you pay for room location won’t seem like a big deal. The cruise lines sometimes frame it by adding something like $3-5 per person, per day.

Let’s do the math, however.

A room with two people being charged an extra $5 per person, per day would rack up $10 per day — or $70 in room location charges over the course of a week-long cruise. That may not sound like much to some of you, but that comes about to about 4-6 drinks from the bar if you were to want to spend your money on alcohol instead.

The rule of thumb is that the higher up your room is on the ship, the more you will pay.

For the absolute best rate for your particular room class, let the cruise line place you automatically at their lowest rate.

Rule #7: DON’T buy the “wave season” hype

You might have heard of “wave season.” This time of year — running from January through March — is supposed to be when the cruise lines offer the best deals. That’s due to the cold weather in most of the country making people think of warmer places combined with the passing of the Christmas holiday. It is definitely true that more booking activity goes on during this period. But it may not mean better prices. 

Our take? Wave season is hyped up, similar to “Black Friday.” Sure there may be good offers — but not enough to keep us from booking a good deal when we see one a different time of year.

If everyone waited until the wave season because the deals were better, then the cruise lines wouldn’t have anyone book the other nine months of the year. You’ll find that the deals offered aren’t that much different than those found the rest of the year.

Rule #8: DON’T think booking far ahead will save much

If last-minute booking doesn’t offer much of a discount, then surely you’ll be rewarded by booking well in advance, right?

Not so much.

Rates vary the most by time of year… not by how far in advance the departure is. For example, you’ll see similar fares for a cruise in September, whether that’s three months from now or a year and three months from now.

Now, that’s not to say that the fare for a cruise well in the future won’t drop at some point. If the cruise line has trouble filling rooms, they will certainly drop the rate. But many times, there is no huge advantage to booking a year or more in advance (although you will have more cabin options).

Rule #9: DO book your cruise when you find a rate you like

We know that trying to find the best rate can be nerve-wracking. Don’t let it get to you. We think the key is to do some research first on the cruises offered and what they are selling for. Once you have a ballpark idea of what they cost, you can have a better idea if you are getting a good deal.

Once you find a rate that you think is fair (including any sales/promotions), go ahead and book it. There’s no sense in waiting and watching to see if the price will fall more, especially since it could also rise. ( Read more on the best time to book a cruise. )

And while you want to book your cruise once you’ve found a rate you’re happy with, we recommend NOT paying in full. In fact, put down the smallest deposit allowed.

This will give you some leverage for Rule #10. (Keep in mind that if you book last-minute, you often have to pay for the trip in full at the time of booking.)

Rule #10: DO monitor price drops…and call the cruise line

So what if after all this you book your cruise and then the price drops?

First, you should be monitoring the price of your cruise after you book if you want to save money. We’re not saying to check it every day, but once or twice a month is sufficient.

If you run across a price drop, then you should contact the cruise line immediately. This is where having put down only a deposit — and not paying in full — buys you some leverage.

Many times the cruise lines will work with you to compensate for the lower fare, even though they often aren’t obligated to do so. They can refund the difference or offer onboard credit to make you happy.

Some lines have price protection policies in place. Carnival, for example, has it’s Early Saver Program :

1. When you book a 3-5 day cruise three months in advance, or 6 day or longer cruise five months in advance, you are assured the lowest rate. 2. In the unlikely event that you do find a lower Carnival-advertised rate after booking your cruise, we will honor it and adjust your cruise rate accordingly. Simply fill out the Price Protection Claim form and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you only have a deposit down, and they won’t work with you on the price difference, determine the refund policy to see if it is worth it to cancel your original trip and re-book the cruise at the lower rate.

If you’ve already paid in full, it’s still worth calling the cruise line if you see a lower fare. The lines want happy customers and will sometimes work with you to compensate for the new lower price.

Bottom Line: Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball that will tell you the absolute best time of year or day of week to book your cruise. That said, the tips above can help you carve out the best deal possible — without driving yourself crazy.

More on Cruise Buying:

• The Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• The Best Time to Book a Cruise (Save Money, Better Cabins)

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Informative but I am really confused what I am missing. I looked at several Azamara cruises on both their website and VTG. There was a huge prices difference. Even if I subtract things like port fees and gratuities, it did not come close to accounting for the price difference. Can anyone explain why?

I agree that the fall months as well as early in the year are best for cheaper rates but I live on the East coast and I monitor hurricanes every year. It seems to be a very big risk booking during hurricane season. I’ve been researching cruises to Bermuda. Last time I booked was first week in June. That was my first cruise so I was a total newbie. Great cruise, however. Your article was very informative. I’ve never cruised on Carnival before, always cruised on NCL.

Hello, this is more about the cruise incentive, rather than cruise price. I booked August 31 to sail December 1 with Expedia for HAL. Expedia is now offering the drink package at a reduction of $400 each plus more onboard credit.I would be saving $625, initially I did receive free gratuities.

They are not willing to help as of my phone call, any tips on what to do? Thanks in advance. Your site is great, I have been enjoying the tips.

So you’ve called and they won’t give the better offer? What sort of cancellation fee are you looking at? It might be worth cancelling and then re-booking the better deal if you wouldn’t be out too much money.

I agree with most everything you said in this article except letting the cruise line choose your room. Yes you may save a few dollars that way but you will also most likely get an undesirable room. Undesirable rooms are those under the Lido deck, above and below the nightclubs, next to the galley, and next to the elevators. Also if you are booking an inside room (which is the cheapest), be sure you are not booking a room with an upper and lower berths if that is not what you want. If you are booking an outside room and you really want the view, be sure you are not booking one with a restricted view (life boats, structure, etc). If you elect the cruise line choosing your room be sure you are selecting the right category. This is where a travel agent can help.

Thanks for the comment. We always let the cruise line choose the room for us to save money. Never had an issue with location.

Probably the truest article I’ve read! So many other sites seem to be in some kind of alliance with the cruiselines so they halfway tell you something then backtrack. Also, I find it interesting that you mentioned the fact that the sales are constant and basically offer the same. I witnessed it first hand over the last few weeks. I kicked myself for not booking when the rates went down, however, when they increased $25 per person (2 in cabin, so $50 more), the onboard credit increased $50 with the offer. So it was essentially the same deal. I think all in all, in 2 different cruises after searching, waiting and continually checking even after booking, I’ve only missed out on a total of an extra $25 onboard credit for the entire cabin.

It’s great that you elaborated on which dates are best for finding better deals on cruises. I remember when my husband and I discussed going on a cruise sometime, we weren’t sure what dates we would want to plan ahead for. What you said about going in the falls months when people are back to work and school means lower rates, in general, was very interesting to me.

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How to save on a cruise: 33 money-saving tips from an expert cruiser

Cruises can be truly affordable vacations — but that doesn't mean you won't run up a significant bill booking your sailing or spending during your trip. It's also easy to overspend on certain travel costs because you don't know all the best money-saving tricks. As someone who cruises often, I don't have a huge budget to spend on onboard purchases for each sailing, so I've had to get wise on how to save money on a cruise.

Some of my strategies are obvious and others I've learned from trial and error over 50+ sailings. I'm happy to share the wealth, so to speak, so you can avoid money mistakes and stretch your travel budget as far as it can possibly go. Here are my 33 top tips on how to save on a cruise.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

How to save money on your cruise booking

Book early. Most cruise lines increase prices as ships sell out. Book early to get the lowest prices, as well as the widest choice of cabin types and locations, plus dining times.

Book at the last minute. The corollary advice is that cruise lines will sometimes drop prices or offer value-added promotions on cruises that have too many available cabins left a few months before its scheduled departure. You can find cheap deals on last-minute sailings, especially if you're not picky about which cabin you get.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

Book a shoulder-season sailing. Spring and fall tend to be less busy travel times, and cruises during these shoulder-season months are priced accordingly. Pick a cruise at the beginning or end of the Alaska or Mediterranean season when the weather isn't as optimal, and you'll save big over the peak mid-season voyages. Sailings departing after Thanksgiving but before Christmas are also less popular and therefore cheaper.

Book an inside cabin. The cheapest room on the ship is an inside cabin , so choose one of those rooms if you want to spend less on your next sailing. You'll get access to the same pools, restaurants, shows and activities as the folks in the balcony cabins; all you're missing out on is a window and some more floor space. Some people actually prefer inside cabins for amazing sleep in the pitch dark and because they spend all their time out and about on the ship and are never in their room.

Be flexible on dates. Many unpredictable factors combine to make one sailing more expensive than the identical itinerary the week before or after. If you can be flexible on which week you cruise, you can save money by choosing whichever sail date has the cheaper price.

Book an older ship. Newer ships with their one-of-a-kind attractions and up-to-date everything get all the attention — and can command the highest prices. Seek out older ships to get a better cruise deal. Cruise lines maintain their older ships and often give them massive makeovers to add the latest restaurants and top-deck attractions, so you'll hardly notice you're on a 20-year-old ship. But your budget will notice the more affordable rates, leaving money in your pocket to spend on splurges like spa treatments and specialty dining.

Look for sales and promotions. Cruise lines run sales so often that you're wasting money if you book when there isn't a deal on. Some promotions are all about lower fares, while others save you money with included perks, like free Wi-Fi or a complimentary beverage package. Solo travelers should look out for sales that waive the solo supplement, which can save you up to 50% of the normal single cabin price. Families should watch out for kids sail free sales or other discounted third and fourth guest offers.

Related: The best cruise booking perks – and which ones are actually free

Leverage your casino play. Cruise lines love casino players because they spend money on board. Once you've established yourself as a member of a cruise line's players club, you may find yourself the recipient of cruise discounts and complimentary casino cruise offers . You can definitely save on a cruise when all you have to pay are taxes and fees.

Be loyal to one cruise line. Sail once with a cruise line and you're eligible to join its loyalty program . All members are eligible for select past-passenger cruise fare discounts, but the most loyal members can access free upgrades or even free cruises.

Choose a drive-to port. Parking a car for a week is almost guaranteed to be cheaper than airport transfers, flights and a pre-cruise hotel for a family of four. There are departure ports all along the U.S. and Canadian coastlines; consider choosing a cruise that departs from a port within driving distance of your home in order to save money on your next cruise.

Use a credit card that gives you perks. Even if your cruise fare isn't dirt cheap, you can still get more value from your vacation dollars when you pay for that vacation at sea with the right card . For example, book with The Platinum Card® from American Express and its Cruise Privileges Program will get you double Membership Rewards points, onboard credit and cruise line-specific perks. Or perhaps you can use your cruise final payment to make the minimum spending requirement on a new credit card and get a slew of points or miles you can use for a free trip down the road.

Related: Should you get a cruise line credit card? Here's a closer look

Bid for an upgrade. Several major cruise lines, like Norwegian and MSC Cruises , offer select guests the option to bid for an upgraded cabin . Bid less than the difference between your cabin cost and the price of the nicer room, and if your bid is approved, you'll get upgraded onboard digs at a discount.

Use a travel agent. Most travel agents won't charge you to use their cruise-booking services, but they can help you find the best deal on the best sailing for you, and they might even throw in a free bottle of Champagne or some onboard credit. If nothing else, these knowledgeable advisers can save you from making costly mistakes on the wrong cruise purchases, and that is a value in and of itself.

Book your next cruise on board. Most cruise lines run a future cruise sales desk on board ships, and if you put a deposit down on a future cruise while you're sailing on the current one, you can be eligible for discounts such as onboard credit (which translates to free spending money for you).

Related: 10 mistakes to avoid when booking your cruise

How to save money on board

Get first-day discounts. Embarkation day can be crazy. You're getting familiar with the ship's layout, signing up for all the things and likely going to the main dining room for dinner to meet your waiters. You might not even realize that the spa and specialty restaurants are open that evening. In order to lure passengers through their doors, onboard spas may offer first-day discounts, and specialty restaurants might throw in a free bottle of wine.

Book activities and packages in advance. Many cruise lines offer discounts for booking drinks packages, Wi-Fi plans and shore excursions online in advance of your cruise. It will save you money on your next cruise if you do some pre-cruise planning instead of being spontaneous once on board.

Go to the spa on port days. Most passengers get off the ship when it's docked in port, so they prefer to book spa treatments on sea days. (The salon is especially busy on formal nights.) In order to entice passengers to book treatments on port days, cruise ship spas will often run specials or discounts, saving you money on the pricey massages and body treatments.

Enjoy specialty restaurants at lunch. You can rack up quite the cruise bill dining at specialty restaurants each night of your cruise. To save money, look for extra-charge eateries that are open for lunch. The food is usually just as good, but the menu is smaller and the prices are reduced from the dinnertime fee.

Look for daily or happy hour drink specials. Your ship's daily newsletter is your guide to saving money. Look for daily drink specials or happy hour deals that will save you money on those tropical drinks that are the hallmark of a Caribbean vacation. Or ask at your favorite onboard bar if they ever run drink deals, and plan your visits around those times.

Book a drinks or dinner package. If eating and drinking are how you spend your money on a cruise, you may save by bundling your purchases. Look for all-you-can-drink packages that will save you money if you already plan to drink a lot each day or specialty dining packages that offer a discounted total price for booking multiple reservations in advance.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

Skip the souvenir glass. Step onto a cruise ship pool deck or atrium on the first day of your cruise, and you're likely to be approached by a waiter offering you a drink in a souvenir glass. You want the cocktail, but do you really need to bring home a cup in the shape of Carnival's funnel? Say yes to the drink and no to the souvenir glass, and you will save a few bucks on the cost of the drink (not to mention the extra-bag fees when you realize you can't carry all those souvenirs home).

Seek out free alcohol. If you pay attention, you can find several opportunities to get drinks for free on a cruise ship. Many of the onboard art auctions pass out Champagne or sparkling wine to attendees, and sometimes the ship's shops will offer liquor tastings in an attempt to convince you to buy a bottle. If you're a suite guest or loyalty member, you might be eligible for free drink vouchers, happy hours or events with comped drinks.

Shop the sales for souvenirs. Cruise line boutiques often run BOGO sales or "everything for $10" hours on items like T-shirts, evening purses and sunglasses. If you're thinking of purchasing some souvenirs, look for promotional events listed in your daily schedule. If you're looking to splurge on high-end jewelry or other expensive gifts, look for specials in those boutiques. These purchases won't be cheap, but you might be able to save a bit or get an extra bauble thrown in for free.

Check out the seminars. Your cruise ship's spa or boutiques will often host seminars about wellness practices or understanding gemstones. These events are really marketing plays to get you to sign up for spa treatments or buy shoe insoles or jewelry. However, they often convince people to attend by giving away spa credit or jewelry in a raffle. If you've got nothing better to do on a sea day, you might show up in the hopes of winning something. Spa tours and port shopping lectures also run raffles (plus you might get a free massage for a minute).

Look for mid-cruise specials. Cruise ships will discount paid attractions on the fly if they need to drum up more revenue in a certain area or if restaurants are not full. If you keep your schedule flexible, you can jump on mid-cruise specials, advertised in your daily schedule or newsletter, and save on specialty dining, arcade games, spa treatments and more.

How to save money in port

Book your own tours. Cruise lines mark up shore excursions because they have to pay the provider and turn a profit. You can often save money by going to the source and booking a tour directly with a provider. Alternatively, a private tour guide for a group may not always save you money, but you will usually get more value out of a small-group tour that you can customize to your preference.

Skip the tour and explore independently. You don't need to shell out big bucks for an organized tour in every port. To keep costs down, skip the beach break tour and walk or take a bus or taxi to the beach. Do your own walking tour with a guidebook or app. Go on a hike or take yourself to a cathedral or museum. If your tour independently , you won't have to pay for a guide or cruise line overhead.

Look for less inclusive beach breaks. Sometimes a cruise line will offer several versions of the same resort day pass or beach break excursion — one that just covers your entrance and another that includes lunch and drinks and water toy use. If you don't plan to eat or drink that much, or at all, you can save by booking the least expensive version of the tour and just paying for the amenities you use a la carte.

Related: 10 cruise ship excursions to avoid

Use local transportation. Taxi rides can add up for a couple traveling together. Consider using less expensive forms of transportation to explore a city during your port stop. Local buses and subways can be more affordable ways to get around, plus offer a glimpse into local life.

Use Wi-Fi in port. Cruise ship internet access is pricy; you might pay more for a week on board than you do for a month at home! If you don't have to be connected at all hours, skip the cruise ship Wi-Fi plan and seek out free or cheap Wi-Fi in port. Many port terminals have free Wi-Fi, or you can grab a cup of coffee or a drink at an establishment in town with complimentary Wi-Fi for customers.

Negotiate prices. Know when prices aren't set in stone and negotiate a lower fee to save on your in-port purchases. You can often barter over the price of crafts, food or souvenirs in open-air markets, or negotiate rates for taxi tours or rides. Always be friendly and polite when haggling, and be prepared to walk if the vendor does not accept your offer.

Bring your own beach gear. Most beaches you'll visit on a cruise, including the cruise lines' private islands, will rent you snorkel gear, umbrellas and beach floats, or sell you beach toys. Save money by purchasing and bringing your own snorkel gear, beach shade, inflatable beach toys and floats. The upfront cost might be higher than a single rental, but you can use the gear in multiple ports and on multiple cruises. Look for inflatables or collapsible gear that can pack down small or that come in convenient carrying cases.

Don't eat lunch or dinner in port. I always recommend trying the local cuisine in port, both because it's a fun way to experience a new culture and to support the local economy. But if you're on a budget and need to cut costs, skip the meals in port and head back to the ship for meals in the many included eateries on board. If nothing else, avoid the over-priced and often inauthentic waterside tourist restaurants and ask around for where locals eat on the cheap — or skip the lunch and treat yourself to a cheaper gelato or pastry instead.

Bottom line

You don't have to employ every one of these tips to save money on your next sailing, but keep them in mind to make smart decisions as you plan your next vacation and once you're on board. It's always OK to splurge a little on vacation, but you want to make sure you're not spending unnecessarily. What matters is that you're getting the biggest benefit from your vacation buck.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Buying Jewelry Onboard - Good Deal or Total Rip Off??

By cruisin'sz , December 20, 2018 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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cruisin'sz

I was wondering if it was worth it to buy jewelry while on-board.   Can you really get a good deal or is it all just one big rip off?  Also, if you do buy jewelry on board, can you use your on-board credits and (I think it is 15% ) the ship discount some of us have as frequent cruisers?   Finally, if it is worth it to get the jewelry - are the jewelers negotiable.  Thanks for the help.    

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My husband bought an Invicta watch on the last day of our cruise, when there was a 50% - 75% off sale.  He was hesitant because he wasnt sure how much the watch would sell for at outside retailers.  He took a chance and bought it anyways, because he has a weakness for watches.  Later he learned that the price he paid was about $200 LESS than what the watch sold for at a few online retailers, including Amazon, so he was happy with the price he paid.  

That same day, I bought a ring that was normally $160, got it for $80.  I have no idea if it was worth it, but I LOVE the ring and have worn it everyday since buying it.

Long story short, it's like everything else.  If you see something you like, and have the money for it, get it!  

You can use onboard credit for purchases.  Not sure about getting the platinum discount.

The platinum discount is only for NCL logo merchandise.

The jewelry isn't "good deals" if you know your jewelry.  For example...they always push "zoltanite" and claim you can only get it on the ship.  Not true....I can get it for about 1/4 the price.  It's really the same with all their "fine jewelry".  If you know your stuff...you won't be impressed with the price.  However, if you see something you like and it's within your budget....it will make a wonderful souvenir.  And yes, they do negotiate.

The watches are the same price you pay on land (unless you insist on paying full value).  You'll always get that same discount.  Just visit an Invicta store or Evine on TV.  But...you don't pay tax on the ship.

With all the above said....I've purchased "fine jewelry" and many watches on cruises.  If I like it...it's mine.  But, I would never buy anything based on "I got a great deal".

DW has bought jewelry on the ships - not high end product, but lower priced things she found that she likes. Typically she'll wait for the sales that always happen before the end of the cruise. She wouldn't buy if she didn't feel the price was at least realistic. 

In at least one case, she found out that some of the product on the ships isn't available elsewhere. She liked one piece, but elected to pass on it thinking she'd find it cheaper on land. She never could find it, not even directly from the manufacturer. So we believe that the ships do carry a certain amount of product that's only available on board.

And no, the onboard shops do not bargain over pricing. (Edit: We've never found they would bargain, at least not on the items DW is interested in. But perhaps that's because those items aren't marked up as much as the higher end product).

I've bought two fairly expensive watches onboard. One was about $50 less than I would have paid elsewhere, and the other was about the same price. I think the key is to know what things cost. Alternatively, go with your heart and don't look back! 

CruisingNole

5 hours ago, JMB1969 said: My husband bought an Invicta watch on the last day of our cruise, when there was a 50% - 75% off sale.  He was hesitant because he wasnt sure how much the watch would sell for at outside retailers.  He took a chance and bought it anyways, because he has a weakness for watches.  Later he learned that the price he paid was about $200 LESS than what the watch sold for at a few online retailers, including Amazon, so he was happy with the price he paid.  

He paid $200 LESS than Amazon? That must be one of the fanciest Invicta watches on the market. The vast majority are in the $50 - $75 range on Amazon. They aren't particularly the greatest watches. 

To the OP - Everything imaginable is overpriced on a cruise ship so don't think jewelry is an exception. They've got an incredibly captive audience, constant "sales" (gotta laugh at that one), people on vacation with loose wallets and no concern about earning a repeat customer. I can't think of a single reason to sell jewelry at a "good" price on a cruise ship.  

It's like going to Disney World and thinking you're going to find a bargain at a gift shop inside the theme park.

Please research the jewelry vendors at ports the cruise lines steer you to.  Google them and some of them are not as great as the cruise lines want you to believe and lots of lawsuits.  Remember the cruise line gets a cut of sales for lobbying their customers there.  Can you get a good deal?  Of course.  Can you get a bad deal with poor merchandise?  Yes.  It can also happen anywhere but any tourist destination or cruise ship, the tourists have bullseyes on their backs.

You can always pick up a cheap watch on the last sea day on the ship.  I like cheap watches and they last pretty long for how cheap they are.  Any high end jewelry is like the art.  No way no how on the cruise ship.  There are some that swear by their purchases while others allege scam.  Buyer beware.

Thanks all.  Appreciate the responses.  Will probably stick with local jewelers unless something reasonable really strikes my eye.

41 minutes ago, CruisingNole said:   He paid $200 LESS than Amazon? That must be one of the fanciest Invicta watches on the market. The vast majority are in the $50 - $75 range on Amazon. They aren't particularly the greatest watches. 

Diver watches tend to be more expensive.  Even on Amazon.   See Here.

6 hours ago, cruisin'sz said: I was wondering if it was worth it to buy jewelry while on-board.   Can you really get a good deal or is it all just one big rip off?  Also, if you do buy jewelry on board, can you use your on-board credits and (I think it is 15% ) the ship discount some of us have as frequent cruisers?   Finally, if it is worth it to get the jewelry - are the jewelers negotiable.  Thanks for the help.    

About 3 years back my wife found a nice woman in the atrium in the middle of the ship who had a stand set up selling shirts..trinkets and "gold" chains "by the foot" which when we priced it out actually turned out to be a great deal..before we made the purchase we contacted our jeweler back home and he was very impressed with the price we paid...(He said because we were on a cruise ship we were able to purchase the gold for such a deep discount...turns out my wife was so caught up in the moment that we purchased quite a few "feet" of this gold (35 feet to be exact). Well...as you prob imagined when we got home the "excitement" wore off along with some of the "gold" plating on our hands...we visited one of those "cash for gold" pop up businesses in our town to try to recoup some of our $735 we spent and the Jeweler there said he couldn't possibly accept our "gold"...we had a good laugh at our mistake and decided to use the gold as "garland" and draped it all around our pre-lite Douglas fir artificial Christmas Tree... I must say every year now we put that tree up and just laugh and laugh...

56 minutes ago, takeadip said: About 3 years back my wife found a nice woman in the atrium in the middle of the ship who had a stand set up selling shirts..trinkets and "gold" chains "by the foot" which when we priced it out actually turned out to be a great deal..before we made the purchase we contacted our jeweler back home and he was very impressed with the price we paid...(He said because we were on a cruise ship we were able to purchase the gold for such a deep discount...turns out my wife was so caught up in the moment that we purchased quite a few "feet" of this gold (35 feet to be exact). Well...as you prob imagined when we got home the "excitement" wore off along with some of the "gold" plating on our hands...we visited one of those "cash for gold" pop up businesses in our town to try to recoup some of our $735 we spent and the Jeweler there said he couldn't possibly accept our "gold"...we had a good laugh at our mistake and decided to use the gold as "garland" and draped it all around our pre-lite Douglas fir artificial Christmas Tree... I must say every year now we put that tree up and just laugh and laugh... Best, Mark

I am laughing with you....but this is exactly what I mean about "knowing" jewelry.  I (I've got an enormous collection from super cheap to super expensive) would ask the karat of the gold.  I know it's not real gold....based on the price.  If they tried to tell me it was "real"....well, yes, it's not imaginary so it must be "real", right.....I'd know that there's no way that karat could go for that price.

But, if there are, let's say, 3000 passengers on the ship...the jewelry/watch/art vendors know that 2995 have no real knowledge of the products, so you are far from alone.

But....if there are 3000 passengers on the ship, the jewelry & watch vendors know that 2995 of those passengers are

About 2006 I purchased a Omega on the NCL Dream for about $1550, Stirling was very healthy at the time, with credit card exchange fees etc, I got it into the U.K. for £880, that watch was £1650 at the time, I searched diamonds international shops on the islands, the same outlet as on ship, the prices were identical, recently on cruises I price watches with U.K. prices, on ship they are very overpriced, on the Breakaway they introduced used Rolex watches, the models on sale were not popular, no submariners or Daytona’s just very overpriced standard Rolex available in any online trade auction for a third of the price.

I bought "sterling silver" rings for both my daughters on a cruise (RCI) years ago that were on sale. They we supposed to be real silver. When we got home I noticed a dark ring around my daughter finger....weird the "silver" was coming off. We paid a couple of hundred dollars for the rings, which also had stones...Never again would I buy ANY jewelry on a cruise ship. I don't trust any of them.

I didn't buy a John Hardy ring onboard because I wasn't sure of the deal. It was a good deal simply due to being sold tax free. Hardy and David Yurman control their price points so they were about as low as possible. Next time I am ready to splurge I will know.

newmexicoNita

22 hours ago, cruisin'sz said: I was wondering if it was worth it to buy jewelry while on-board.   Can you really get a good deal or is it all just one big rip off?  Also, if you do buy jewelry on board, can you use your on-board credits and (I think it is 15% ) the ship discount some of us have as frequent cruisers?   Finally, if it is worth it to get the jewelry - are the jewelers negotiable.  Thanks for the help.    

My view for what is it worth: it used to be a better deal than now, same with buying in ports, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good deal. I do not think you can say buying on board or at the port is really a rip off except I did buy tanzanite in St Thomas and think I got taken, but that was my own fault. we have had great luck with the casual costume type jewelry. I love some of what I have gotten on the ship; same as watches, but I do not think I would buy expensive jewelry. Hubby did get a rather expensive watch, not on ship but in St Thomas several years ago and saved over US prices, but not nearly as much as he thought he had. 

15 hours ago, takeadip said: About 3 years back my wife found a nice woman in the atrium in the middle of the ship who had a stand set up selling shirts..trinkets and "gold" chains "by the foot" which when we priced it out actually turned out to be a great deal..before we made the purchase we contacted our jeweler back home and he was very impressed with the price we paid...(He said because we were on a cruise ship we were able to purchase the gold for such a deep discount...turns out my wife was so caught up in the moment that we purchased quite a few "feet" of this gold (35 feet to be exact). Well...as you prob imagined when we got home the "excitement" wore off along with some of the "gold" plating on our hands...we visited one of those "cash for gold" pop up businesses in our town to try to recoup some of our $735 we spent and the Jeweler there said he couldn't possibly accept our "gold"...we had a good laugh at our mistake and decided to use the gold as "garland" and draped it all around our pre-lite Douglas fir artificial Christmas Tree... I must say every year now we put that tree up and just laugh and laugh... Best, Mark

glad you can smile about this: that is how we all should be. I have to admit, I do buy that gold and silver on the ship by the inch and it really lasts quite a while, but we knew from day one it was simply gold plated. would love to see your Christmas tree draped in gold.  

Some things are good buys on the ship others nto so much. Watches can be good buys because you have the ability to check online and other prices before you purchase. Gemstones are not good deals IMO because you have no way to realy know what you are getting. Gold and silver can be good buys, but you have to know the price of gold and sliver and then figure the cost of workmanship. Of course, if you really like something and are happy with the price than it is a good deal.

18 hours ago, cruisin'sz said: Thanks all.  Appreciate the responses.  Will probably stick with local jewelers unless something reasonable really strikes my eye.  

Unrelated to the ship, but I highly recommend Blue Nile for jewelry. Got an engagement ring from them, high quality, excellent prices and very good customer service. 

havanadaydreaming

My wife has cruised for decades and has witness many folks purchasing high end jewelry on cruise ships.  I was floored when I heard this recently, I pretty much have equated the cruise jewelry shop with the cruise art gallery ... $$$. 

She really liked a ring last month on the Epic and we disagreed by a wide margin what the price tag was.  I thought it was under $1k...actual retail price $3200.   whoops!   fyi, it was a Leveon (sp?).

16 hours ago, cathi007 said: I bought "sterling silver" rings for both my daughters on a cruise (RCI) years ago that were on sale. They we supposed to be real silver. When we got home I noticed a dark ring around my daughter finger....weird the "silver" was coming off. We paid a couple of hundred dollars for the rings, which also had stones...Never again would I buy ANY jewelry on a cruise ship. I don't trust any of them.

If the ship is selling it and claiming it to be sterling, it almost certainly is.  The cruise companies are not going to be selling things illegally.  Sterling silver actually does leave a dark ring on the skin sometimes, especially if you have eaten a lot of citrus.  It's just a reaction between your skin and the silver.  With regards to the gold by the inch comment above, I have seen this sale on every single ship I have been on, and they are up front about it being gold plated, not 14K or 18K or any real karat of gold.  

• 2 weeks later...

On 12/20/2018 at 3:37 PM, JMB1969 said:   Diver watches tend to be more expensive.  Even on Amazon.   See Here.

You’re funny. You cherry-picked a single, way overpriced listing. Here is something more realistic:  https://www.amazon.com/Invicta-10642-Diver-Ion-Plated-Automatic/dp/B0071M6F9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1546526744&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=invicta+grand+diver

Also, Invicta watches are just... Well, I won’t get into it. But it’s definitely not a “deal,” whether it’s on the cruise ship or not. 

9 minutes ago, slugg said: You’re funny. You cherry-picked a single, way overpriced listing. Here is something more realistic:  https://www.amazon.com/Invicta-10642-Diver-Ion-Plated-Automatic/dp/B0071M6F9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1546526744&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=invicta+grand+diver   Also, Invicta watches are just... Well, I won’t get into it. But it’s definitely not a “deal,” whether it’s on the cruise ship or not. 

Actually, what is funny is someone going out of their way to write a snippy response to a 2 week old post, completely ignoring the part where i said if you see something you like, and are ok with the cost, go ahead and get it.  Liking it is the most important thing.  

Thank you for taking the time to post and Happy New Year!  

7 minutes ago, JMB1969 said:   Actually, what is funny is someone going out of their way to write a snippy response to a 2 week old post, completely ignoring the part where i said if you see something you like, and are ok with the cost, go ahead and get it.  Liking it is the most important thing.     Thank you for taking the time to post and Happy New Year!  

I was browsing the forum, saw some misinformation, and corrected it. I didn’t pay attention to how old it was. Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s poor information and bad advice. 

Liking it is not enough, either. Buying an overpriced piece of jewelry is not a financially responsible thing to do, whether it’s on a cruise ship or not.

You, sir/mam, are encouraging people to allow themselves to be ripped off, then shaming those who bring you back to reality. The shame is on you. 

For everyone else who actually thinks critically , I’d offer the following advice: don’t shop on a ship. 

But suppose you can’t fight the urge to itch the bite that the shopping bug gave you, buy an internet package and go into those stores armed with your smart phone. Research everything before buying. I guarantee you that the cost of the internet package is by far less than the amount you’d overpay for a single piece of jewelry. And if you happen to find someone who’s willing to haggle, showing prices on your smart phone might even give you an advantage! All that said, under no circumstances should you believe anything the sales people say. Get everything in writing. 

You’d be surprised just how much you’ll save by skipping the ship shops and shopping online. Who knows, you may even ship your pants! You know, if you buy pants online... 😉

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How to Find the Best Cruise Deals, According to Travel Experts

Snagging a great cruise deal is easier than you think — so as long as you follow these expert tips.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

It’s no secret that cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), nearly 36 million passengers  (35.7 million, to be exact) will set sail in 2024, up 4.2 million from 2023. And, despite the industry’s increasing popularity, finding the best cruise deals may not be as difficult as you think — that is, as long as you know when to book (and what to look for). 

What’s more, wave season, which takes place from January to March, is when dozens of cruise lines release their best, most value-packed offers, which means it’s arguably the best time to book your sailing. During these months, cruisers can choose from hundreds of different promotions, which, while exciting, can be overwhelming. However, according to Rob Clabbers, T+L A-list travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel , a Virtuoso agency in Chicago, “the lowest fare is only a deal if it is the right cruise for you.” In other words, he explains that if you “pick the wrong line or itinerary, that deal just turns into a waste of vacation time and money.” 

With all this in mind, we tapped Clabbers, along with a few other T+L A-list travel advisors, to share their expert insight on how to find the best cruise deals.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisor who specializes in cruises. He also founded Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a  T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Ashton Palmer is also a T+L A-list travel advisor who specializes in expedition sailings . 

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Take advantage of wave season. 

As previously mentioned, wave season runs from January through March. During this months-long stretch, sometimes referred to as the Black Friday of cruise deals, many cruise lines — from budget lines to small-ship luxury ones and beyond — offer some of the most competitive deals of the year. It’s well worth booking your cruise during these months.  

Use a travel advisor.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or veteran sailor, the slew of deals, promotions, and special offers can seem daunting: How do you know which ones are worth booking? Which offers the most value? Clabbers explains, “All these options and special offers can be confusing, and a qualified travel advisor who knows their way around cruises may help you find the best deal.” Oftentimes, these folks can “offer extra benefits that are not available when booking directly with a cruise line.” Ultimately, says Clabbers, the best travel advisors are those who can “help customize your trip with hotels, tours, and other services that may be a better value or fit for your style of travel.”

Consider shoulder or low season travel.

Per Clabbers, many cruise lines offer lower fares before or after the peak seasons. “While the weather may not be at its peak, neither are the crowds. If your main interest is visiting cultural attractions and museums or exploring cities, rather than baking on a beach, fewer fellow travelers make for a much more enjoyable experience. Bonus: airfares may be lower, too.” A few examples include an Alaska sailing in May or September (as opposed to peak season, July and August) and a European river cruise in March or October/November (instead of May or September, which, per Clabbers, is considered high season).  

Mary Curry, another T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist, echoes these sentiments. “I can't tell you how many travelers are hoping for a 'waived single supplement' or 'two for one' offer and then restrict themselves to only the peak dates for that region.” With that in mind, she says,  “It's so much more likely that these specials will be offered for dates where demand is not as high since small ships don't take long to fill for peak dates and rarely need to offer these” on sale or as part of a larger promotion. 

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Be flexible. 

Put simply, explains Clabbers, “The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a lower rate for your cruise.” For example, if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.” However, if you’re only open to traveling during a specific timeframe or itinerary (including ones that operate infrequently, such as a world cruise ) in “a category that contains only a few rooms or suites, etc.,” explains Clabbers, “the limited supply will likely result in higher pricing.” Additionally, in some cases, “you may come across a ‘guarantee’ special offer.” In other words, this means that “in return for a lower fare, the cruise line gets to assign your specific room anywhere on the ship, in the category you selected.” 

Ironically enough, being flexible sometimes may mean giving up some of your flexibility. For example, says Clabbers, “Some lines, like Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean, offer slightly lower fares if you’re willing to give up some of your flexibility by choosing to pay a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one.”  

Book early. 

When it comes to snagging the best cruise deals, booking early is ultimately your best bet — “especially if you’re looking to travel on a luxury cruise line , or for unique, popular itineraries,” says Clabbers. “Lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys, and others aim to offer their lowest fares and best promotions when reservations are first accepted for a new itinerary and will raise fares as the departure date comes closer.” 

Additionally, according to Curry, this is especially true on small-ship sailings . “Most small ships are counting on filling all their cabins, so they offer the best deals for travelers who plan early.” She goes on to explain that many small-ship lines have even “formalized this system by offering 'capacity-controlled pricing' that offers the best rates furthest in advance with the rate steadily increasing for the same category cabin as you get closer and the ship fills.” 

Finally, keep in mind that some cruises can be booked up to three years in advance, which means it’s never too early to start planning.

Or book a last-minute cruise.

Sometimes, it pays to book late — so as long as “you’re very flexible with dates, itinerary, type of room, or location on a ship,” explains Clabbers. 

Ashton Palmer, another T+L A-list travel advisor who specializes in expedition sailings , shares similar insight. “If you are flexible and can travel 90 days or less before departure, cruise lines will sometimes extend discounts.” 

Related:   The Best Time to Book a Cruise

Stick with one line.

Just as airlines and hotels offer travel rewards programs and perks to loyal customers, most cruise lines do the same, too. Put simply, says Clabbers, “loyalty can pay off.” In fact, “Many cruise lines offer some discounts or credits to spend onboard or other benefits for their returning passengers.” Plus, these programs are free to join, so you have nothing to lose by signing up.

Mark Katzman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Cruise with friends or family.

Cruise with your nearest and dearest — and get rewarded for it, too. According to Palmer, cruise lines are often willing to extend a discount “for groups of six or more.” For example, Royal Caribbean , Virgin Voyages , and Princess offer group discounts. 

Consider repositioning cruises. 

Budget-conscious travelers should certainly consider a repositioning cruise. These unique one-way sailings generally occur at the beginning or end of a cruising season (typically in the spring or fall) when ships need to return to their home ports. Two real-life examples of these itineraries include Celebrity’s Mediterranean Passage Transatlantic sailing (which cruises from Tampa to Barcelona) and Windstar’s Greenland: North Atlantic Odyssey itinerary (which sails from Reykjavik to Montreal).

Keep in mind that these value-packed cruises, which hover around two weeks, feature far more sea days than typical itineraries to account for the travel time between the embarkation and disembarkation ports. As such, you’ll be spending the bulk of your vacation on board.

Bundle up. 

Nowadays, many cruise lines offer additional perks and discounts that go far beyond the basics (think: free specialty dining, onboard credits, an open bar, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and, in some cases, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or airfare). Oceania’s Simply More offer, for example, includes shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and Champagne and wine. Norwegian Cruise Line’s beloved Free at Sea promotion offers similar savings, while select sailings on lines like Ponant and Celebrity include flights .

Guests sailing with luxury all-inclusive line Silversea also have the option to add flights by booking the Door-to-Door All-Inclusive package . You may also be able to find — and book — reduced-cost flights directly through the cruise lines. For example, per its website,  the Holland America Flight Ease program offers passengers the opportunity “to book air travel featuring flight inventory from most airlines, our specially negotiated low prices, the freedom to change your flights with no change fees, and late-arrival protection with 24-hour assistance. In addition, you can earn frequent flier miles with participating airlines,” according to the Holland America website. Similarly, some lines, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises , offer free two- or three-night land programs and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for some guests. 

Do your research to see if you’re eligible for additional discounts or benefits.  

According to Clabbers, select lines, including Cunard and Princess , offer “extra benefits for certain types of passengers,” including added perks and, in some cases, discounted or free fares. Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines offer special military perks and discounts. 

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Amazing Deals: How to Find Discounted Luxury Cruises

C ruising is an excellent way to explore more of the world, and for some travelers, it's especially ideal. They can see multiple destinations during their vacation and feel less overwhelmed about the trip's logistics because most of the planning details are handled already. Cruise deals are an excellent option for cruisers who want to avoid overpaying for travel.

Standard cruise lines aren't the only brands that promote cruise deals. You can book discounted luxury cruises if you prefer more luxury amenities while traveling. Are you ready to set sail? Here are four tips to help you find luxury cruise deals that won't drain your bank account .

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1. Act fast to lock in the lowest prices

Luxury cruise lines typically offer the best prices to those who book early. As more travelers book, prices rise due to greater demand and reduced cabin availability. Last-minute cruise deals exist, but there are no guarantees that you'll be able to score a last-minute deal -- so don't delay. If you want to book a specific luxury cruise, make your reservation as early as possible to get the best price.

2. Browse cruise deal websites for promotions

If you want to book a luxury cruise without the high price tag, it can be beneficial to dig into websites that aggregate cruise deals. These websites highlight the latest cruise sales to help travelers like you get the best deal. Here are a few cruise deal websites to consider:

More : Our picks for the best credit cards

• Cruises.com
• CruiseDirect
• Cruise Critic

3. Consider booking an entry-level cabin

You may also be able to save money another way: check the pricing for entry-level cabins. You can enjoy the many benefits of sailing with a luxury brand without having to spring for a premium cabin with a higher price tag. You'll enjoy the same food, amenities, and service.

Entry-level cabins are smaller than premium cabins, but generally, the cabins on luxury cruise ships are much bigger than those found on ships for more mainstream lines. The best part is you'll still be treated like a VIP -- but you'll get a better deal on the price of your cruise.

4. Look to your favorite luxury brands for sales

Luxury cruise lines aren't known for having frequent sales, but you can still score a deal if you find a sale. If a specific cruise isn't doing as well, a luxury brand may run a sale to fill more cabins. Follow luxury cruise lines on social media and sign up for email newsletters so you don't miss out on upcoming sales that could help you stretch your vacation budget further.

Make dreams of taking a luxury cruise a reality

Even on a tight budget, you can cruise the world in style. Use the above tips to find more affordable luxury cruise options. If the higher price point is holding you back, begin setting aside money in your vacation fund. Every little bit saved adds up and gets you close to your goal.

Over time, your savings will grow and you'll have the money you need to book an exciting cruise adventure in the future. But make sure you keep your savings in a high-yield savings account so you earn interest. For additional money-saving tips, check out our personal finance resources .

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Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship: 18 Things You Need to Know 

One of the things that many people look forward to doing while on a cruise is shopping. Buying a watch on a cruise ship is an exciting opportunity. But there are things to beware of so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.

The things to know about buying a watch on a cruise that we discuss below are based on the assumption that you’re looking to purchase a high-end luxury watch that costs over $800. Read on for our tips…

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Don’t Buy a Watch the First Day of Your Cruise

Our number one piece of advice is to wait to buy the watch. Do not buy it on the first day of the cruise. 

Mikkel and I head to the onboard watch shop as soon as possible when we are on a cruise ship. Though shops usually cannot be open while in a port, as soon as the ship sails….bam! Doors open for business. 

While we always try on watches the first day, we never actually consider buying the first day. We look at what they have, see how it fits, and assess if we are interested in purchasing. 

Why don’t we buy it right away? Because we spend the next few days researching to see if what we want is available elsewhere and educate ourselves about the watch’s market value.

Additionally, because it’s a big purchase that we don’t take lightly, we want to walk away from it and see how much we think about it when it’s not nearby. 

If you can’t get something like that out of your head, that usually means you really want it. If you don’t think about it as much as you thought you would, that may be a good indicator that you don’t love it as much as you thought you did. 

Even if the adrenaline rush that comes with the thought of buying a new watch gets the best of you while you’re in the shop, trust us: don’t let it coerce you into a first-day purchase. 

That said, there will not be flash sales on luxury watches towards the end of the cruise like there might be on merchandise that is less than $100. These high-ticket items do not get discounted in that way.

2. Do Your Research

Give yourself some cruise homework to know what you are buying. We find that a lot of the time, the watches we see on cruise ships are not the newest released styles.

This could be great because some of the styles could be hard to find on land if you’re looking for something in particular. But it could be bad if you want the latest and greatest. There’s no harm in asking the salesperson when the watch style originally debuted for the brand (not for the ship) if it affects your purchase decision.  

What’s more, is that the watch’s price on a cruise ship may seem lower because it’s being offered duty-free. But you have to research to see what the usual market price is; the cruise ship may increase the original price since saying it’s “duty-free” is appealing enough for many people. 

Simply do your research to know what you are buying. 

How to Do Research Online When You Travel for Less Than Cruise Internet Costs 

How do you research watch prices while cruising if you are in a foreign country and didn’t buy an internet package and don’t have a data package with your phone carrier? We use a hotspot. 

If you are reading this before you travel on a cruise ship, plan ahead: bring a wifi hotspot. We connect while we’re in ports abroad for free instead of paying for wifi on mega-ships. It saves a lot of money!

Solis Pocket Wifi is the hotspot we always travel with.

• WiFi on up to 10 devices
• Lightweight and pocket-sized
• Works in popular port cities worldwide

Where to Research Discount Watch Prices at an Authorized Online Dealer Before Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship

The first place we check is Jomashop . It is our favorite online watch retailer.

When Mikkel and I sailed with Princess Cruises a few years ago, we found the Omega DeVille watch onboard, which she had been eyeing for months before the cruise. We were seriously considering buying it. The price wasn’t too dissimilar from what we had been quoted in Omega boutiques on land. 

However, we checked the price on Jomashop, and the company was coincidentally having a sale at the time. We ended up buying it from Jomashop instead of the ship. 

We’ve purchased from Jomashop twice now for luxury watches, and they’re great. The shop is an authorized dealer with great customer service, and they offer a 30-day return policy for new watches and a 14-day return policy for pre-owned items.

➤ Why We Always Check Watch Prices on Jomashop :

• 30 Day return policy for a new watch.  

3. Onboard Cruise Watch Shops Are 100% Legitimate

One of the benefits of buying a watch on a cruise ship is that you can be sure the shop is legitimate and an authentic, authorized retailer. 

This is as opposed to buying a watch on one of the Caribbean Islands, for example, where you might be skeptical about the legitimacy of the shop. You don’t have to guess about the legality of a watch shop on a cruise ship with a reputable major cruise line.

4. You May Find Watches On a Cruise Ship That You Cannot Find at Home

If you live in New York City, you’ll unlikely find anything on a cruise ship you cannot find near your home. However, if you live in a small town, the opposite may be true: you won’t be able to find anything in your town that is available on the cruise ship.

Because I seek out luxury watch shops wherever I travel, I recently looked up watch boutiques in a region of western New York while visiting family. I couldn’t find any shops to visit. This is a case where buying a watch on a cruise ship presents a nice option. 

5. You Can (and Should) Negotiate the Price

There has never been a time when we have considered a watch from an authorized dealer that we haven’t negotiated the price. It’s part of buying (most) luxury watches. 

As the saying goes, if you don’t ask, the answer is no. So, ask. You don’t have anything to lose. 

Make sure that you ask for the best they can do. You’d be surprised how much money they’ll knock off the price tag just because you asked. 

We always push the salesperson a little more and request he or she ask a manager about the “best offer” if they clearly didn’t ask a manager in front of us. If they have to get back to us hours or a day later, they do. Trust us – they want to make the sale. They always ask for our stateroom number and call if they have to follow up and leave a message if needed. 

On average, we have found that they can knock up to 20% off the price tag. 

If you’ve negotiated more of a discount on a luxury watch than that on a cruise ship, please comment and let us know; we’re genuinely curious to know if anyone can negotiate more than 20% off. 

6. Buying a Watch on a Cruise Ship is Duty-Free 

Another benefit of buying a watch on a cruise ship is that it’s likely to be duty-free or tax-free. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the watch price. 

Beware, you may have to declare the watch and pay taxes upon re-entry into the United States . 

7. You May Have to Declare the Watch Upon Re-Entry Into Your Home Country

Depending on the price, you’ll likely have to declare the watch when you re-enter your home country. Do you know how customs asks if you have anything to declare when you return from an international trip? A new watch would be one of those items. 

This may equate to you having to pay taxes on the watch when you re-enter the United States, for example.

For the latest information on what you must declare when returning to the United States, see the government’s info on “ What to Expect When You Return .” It varies based on the product’s purchase price. 

How Does Customs Know You Bought a Watch on a Cruise Ship? 

It’s likely the cruise line has to report any onboard purchases above a certain dollar amount, so don’t try to skirt the system. Customs often knows about your purchase before you tell them. 

8. Educate Yourself About Watch Movements

A watch movement is the mechanics of the timepiece, comparable to an engine in a car. It’s what makes the watch tick. 

There are three types of watch movements listed in terms of what you can expect from most to least expensive: automatic, manual, and quartz. 

Here are some examples of brands + watch movements + price points: A Hublot automatic watch can easily be over $10K. A Panerai manual watch may be around $4-$5K. And an Omega quartz watch could be $3K or less. Of course, the brands offer multiple movements and price points, but that’s an example. 

There is another aspect to beware of if you buy an automatic or manual watch. If you are new to the luxury watch world, you may be surprised to learn that more expensive watches are manual, which means you need to wind them to keep time. 

Automatic watches wind themselves as your arm, hand, and wrist move. However, if you take the watch off and don’t wear it for a few days, you’ll likely find the time is wrong a week later when you go to wear it. It’s not broken – it simply needs to be moved around a little bit and wound to the current time. 

Quartz is the third kind of movement, which is battery-operated. It’s more likely that a watch around the thousand dollar mark and less are this price point and operation. You’re probably used to battery-operated watches if you’ve worn a watch for years that you’ve bought from a department store, for example. 

9. Ask the Salesperson if He/She Can Include Another Watch Strap

Some watches come with an additional watch strap, and some don’t. If the watch you’re looking at doesn’t come with a second strap and it’s something you would like, ask if they can include one as an incentive to buy the watch. Since on-brand watch straps cost hundreds of dollars, this is a great incentive. 

While it’s unlikely the onboard watch shop will have the multitude of options an on-land authorized dealer or boutique may have, they usually have some options. 

If you are buying a watch with a fabric or textile strap of some kind – like leather, nato, or canvas – you should ask about an additional strap. 

If you want to get more watch straps when you’re home, our favorite watch strap shop – which is incredibly well-known amongst the watch-enthusiast community – is Barton Watch Bands . 

Our favorite place to shop for watch bands:

➜ check out barton's watch band options.

Use code SOMETIMESHOME for a discount on your purchase.

10. Watch Boxes are Big to Huge

Depending on the watch, the box may be big…to bigger…to huge. 

Luxury watch brands nicely present their products in a box that seems to match the price tag. You’ll want to make sure you have a way to carry this box home. DO NOT put an expensive brand-new watch inside a checked piece of luggage. If anything, wear the watch and check the box that does not have the watch in it.  

What is Inside a Luxury Watch Box? 

So what’s inside the huge box? The watch, of course. 

There should be an authenticity and/or manufacturer’s warranty card inside the box. Some brands will include a tool, like a small screwdriver, to change the strap. 

Check the watch box’s contents before you leave the ship, especially to ensure it’s the right watch and everything that should be included is inside. 

Do You Need the Watch Box?

First and foremost, you need what is inside the box. It’s factored into the price, like any product’s packaging. It’s up to you if you keep the physical box in the long term. 

We usually do in case we ever want to resell the watch. It usually helps with the resale price.

11. Understand the Warranty

Be an educated buyer and ask about the watch’s warranty. This is specifically the manufacturer’s warranty, not the cruise ship’s store warranty. 

Suppose there is a mechanical problem with the watch, and it stops keeping time correctly eight months after you purchased it. That is something likely covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturer defects can happen – that’s why products have warranties. 

It’s something to be aware of and know when you’re buying a watch on a cruise ship. It may also help give you peace of mind about buying a watch onboard.

12. Don’t Allow the Salesperson to Pressure You Into a Purchase

Make sure you are running the show, not the salesperson. It’s very easy to become gullible or naive when a salesperson, who is supposed to be the expert in the brand or product, is trying to get you to make a purchase. Their purpose is to make a sale, after all. 

I’ve been told more than once by a cruise line watch salesperson, “You won’t find a deal like this anywhere else.” But that’s not usually true. 

As a passionate watch collector, I know watch prices fairly well. I won’t let statements like that pressure me into making a purchase I’m not fully prepared for or educated about. And no matter your level of watch knowledge, you shouldn’t let that kind of pressure get to you either.

13. Use a Credit Card

We can’t think of a good reason to pay for anything in cash on a cruise ship. In fact, we’re not even sure all cruise ships take cash anymore in a post-COVID world. Regardless, plan to use a credit card for anything you buy on board for multiple reasons, the most important being credit card points are rewarding and a credit card, like American Express, protects your purchase. 

If you buy a watch on a reputable cruise line, the onboard watch stores are authorized dealers. But the more peace of mind reassurance, the better. This is why we put big purchases on American Express credit cards wherever we go, where shops accept Amex. 

American Express protects its customers better than any other credit card – Visa and Mastercard included.

14. Know What Brands the Ship Carries

Usually, big cruise ships carry one major company’s brands of watches and the brands under the mega-conglomerate. There are actually fewer independent watch brands than you may think; most of them are owned by one of the major players. 

The two main players are Swatch Group and LVMH. 

If it’s a Swatch Group ship, the watches they carry will include brands like:

Conversely, if it is an LVMH brand, the watches include:

While it’s not impossible, it’s unlikely that a cruise line with a contract to sell Swatch Group brands also sells some LVMH brands and vice versa. For example, you won’t find a Hamilton watch sharing space with a Tag Heuer watch because they are from two different companies. 

We have, however, seen Panerai watches sold where Swatch Group watches are sold – like on Celebrity Cruises ships – and have seen them sold where LVMH brands are sold – like on Disney Cruise Line ships. 

Explora Journeys, which is owned by MSC , is the first cruise line to feature an onboard Rolex boutique. EXPLORA I, the first ship in the fleet, has an onboard Rolex at sea mono brand store.

15. Ask if the Shop Has a Full-Length Mirror

You have to see the watch on you before you buy it. And viewing a watch on your wrist in a full-length mirror is so different than seeing it in a small mirror or viewing it on your wrist as you look down at your arm. 

Seeing a watch on you in a full-length mirror may help you decide if you love the watch or hate it. Mikkel and I have had both instances happen! 

16. It’s Okay to Take Photos of the Watches in the Shop 

Don’t be shy to take photos of the watches you’re considering in the shop’s case or – even better – on your wrist. 

We’re used to doing it because it’s part of our buying process. We want to be able to look at the photos after we walk away from the store while we’re considering the purchase in the hours and days to come. And what better way than to look at a photo of it on you? You’ll be the one wearing it, after all.

17. Ask if They Can Deliver the Watch to You Before You Leave the Ship

If you are uneasy about having a new watch that costs thousands of dollars in your stateroom, ask the shop if they can deliver it to you just before you disembark if you purchase the watch.

Just don’t forget the watch before you leave the ship!

18. A Watch is a Special Memento from Your Cruise Vacation

You may be sailing on a cruise for a much-needed getaway or a special reason like an anniversary, a wedding, or a proposal. Maybe it’s a family reunion. 

No matter the reason, buying a watch on a cruise is an exceptional vacation souvenir.

Even if you find that the watch may be a little more expensive than a deal on land or online , you still may go for it. We support that. And sometimes the cruise ship price is better than what you can find elsewhere. 

Regardless, buying a watch on a cruise ship will be memorable and incredibly special.

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The 13 most affordable alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Book your Alaska cruise during one of the best promotions of the year.

The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Courtesy of Holland America Line

There's no better time than now to book your dream vacation to The Great Land. Cruise vacations are more popular than ever, and affordable cruises are getting harder to find – especially for beloved destinations like Alaska.

Cruisers can nab some of the lines' best deals of the year during wave season. This period, which extends from January to March, refers to the "tidal wave" of lower pricing across the cruising industry during this time. Some cruise lines even kick off their sales in December, so it's advisable to begin your search for discounted pricing early.

Below, we've included some of the best Alaska cruise deals available right now for sailings in 2024 and 2025. All quoted prices are per person for double occupancy and were accurate at the time of writing. Keep in mind: Each itinerary may be available on multiple dates; we've listed the date with the lowest starting price to get you the best value.

Read on to explore the top options for an affordable Alaska cruise.

Find your perfect cruise

Holland America Line

Holland America's "Time of Your Life" wave season deal features up to 40% off bookings for select sailings from summer 2024 through spring 2025; the sale ends at the end of February. You can also add the premium "Have It All" bundle. This added perk features a signature drink package , specialty dining, shore excursions and Wi-Fi access. The exact pricing and benefits of the package depend on the length of the cruise. The wave season pricing also features a complimentary stateroom upgrade, reduced deposits, and free or discounted fares for kids.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound

Holland America's seven-day voyage aboard Noordam includes an afternoon cruising in Hubbard Glacier and a full day of sailing through picturesque Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. The ship also calls on the ports of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, with one additional day of scenic cruising on the Inside Passage, before disembarking in Vancouver. Plan to stay an extra day in Vancouver to explore on your own, or opt for a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour with Holland America (complete with luggage service and an airport transfer) before taking a flight home later that evening.

This southbound itinerary is also available on May 25, 2025, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam , starting at $679 per person.

7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

This round-trip sailing on Zaandam from Vancouver highlights the Inside Passage with a day of scenic cruising, plus a limited stop in Tracy Arm Inlet for excursions, before reaching the coastal towns of Juneau and Skagway. Then, you'll enjoy another day of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, followed by a stop in Ketchikan and cruising the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver .

The Tracy Arm fjord features glacier-covered mountains and the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the country. It is also home to abundant wildlife, including whales, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and mountain goats. Book the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to see the majestic beauty of the Tracy Arm wilderness and the twin Sawyer Glaciers up close. You might even see and hear ice calving into the pristine waters. You'll cruise through Stephens Passage on your way back to meet the ship in Juneau.

Zaandam sails this itinerary in 2025, as well. The lowest fare starts at $629 per person for the voyage on May 14, 2025.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises' wave season deals feature up to 40% off cruise prices, complimentary room upgrades, $100 deposits, and free fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom or suite. The advertised fares on the Princess Cruises website are for the line's MedallionClass experience, which includes dining at the complimentary onboard restaurants, entertainment on the ship, fitness facilities, and the youth and teen clubs. You can add optional upgrades, such as a beverage package, specialty dining, shore excursions and Wi-Fi access, either individually or with a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package.

7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound)

Princess' seven-day itinerary aboard Grand Princess features the lowest available fare for the line's 2024 Alaska season. The itinerary starts with a relaxing sea day, followed by stops in three ports of call in Alaska: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. You'll also have two days of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord before disembarking in Whittier, near Anchorage .

The southbound voyage (which is the reverse itinerary) on Grand Princess departs May 15, 2024, from Anchorage and also starts at $398 per person. Or, you can sail that southbound itinerary on Sapphire Princess on May 18, 2024, for the same price.

In 2025, you can book this itinerary on Caribbean Princess for as low as $467 per person, embarking on May 10, 2025.

7-Day Inside Passage (Roundtrip Vancouver)

This shoulder season sailing in September is available on Grand Princess. The round-trip voyage from Vancouver features two days at sea; one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier; and stops in the coastal towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. While on the ship, spend warmer days outdoors relaxing at The Sanctuary, an adults-only venue. You can also experience one of the line's Discovery at SEA enrichment programs on board, or book one of the affiliated excursions ashore.

This Grand Princess itinerary is also available on May 27, 2025, for as low as $547 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian's current "Free At Sea" promotion includes a free unlimited open bar package, free specialty dining, free shore excursions and complimentary Wi-Fi access. You'll also find additional deals like 50% off deposits, free third and fourth guests (or $99 per additional person, depending on the sailing), and free airfare for a second guest. Be sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a Norwegian sailing.

7-Day Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway

Norwegian's sailing from Seward to Vancouver on Norwegian Jewel features two days cruising through Hubbard Glacier, where you'll be able to book the Hubbard Glacier & Wilderness Explorer excursion for an up-close look at North America's largest tidewater glacier. Afterward, the ship calls on Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove).

In Ketchikan, reserve a spot for the Alaskan Cultural & Lumberjack Show Experience, which includes an entertaining show, a chance to learn about Alaska Native culture, and a tasting of local food and wines. Alaska also offers some of the best fishing conditions in North America, so anglers may want to consider booking a private excursion to go fishing for halibut or salmon. After several days in port, enjoy one more day of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver.

In 2025, the seven-day Hubbard Glacier & Skagway itinerary will sail from Vancouver to Whittier. The lowest fare for this cruise starts at $529 per person aboard the Norwegian Jade on May 5, 2025.

7-Day Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau

This sailing on Norwegian Jewel departs from Vancouver and includes three sea days cruising the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hubbard Glacier. The itinerary also calls on the ports of Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Juneau and Skagway.

The 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, and the line offers a variety of excursions to view the impressive ice sheet. For a bucket list adventure, splurge on the helicopter and dog-sledding excursion to Mendenhall Glacier from Skagway. You can also opt for another once-in-a-lifetime trip: a flightseeing tour by floatplane. You'll fly into the wilderness, kayak across a stream and then hike the surface of the Norris Glacier, a remote glacier in the Coast Mountains that's only accessible by plane or on foot.

If you're looking forward to 2025, you can book a similar itinerary from Whittier to Vancouver on April 28, 2025, starting at $499 per person on Norwegian Jade.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's 2024 wave season includes flash sales with offers like 75% off the second guest on nonrefundable deposit rates and a 50% discount with refundable deposit fares. Other deals may include free upgrades, depending on the sailing. Refer to the Celebrity Cruises website for the current promotions, or consult with a cruise specialist for the best deals and pricing.

7-Night Alaska Southbound Glacier

This mid-May itinerary on Celebrity Summit is currently the line's lowest-priced Alaska cruise for the 2024 season. The one-way sailing from Seward includes a day of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier: one of Alaska's most beautiful natural treasures at 7 miles wide, 76 miles long and an impressive 30 stories high. The ship also calls on ports in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, with an additional full day cruising the Inside Passage, before disembarking in Vancouver.

For 2025, this same itinerary currently starts at $649 per person for the May 16 sailing on Celebrity Summit.

7-Night Alaska Northbound Glacier

The reverse itinerary of the southbound voyage above, this cruise offers similar ports of call and sea days, except you'll stop in Sitka rather than Skagway. This sailing is also on Celebrity Summit. During your time in Icy Strait Point, consider a whale watching excursion; you are guaranteed to see whales (or receive your money back) on one of the tours departing from their shores. In Sitka, take a guided hike to explore the beautiful Tongass National Forest or a tour to learn about the Tlingit culture. This outing includes a visit to local totem artists and a beer meister, as well as a sampling of regional foods at a popular restaurant.

Or, consider a comparable cruise aboard Celebrity Summit on May 9 or May 23, 2025. Fares start at $649 per person.

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's current deal features up to $600 in onboard credit, 60% off the second guest and kids sail free fares . The line offers sales throughout the year, so you can check back to see what promotions are available at a later date, or contact a cruise specialist for additional specials. Below, you'll find the lowest fares currently available for Royal Caribbean sailings in Alaska.

7-Night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Royal Caribbean's one-way sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas features scenic cruising along the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier, as well as stops in the ports of Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway. Consider booking a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route while in Skagway: The historic narrow-gauge railway offers a picturesque ride through Alaska's wilderness, with views of White Pass.

The reverse itinerary, the Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier voyage, is also available on Radiance of the Seas; prices start at $339 per person for the May 10, 2024, sailing. In 2025, the May 30 northbound itinerary aboard Radiance of the Seas currently begins at $680 per person.

7-Night Alaska Experience Cruise

This round-trip voyage from Seattle on Quantum of the Seas calls on Sitka, Skagway and Juneau in Alaska. It also makes a late afternoon stop in Victoria, British Columbia , where you can plan to have dinner that evening. You'll have two days at sea for relaxing or enjoying all the activities and attractions on the ship, including the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, robotic bartenders and live performances with aerial entertainers. You can also take a ride on the FlowRider surf simulator, surrounded by snowcapped mountain views and calving glaciers.

In 2025, this round-trip voyage from Seattle on Quantum of the Seas starts at $840 per person for the Sept. 8 voyage.

Carnival Cruise Line

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

This cruise line advertises limited-time promotional rates and deals throughout the year. You can join Carnival 's VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club to unlock even more deals and additional perks. Current specials include reduced deposits, up to 35% off fares, free room upgrades, onboard credit and discounts for families traveling in the same stateroom.

7-Day Alaska from Seattle

This seven-day voyage on Carnival Spirit sails round-trip from Seattle and features one day to explore the ship while at sea, plus a scenic cruising day in Tracy Arm Fjord. Ports of call include Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as a late evening stop in Victoria before you disembark the next day in Seattle. For your day in Ketchikan, consider booking the award-winning Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour on the famed Aleutian Ballad from the Discovery Channel show, "Deadliest Catch."

This itinerary is also offered on Carnival Luminosa . If you are sailing in 2025, you can book the same seven-day cruise starting at $609 per person for the April 14 voyage on Carnival Spirit.

Shorter cruises

A shorter cruise may be an attractive option if you don't have extensive vacation time or you prefer to spend a few days ashore before or after your sailing. If kids are in tow for the adventure – and it's your first time cruising with them – you might also want fewer days at sea to test the waters (literally). See our pick of competitively priced four- and five-night Alaska cruises, below.

Princess Cruises: 4-Day Alaska Sampler

This 2025 cruise aboard Discovery Princess includes one port of call, Ketchikan, and two days at sea between Vancouver and Seattle. This 4-Day Alaska Sampler itinerary is also offered on May 13, 2025, on Royal Princess , with a starting price of $327 per person. The reverse itinerary (Seattle to Vancouver) is offered on May 23, 2025, on Grand Princess; pricing starts at $347 per person.

Princess Cruises: 5-Day Alaska Sampler

If you want to sail with Princess for one extra day, consider booking the five-day sampler cruise sailing round-trip from Vancouver. This early season itinerary aboard Caribbean Princess calls on Sitka and Ketchikan, offering more time ashore to explore these two popular coastal towns along Alaska's Inside Passage. Guests will also have two sea days to enjoy activities and dining experiences on the ship.

How to find the best Alaska cruise deals

Book during wave season.

As previously mentioned, you can take advantage of some of the best deals of the year during wave season. Promotions offered during wave season include lower cruise fares, reduced deposits and onboard credits. You can also find special rates (or free fares) for the third and fourth guests in the same room, making this the perfect time to book a family cruise.

In addition, look for discounts on higher-level staterooms and suites, or even accommodations in exclusive areas of the ship, such as The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line or The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises. These private spaces offer swanky extras like luxurious accommodations, all-inclusive pricing , butler service, a team of attendants and concierge service, as well as private restaurants, lounges and pools. With lower pricing, wave season may be the best time to splurge on a cruise vacation in one of these upscale enclaves.

Promotional pricing beyond wave season

If you miss booking your cruise during wave season, don't panic. Many lines offer special pricing and flash sales throughout the year and advertise lower fares for voyages during Alaska's shoulder seasons, which fall in May and September.

"You will always find the more affordable Alaska cruises toward the beginning and end of the season. This year, the Alaska cruise season begins in April and continues through October," says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic. She adds, "The challenge with shoulder season Alaska cruises is that the weather might not be the best – it can snow in Alaska in April and early May – and in the fall, the nights will be longer (although, there is a chance you might see northern lights )."

In addition to giving up the warmer summer weather (and possibly having snow), you may also miss some optimal wildlife viewing opportunities if you cruise early or late in the season. For example, the peak time for bear-watching excursions extends from mid-June to mid-August, which falls during the height of the Alaska cruise season in July and August.

If you're looking for other ways to save money on your cruise, Gray Faust advises that older ships also provide more value when you're looking for deals.

It's important to note that a few of this year's wave deals extend just until the end of February 2024, so you'll need to refer to the individual cruise line websites to see the exact dates for the special offers. You may also be able to find lower prices on some discount and aggregator sites, like Cruise Critic, Cruises.com and Priceline.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
• The Top Alaska Shore Excursions

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations , Budget Travel

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