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The 9 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

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Booking a cruise isn’t always simple. It can be a complicated, time-consuming process that involves dozens of open tabs and maybe a spreadsheet or two. But knowing the best site to book a cruise can help a lot.

And while would-be travelers are accustomed to clicking around on travel search engines to find the best deals on flights , hotels , and rental cars , many people don’t realize that they can use these same types of sites to book cruises, too.

But is there one best site to book a cruise? That depends on what you’re looking for. Sometimes the best cruise website is actually a cruise line’s own site—since technically, cruise booking websites aren’t allowed to undercut the prices that the cruise lines set.

Often, though, the best cruise search engines are indispensable for locating incredible deals, including ones that throw in booking incentives worth hundreds of dollars—in Amazon gift cards, complimentary shore excursions, onboard freebies, and so on.

To save you the hassle, SmarterTravel investigated the glutted space of cheap cruise sites to determine which are worthy of listing as the best cruise websites; below are a few that come highly recommended.

The Best Sites to Book a Cruise

• Expedia (including Travelocity and Orbitz )
• TripAdvisor

Avoya Travel

Cheapcaribbean.com, cruisedirect, cruise critic, costco travel, cruisewatch.

Expedia is an obvious first mention in a list of the best cruise booking sites, in part because it’s an absolute juggernaut (Expedia also owns Travelocity and Orbitz ). Its cruise-booking interface is simple and straightforward, only requiring you to enter your preferred sailing destination and date range, as well as how many passengers you’ll be bringing along. Then Expedia does the heavy lifting for you, with comprehensive results that make it one of the best cruise search engines.

On Expedia, it’s common to find bookable cruises for 70 percent off face value, with the ability to sort by price so the best cruise deals come up at the top of the list, saving you the scrolling. A sample search for a mid-June cruise to Alaska, for example, quickly came up with a seven-night itinerary starting at $389 per person—that’s less than $56 per person, per night for a mostly inclusive weeklong vacation.

Expedia’s cruise deals tend to come paired with other enticing offers, including steep discounts on pre-departure hotels when you book both your cruise and hotel through Expedia. There’s also a dedicated 800 number that lets you speak to Expedia’s cruise experts and, often but not always, a generous amount of onboard credit thrown in for good measure.

Best feature: Sheer search power. Expedia’s easy-to-use cruise search engine generates a useful and well-ordered list of the best cruise deals, without much effort required from the user. Also, Expedia’s prices frequently match what the cruise lines themselves offer.

Check out Expedia

Priceline is another powerhouse among cheap cruise websites. The initial interface comes off a bit clunkier than, say, Expedia’s or Kayak’s, but the tradeoff is that you can quickly search by cruise line, both standard and luxury, as well as by cruise length and departure port.

Using the seven-night Alaska example, Priceline brought up an itinerary aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas that starts at just $374 for the full week—roughly $53 per night. Hard-to-believe cruise deals like this show up on Priceline with regularity, which is part of what solidifies it as one of the best cruise websites.

Also adding to the appeal: deals exclusive to Priceline, plenty of bonus amenities (examples include $50 in onboard credit, third and fourth guests sailing free, and free specialty dinners for two), no money down to book certain sailings, frequent onboard credit sales, an 800 number to call should you need assistance while booking, and a loyalty club that’s ties in with every cruise line’s loyalty program. Priceline also lets you click a “senior discount” box if that applies to you.

Best feature: Priceline’s “ 110% Best Price Guarantee ” promises that if you find your cruise listed at a lower price on another website within 48 hours of booking, then Priceline will refund you 110 percent of the cost difference, including port charges.

Check out Priceline

Tripadvisor

Many people think of Tripadvisor mainly as a travel review site, where you go to get real talk on hotels and attractions, and to see non-glamorized photos of places as seen through actual travelers’ eyes. But Tripadvisor is also an excellent site for travel deals, including on cruises.

Tripadvisor Cruise , which launched in April 2019, is among the best websites for cruise deals—it lets you nab the lowest price by comparing more than 70,000 ocean and river cruises from some 60 of the best cruise websites. It’s got an attractive, inspiring landing page, and its newest function, “Explore Ship-tinerary pages,” lets you browse full ship profiles, details, photos, and itineraries.

Though Tripadvisor is technically a meta-search site for cruises, which means that it will send you elsewhere to actually book, its search engine lets users sort by destination, length, cruise line, and month of travel. The default search results are ordered by “best value”, unless you specifically click that you’d rather see the results organized by price, cruise length, departure date, or cruise ship. Even when you click on “price,” the lowest-priced offering doesn’t always come up first, though it only takes a few seconds of scanning to determine which itinerary has the lowest price—that seven-night Royal Caribbean International trip to Alaska came up on Tripadvisor starting at $365.

Best feature: What makes Tripadvisor one of the best sites to book a cruise? In addition to having one of the best cruise search engines, Tripadvisor lets you read other cruisers’ candid reviews of the cruise that you’re considering, so that you get the non-sugarcoated truth about each sailing.

Check out Tripadvisor

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A rarity on the internet, Avoya Travel is a family-owned company that has been dealing in travel for more than 55 years. Avoya is one of the best sites to book a cruise in part because of its patented technology that lets travelers search cruises by destination, date range, cruise line, and last-minute status—and then get matched up, in real time, with one of Avoya’s expert vacation planners, who use that algorithm to customize a cruise booking to your specific preferences. (From Avoya’s website: “…we combine the ease of online search, with the expertise and personalized service of Independent Vacation Planners, plus secure exclusive deals and extras so you get more out of every vacation.”)

Avoya’s team of staffers and wide network of independent agencies make for a cruise booking website that’s a bit different from the rest. Its front page shows the “Best Travel Deals,” which might include half-off cruise fares, onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, and free or reduced airfare.

Like several of the other best cruise websites, Avoya offers a low-price guarantee; if you book a cruise with Avoya and then find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking, Avoya will refund the difference.

Best feature: Avoya offers free membership, and members get exclusive deals and discounts, access to unpublished fares, first dibs on promotions, the ability to save favorite searches, and the right to book, change, or cancel travel without incurring any Avoya fees.

Check out Avoya Travel

When looking for the best site to book a cruise, don’t be put off by CheapCaribbean.com ’s overly specific moniker. Despite the site’s name, it offers cruises all over the world. The site’s vibe is beach-oriented and a bit cheeky, with a front page that can overwhelm—but click on the “Cruises” tab, and a cleaner interface appears. There you can search by cruise line, ship, destination, departure date, and departure port.

CheapCaribbean.com offers refunds on 24-hour cancellations (within certain parameters) and a “ 110 percent best price guarantee, ” a promise that if you find a lower price on the same cruise within 48 hours of booking, the company will refund you 110 percent of the difference. The site also lists traveler reviews about each cruise ship (as supplied by Cruiseline), though the reviews often include comments about the ship’s destinations other than the one you’re considering, which isn’t entirely helpful. There’s also a live chat widget if questions come up while booking.

Best feature: Helping to make CheapCaribbean.com one of the best cruise search engines is the fact that it lets you check boxes for additional discounts, including a senior discount, discounts by state (just enter your ZIP code), and past guest discounts if you’ve previously sailed with, say, Princess, Norwegian, or Disney.

Check out CheapCaribbean.com

Its front page is clunky and sort of in your face, but CruiseDirect is still one of the best cruise sites for a variety of reasons. As a cruise-only company, CruiseDirect doesn’t deal in flights, hotels, or rental cars, allowing it to focus its full capacity on helping you find the best cruise deal possible. On the site, you can search by destination, departure port, month, length of cruise, and cruise line. There’s real-time online chat and a contact number for support from a cruise expert. If you aren’t quite ready to buy, you can “heart” cruises to save them as favorites to refer back to later.

CruiseDirect offers perks on most sailings, like onboard credit, free drinks, free Wi-Fi, free gratuities, free travel insurance, or a free specialty dining experience—check out the “Bonus” box on the cruise listing you’re considering to see what extras it comes with.

Best feature: Like some of the other cruise websites on this list, CruiseDirect offers a “ best price guarantee ,” which means that if you find a lower price on another cruise booking website within 24 hours of your initial booking, you’ll get refunded the difference. But one key difference between CruiseDirect and the other cruise sites is that you don’t have to pay the cost of your cruise up front, just a deposit—and then if your cruise fare drops before you’ve made your final payment, CruiseDirect will readjust your rate accordingly.

Check out CruiseDirect

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A subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic has similar search results to that site, but it offers a bit more comprehensive information for seasoned cruisers who want more details before they book. Cruise Critic has tons of filters and sort options to help you find what you want, including everything from cruise line to cruise style (family cruises, luxury cruises, cruises for the disabled). Each itinerary clearly lists what is and isn’t included in the fare; Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and port taxes and fees are among the common exclusions.

Certain itineraries are marked with graphics declaring that the ship has won one of the site’s “Cruisers’ Choice” awards, denoting vessels that Cruise Critic members declare to be the among the best in categories such as cabins, entertainment, and family-friendly features.

You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops.

Once you’re ready to book, Cruise Critic shows you a variety of offers from some of the best cruise booking sites, including bonuses such as onboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Then you click off to the site of your choice to make your purchase. Prices generally match what’s advertised on Cruise Critic.

Best feature: Under each search result is a tab for “reviews” where you can read reviews from Cruise Critic members who’ve previously traveled on the ship. On certain cruises you can click over to a full-length write-up of the ship by one of the experts on the Cruise Critic editorial team, including detailed information on dining options, cabins, entertainment, dress code, and more.

Check out Cruise Critic

When you think of Costco, you probably think of bulk food and toilet paper. But the next time you’re booking a cruise, it’ll be worthwhile to pull up Costco Travel , which is, unexpectedly, one of the best cruise websites.

The site doesn’t look fancy—it’s pretty bare-bones, visually—but the upside of going with a no-frills cruise-booking website is that Costco Travel offers extremely competitive prices, as well as some of the most attractive incentives, usually in the form of Costco Cash delivered to you after you get home from your cruise.

Though there’s no single point of contact if you need to call and discuss your cruise booking, Costco Travel’s call center is staffed with helpful agents from early morning until evening, seven days a week, and passengers can rest assured that Costco won’t go out of business before they set sail. Note that a Costco membership (starting at $60 per year) is required to book with Costco Travel, and that Costco doesn’t accept American Express.

Best feature: Rock-bottom prices—plus lots of cash back if you play your cards right: Costco Citi cardholders earn 3 percent cash back on cruise purchases, which can combine with the 2 percent Costco Reward for Costco Executive Members for a total of 5 percent back on Costco Travel’s already super low cruise rates.

Check out Costco Travel

Pondering which is the best site to book a cruise? Keep Cruisewatch in strong consideration—more than a typical cruise booking website, Cruisewatch bills itself as a “digital cruise advisor” that couples data power with personalization.

As an artificial intelligence cruise advisor, Crusewatch created technology that makes searching and booking a cruise more efficient—the first, it calls “Cruise Price Prediction.” In short, Cruisewatch collected and stored the daily price for each ship and cabin over a span of five years, resulting in millions of data points—and a massive database that informs exactly when cruise prices are lowest, and when the greatest saving potential exists.

Thanks to this comprehensive price history, Cruisewatch can predict cruise prices and drops with an accuracy rate of around 80 percent. Using the site’s cruise price prediction alerts, travelers can save up to 71 percent just by booking at the right time.

In addition to being able to predict prices, Cruisewatch tailors user search results to match their established preferences through customizable profiles and other similar features. This means you won’t waste time wading through cruises that may be cheap but don’t align with your vacation goals.

Best feature: Cruisewatch’s easy-to-set price alerts, based on tons of data, allow users to be notified in real time of the best new cruise deals the minute they come online.

Check out Cruisewatch

Book a Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

Need a place to stay the night before you set sail? Search SmarterTravel Hotels for great accommodations in your port of call.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter  @avitalb  or on  Facebook .

Editor’s note: Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

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The 17 Best Websites To Book Cruises at the Cheapest Prices [2024]

Katie Seemann

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Table of Contents

1. cruise line’s website, 2. cheapcaribbean.com, 3. cruise critic, 4. cruisedirect, 5. priceline, 6. tripadvisor, 7. cruisesonly, 10. cruises.com, 11. american airlines cruises, 12. delta skymiles cruises, 13. united cruises, 14. marriott bonvoy cruises, 15. costco travel, 16. cruise.com, 17. travelocity, price comparisons, final thoughts.

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Key Takeaways

• Websites like CruiseDirect offer comprehensive cruise search tools, often featuring discounts, bonuses, and bundled deals.
• Aggregators like Kayak or Orbitz compare prices across multiple platforms, helping find the best cruise deals and promotions.

There’s no shortage of websites out there that can help you book a cruise. There may even be more options to book cruises than hotels or flights. In addition to the traditional online travel agencies, there are a bunch of cruise-only sites that you can choose from, too.

So how do you know which site offers the best price? That’s where we come in. We combed through the most popular websites used to book cruises to look at their pros and cons and to do some head-to-head price comparisons.

If you’re only concerned about finding the cheapest price, scroll down to the price comparison section at the bottom of this post to see how all of these sites stack up against each other.

Your first instinct when booking a cruise may be to go directly to the cruise line’s website, especially if you have elite status with a specific cruise line. There are definitely some benefits to this — it’s simple and there are fewer hassles if you have to make any changes .

If you’re sure of the cruise line you want to take, it makes your search a little easier because you’re just looking at one specific line.

The big drawback when booking directly on a cruise line’s website is that you can miss out on extra deals that online travel agencies (OTAs) may offer.

Pros and Cons of Booking Directly with the Cruise Line

• Simpler search functions make it easier to locate specific cruises.
• There’s no middleman (another website) to deal with if there is a problem.
• You might miss out on extra deals offered by other sites.

Bottom Line: No matter where you choose to book your cruise, be sure to use the right credit card — refer to our list of best credit cards for cruises to get you started.

CheapCaribbean.com is an OTA that specializes in travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. It was founded in 2000 and prides itself on offering the best prices and great U.S.-based customer service . The site’s sales agents are available 7 days a week to help you plan your ultimate Caribbean vacation.

Despite the name, you can book cruises to destinations other than the Caribbean through CheapCaribbean.com, including Europe, Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska.

CheapCaribbean.com sometimes offers extra bonuses, like extra onboard spending credit. Plus it offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise for a cheaper price (available to the general public) on another website, CheapCaribbean.com will refund 110% of the price difference.

The not-so-great thing about CheapCaribbean.com is that it charges a $24.99 processing fee on each booking. It’s lumped into the taxes and fees, so you may not realize it unless you read the fine print.

Pros and Cons of CheapCaribbean.com

• Occasional special deals like extra onboard credit may be offered.
• 110% best price guarantee.
• There’s a $24.99 processing fee on each booking.
• You need to sign up for emails or call in to book a cruise if you want to access exclusive deals.

Hot Tip: Want to save more? CheapCaribbean.com offers exclusive deals to email subscribers and offers unpublished fares and exclusive offers if you call in to book your cruise. 

Cruise Critic is a cruise-focused website that features reviews, tips, and advice for a huge community of cruisers. The Cruise Critic forums provide a place to ask questions, give advice, and get help booking your next cruise.

The site also acts as a metasearch engine for cruises, allowing you to compare prices from lots of other websites . You can search for your perfect cruise and when it’s time to book, Cruise Critic will transfer you to another site to complete your booking.

Pros and Cons of Cruise Critic

• The site offers lots of cruise reviews, plus cruise tips and a travel forum to help you plan your trip.
• You can sign up for email alerts so you’re notified when the price of a cruise drops.
• The prices you see are not guaranteed and may be subject to other fees or restrictions depending on what website they are from.

CruiseDirect is a website that specializes only in cruises. The site allows you to quickly search cruises by destination, cruise line, departure port, or last-minute deals . You’ll find lots of different types of cruises, from budget to luxury and from mega-ships to riverboats.

With each cruise listing, you’ll see bonus details next to each sailing date — just click on each icon for details. Some of these are already reflected in the price and some are extras like onboard ship credit or discounts on shore excursions.

Pros and Cons of CruiseDirect

• Bonuses are offered with each cruise ranging from discounts, shipboard credit, or discounts on shore excursions.
• The bonuses offered are often from the cruise line and not exclusive to CruiseDirect, so you can get them regardless of where you book.
• The site is a bit cluttered and can be hard to navigate.

Kayak is a popular online travel agency but the site doesn’t support cruise searches anymore.

Priceline gained fame from its “Name Your Own Price” feature but has since transformed into a more traditional OTA. In addition to hotels, flights, and rental cars, you can use this site to book cruises, too.

Priceline often offers deals above and beyond what’s being offered through the cruise line. At the time of writing, a few different deals offered perks like $1,000 in onboard credit or 30% off every guest .

Plus, Priceline offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find a lower, publicly available price for the exact same cruise within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Pros and Cons of Priceline

• Extra deals like onboard credit or room upgrades are sometimes offered.
• The site offers a 110% best-price guarantee.
• Some offers, including the one for up to $1,000 in shipboard credit can be confusing. Once you read the fine print, you’ll realize you need to spend $20,000 to get the full $1,000 credit.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed guide on booking travel with Priceline .

While you might think of Tripadvisor as just a place to get reviews and photos of hotels, restaurants, and activities, it’s actually much more than that. In addition to reviews and traveler forums, Tripadvisor acts as a metasearch engine , comparing prices on lots of other websites.

When you’re searching for a cruise, just click on the drop-down arrow that tells you how many deals there are — then you’ll be able to see that cruise’s price on many sites.

Pros and Cons of Tripadvisor

• It offers lots of great ship reviews and travel forums.
• It’s a great site to quickly compare prices on many sites at once.
• You may not be able to see all the deals being offered on each site.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed guide to booking travel on Tripadvisor .

CruisesOnly claims to be “the best” because each of its call center agents has an average of 5+ years of experience plus professional training.

While that might be helpful if you’re new to cruising or need some advice about which cruise line, ship, or destination you should choose, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best price (scroll down to the Price Comparison section to see how CruisesOnly stacks up against other websites).

CruisesOnly also has its own loyalty program. The V.I.P. Customer Loyalty Club is free, and you’re signed up automatically if you have booked with CruisesOnly at least once before. Benefits include things like shore excursion credits and onboard spending credits.

The V.I.P. Customer Loyalty Club only applies to cruises on these cruise lines:

• Holland America
• Royal Caribbean

CruisesOnly’s best price guarantee is similar to other sites — a refund of 110% of the price difference if you find a lower price on an identical cruise within 48 hours of booking.

Pros and Cons of CruisesOnly

• The V.I.P. Customer Loyalty Club is free and offers plenty of benefits.
• The site offers a 110% best price guarantee.
• The site, like many other OTAs, can be very busy, making it hard to narrow down the cruise you really want to take.
• The loyalty program only applies to 6 cruise lines.

When booking a cruise through an OTA, be sure to use a card that earns bonus points on travel purchases, such as the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  which earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on cruises purchased from any website or travel agency.

Expedia might be one of the first websites you visit to search for flights or hotels (and it’s probably a site you have used for a long time), but did you know that you can book a cruise through Expedia as well?

The site is straightforward, easy to use, and offers cruises from all the major cruise lines . While Expedia doesn’t charge any booking fees, it also doesn’t offer any price guarantees. However, you can sometimes find additional bonuses for booking your cruise through Expedia.

It also does a nice job of showing exactly what’s included and what might cost extra.

Pros and Cons of Expedia

• The site sometimes offers extra bonuses like onboard credit.
• It’s easy to use and is very clear about what’s included in the price.
• No price guarantee is offered

Hot Tip: For more information check out our complete guide to using Expedia .

Orbitz is a typical OTA that offers flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and cruises. There are no booking fees on cruises and a price guarantee is offered . However, the price guarantee isn’t as strong as some of the other sites — you’ll need to find a lower price within 24 hours to receive the difference in price as a refund.

Like Expedia, Orbitz does a good job at displaying prices clearly so there’s no confusion.

One of the nice things about Orbitz is that it offers a rewards program, but, unfortunately, cruises are not eligible for Orbitz Rewards.

Pros and Cons of Orbitz

• It offers a best price guarantee.
• There are no booking, change, or cancellation fees.
• Cruises aren’t eligible for Orbitz Rewards

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our complete guide to using Orbitz to book travel .

Cruises.com is another site that claims to be the best place to book your cruise. It can offer some impressive deals, but once you read the fine print, well, you realize there’s a lot of fine print.

For example, a deal was offered for up to $2,000 cashback, $1,500 to spend onboard, or a Visa gift card. However, after reading the fine print you’ll notice that in order to get the full bonus you’d have to spend $20,000+ on a cruise. To top it off, the bonus is only available for select cruise lines.

So while the deals offered could be lucrative, they aren’t necessarily a slam dunk.

Cruises.com also has its own loyalty program. It’s free and you’re signed up automatically if you have booked with Cruises.com at least once before. Benefits include things like shore excursion credits, onboard spending credits, or deposit waivers. Benefits are identical to those offered through the CruisesOnly loyalty program.

Pros and Cons of Cruises.com

• A loyalty program is offered for past guests.
• There are sometimes extra bonuses beyond what’s offered by the cruise line.
• There is a lot of fine print with its offers.

Hot Tip: Cruises.com and CruisesOnly are both owned by World Travel Holdings, along with other websites, including Cruise411.com. These sites offer the same loyalty program and similar perks, however, their prices can be different.

Did you know that you can book a cruise through American Airlines ? The best part is that when you do, you’ll earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles for your purchase (in addition to any points or miles you will earn from your credit card).

• Earn 1 AAdvantage mile per $1 spent on cruises booked through American Airlines (up to 10,000 miles)
• American Airlines credit cardholders will earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on cruises booked through American Airlines (up to 20,000 miles)
• Occasionally, additional bonus points will be offered for select cruises

Hot Tip: Base miles earned by booking a cruise through American Airlines will also count as Loyalty Points that help you earn American Airlines elite status .

American Airlines Cruises also offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

The bad news is that you’re charged a $24.99 processing fee on every booking.

Pros and Cons of American Airlines Cruises

• AAdvantage members have the ability to earn lots of American Airlines miles and Loyalty Points.
• There is a $24.99 processing fee on every booking.

Bottom Line: While you can book a cruise through American Airlines, you can’t use AAdvantage miles to pay for it.

In addition to flights, you can book cruises through Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles Cruises and earn Delta SkyMiles at the same time.

Currently, you’ll earn 2 SkyMiles per $1 spent on a cruise , excluding the taxes, fees, and port charges.

SkyMiles Cruises also offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Pros and Cons of Delta SkyMiles Cruises

• Earn extra Delta SkyMiles.

Bottom Line: While you can book a cruise through SkyMiles Cruises, you can’t pay for your cruise with Delta SkyMiles.

When you book a cruise with United Cruises you can choose to either earn United MileagePlus miles for your purchase or you can use MileagePlus miles to pay for your cruise !

United Cruises offers different ways to earn miles on your next cruise:

• Earn 2 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on an interior or oceanview stateroom
• Earn 4 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on a balcony stateroom or suite
• Any United MileagePlus credit cardholder will earn 4 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on an interior or oceanview stateroom
• Any United MileagePlus credit cardholder will earn 7 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on a balcony or suite stateroom

Additionally, there are sometimes opportunities to earn even more miles.

United Cruises offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Unfortunately, United Cruises charges a $24.99 processing fee on every booking.

Bonuses for United Premier Members

If you have any Premier status with United Airlines you’ll also receive onboard extras with select cruise lines:

• A bottle of wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in your stateroom
• $100 spa credit
• $200 onboard credit
• $250 onboard credit

Use United MileagePlus Miles To Pay for Your Cruise

Paying for your cruise with miles is a great option to have. Unfortunately, you’ll lose out on some value if you do so .

When you book a cruise using United Miles, you’ll get about 0.7 to 0.8 cents per mile in value. United miles are generally worth around 1.3 cents per mile (or more if you’re booking business or first class flights), so you’re getting less value than you could get if you used your miles for a flight.

However, if you have a bundle of United miles and prefer cruising to flying, it might be a good redemption for you.

Pros and Cons of United Cruises

• MileagePlus members have the ability to earn lots of extra miles.
• United Premier members receive extra perks with Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines.

Bottom Line: When you choose to book your cruise through United Cruises, you can either earn United MileagePlus miles on your purchase, or you can pay for your cruise using your United MileagePlus miles.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises allows you to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your cruise or you can choose to pay for your cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points !

When you book a cruise through Marriott , you’ll earn up to 3 points per $1 spent . Chase Marriott Bonvoy credit cardholders will earn an extra 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on a cruise booked through Marriott Bonvoy Cruises.

Marriott Bonvoy also offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Hot Tip: If you book a cruise through Marriott Bonvoy, know that you’ll be charged a non-refundable processing fee of $24.99. That’s a pretty hefty fee considering many other sites don’t charge any fees.

Use Marriott Bonvoy Points To Pay for Your Cruise

It’s a great option to be able to pay for your cruise with points , and Marriott Bonvoy makes that possible. However, it’s not the best way to use your Marriott Bonvoy points.

When booking a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll only get 0.4 cents per point in value. Since Marriott Bonvoy points are generally worth about 0.7 cents each, you’ll be missing out on some value, so you might want to look into other ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy for hotels or flights .

Pros and Cons of Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

• Members can earn extra Marriott Bonvoy points.
• You can pay for your cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points.
• The site offers a 110% best price guarantee
• You’ll be charged a non-refundable processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.
• Marriott cruises can only be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points over the phone.

Bottom Line: When you book a cruise through Marriott Bonvoy, you can pay for your cruise with points or you can choose to pay cash (I mean, credit card!) and earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your purchase.

Costco Travel is an in-house travel agency that’s only available to Costco members . Costco offers 2 levels of membership: Gold Star for $60 per year and Executive for $120 per year. Executive membership comes with a valuable extra perk for travelers — 2% back on your purchases through Costco Travel (up to $1,000)!

Another great thing about Costco Travel is that you’ll sometimes find deals that offer extra shipboard credit or a Costco shop card as a bonus.

Costco Travel is easy to use and offers all of the search and filter functions found on any other website.

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

• Executive members receive 2% back on purchases through Costco Travel.
• Costco shop cards or onboard credit are sometimes offered as a bonus.
• Costco Travel is for members only.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed post on using Costco Travel .

Cruise.com  is a cluttered website and can be overwhelming when you’re searching for a cruise (especially if you’re a first-time cruiser and not quite sure how everything works). It offers lots of deals and discounts, but many of those are actually offered through the cruise line, so it can be hard to tell which bonuses are actually coming from Cruise.com.

Pros and Cons of Cruise.com

• Lots of deals for a variety of cruise lines are offered.
• The website is very busy and cluttered.
• No price guarantee is offered.
• You may be contacted by cruise.com after searching for a cruise on the site.

Hot Tip: Don’t be confused — Cruise.com and Cruises.com are 2 separate websites!

Travelocity is a website that many travelers use to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises. The simple interface and the fact that there are no booking fees will make this a good choice for many travelers.

While Travelocity doesn’t advertise as many deals and savings as other sites, the price still manages to come out about the same as other websites.

Pros and Cons of Travelocity

• There are no booking fees.
• It’s simple to use.
• No rewards program or extra bonus points.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our complete guide to booking travel with Travelocity .

Let’s get to the important part — price comparisons! We priced out a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Prices are for 2 adults in an Infinite Central Park View Balcony room.

As you can see, most websites offer the same price . The difference comes in the extras like onboard credit, free specialty dinners, free gratuities, or bonus miles.

The exception in this example was Cruise.com, which offered a savings of $50 on the price of the cruise. However, some of the extras offered by other sites could be worth more than that, so it’s always a good idea to price your cruise on multiple websites before booking.

Bottom Line: The base cost of a cruise is generally the same across most websites. The big difference comes in the extras — onboard credit, specialty dinners, cash-back, or bonus miles. 

No matter where you book your cruise, you’ll be paying the same base price 9 times out of 10. Even though a website might be offering “the best prices” or a “50% discount,” when you actually look at the numbers they’ll usually be the same as every other website.

To get a great deal, you’ll need to look for bonuses that a particular website is offering, such as onboard credit, free specialty dinners, cash-back, or bonus airline miles.

The higher the room category you’re booking, the more bonuses you’ll be able to get. Keep in mind that lots of the bonuses you may see advertised won’t kick in unless you book a balcony stateroom or a suite. Cashback and onboard spending bonuses are generally tied to your stateroom level as well which means you’re not going to get anywhere near the amount advertised if you’re booking an interior or ocean-view cabin.

No matter where you book your cruise, be sure to check out our post with cruise tips and a downloadable packing guide !

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Everything to Know Before Booking Your First Cruise

Approaching how to book a cruise for the first time has always been somewhat daunting, with a dizzying assortment of itineraries, companies, destinations, and ships to choose from. How can first-timers  book a cruise without going wrong? We asked three  Traveler -approved experts for their seasoned advice: Gene Sloan is cruise editor for  The Points Guy ; Jason Leppert is cruise editor for  TravelAge West ; Carolyn Spencer Brown is  Cruise Media’s chief content officer. All three are industry experts that have decades of experience across various types of cruises.

What’s the ideal cruise length for a first-timer?

A week or so is the  sweet spot for most first-time cruisers , which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won’t allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can’t decompress as thoroughly, either. Still, Leppert suggests a weekend trip could be enough for those that just want to try out cruising for the first time to see if you like it. 

While that’s  a good idea for some, Sloan also points out that cruise lines don’t always put their best ships on shorter runs. The ships on these itineraries can sometimes be older and have fewer of the bells and whistles that draw people to cruising in the first place. He says it is not exactly representative of the latest cruising has to offer, and the destinations on super-short cruises are not always the most unique offerings.

What’s the best way to book a cruise?

Many may wonder: Is it cheaper to book a cruise direct? Sure, you can  book a cruise online—but it’s a rookie mistake. Smart cruisers know the best place to book a cruise is with a  travel agent . Though agents’ roles have diminished in the mass-market travel biz, they remain crucial for cruising. Not only can specialists offer seasoned advice, but they can also wrangle deals and promos: Ask them about shipboard credit, which is the ocean equivalent of a gift card to spend onboard—$100 or so is a standard bonus. They may also have access to group rates, according to Sloan. Even if their prices are similar to those when booking direct, the volume of business agents do with cruise lines means you are more likely to score perks like a cabin upgrade or welcome bottle of Champagne when using one.

As the industry reinvents itself in the wake of the pandemic, it’s never been more important to have expert counsel, adds Spencer Brown. “At the end of the day, you’re going on this trip to relax, have fun, learn something, and get away from your everyday world. I want that support system.”

If something goes wrong, an agent can help rectify the situation faster than you may be able to if you go it alone. You won’t be paying more for their service, either. Most make their money via commissions from the cruise lines. Leppert calls it “the best of the best” advice to go with a travel advisor. 

What’s the best time to book a cruise?

If you're looking to leverage new cruise deals, the best way to  book a cruise is by starting early since prices continue to be robust. “There’s so much pent-up demand. People haven’t traveled for a year or more, so they’re spending more money on the trips they’re going on—upgrading to a nicer suite, perhaps,” says Spencer Brown. This could make it harder to secure the cabin you want on the sailing you want.

Leppert highlights  Wave Season (January through March) for booking a future cruise since this is when cruise lines typically announce their best deals although last-minute bargains always pop up. Like Spencer Brown, he says that demand is outpacing inventory so it is best to book as soon as possible.

Sloan agrees and says people  book cruises much further in advance than a hotel or flight, which means that inventory can get gobbled up quickly. Many cruise lines open up their reservation window as far as two years in advance, which means certain cabins can get snatched up. Don’t forget that many travelers are looking to use leftover credits they have from the pandemic, which further compounds the demand.

Most major cruise lines offer the equivalent of a price adjustment—if the cost of your cruise drops after you pay a deposit, but before the final payment, you’ll be protected, and refunded the difference. This means there is little penalty to reserving as early as possible.

What are the best types of cruises for first-timers?

Opt for a winter sun trip in the  Caribbean . It’s easy and affordable to reach the boarding port, and shuttling between the clusters of islands offers a compact, convenient way to experience a multitude of cultures. “Think of a cruise as a tapas menu,” says Spencer Brown—it allows you to sample destinations to which you might later return for a longer visit. Even handier, when on a Caribbean cruise almost every island accepts payment in dollars, so there’s no need to juggle currencies. The waters also are largely calm, keeping seasickness to a minimum.

River cruising is another smart first-time choice, adds Spencer Brown. “You can literally walk off the ship into town, go to a park or ride a bike, or just sit on the top deck breathing the air—it’s marvelous,” she says. 

Sloan offers another take saying that your travel budget should lead the way. If you are prepared to drop $1,000 a night on a cruise, start out on an upscale line with smaller ships like Silversea Cruises or Seabourn. These will give you a taste of cruising with fewer passengers, and often to smaller, less-frequented ports. 

If the budget leans more toward the $100 per-day price point, try one of the newer mega-ships from Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. These newer ships can have a bustling resort vibe that will keep you busy no matter what your cabin type.

Seasoned cruisers know that ship amenities are often less buys while at port.

Understanding cabin categories

There’s a dizzying array of options (and pricing) for staterooms, especially on larger ships. First-timers who simply want a place to crash often book the cheapest category, an interior cabin with no window or balcony. 

If you fall for the trappings of a bargain-basement deal, that cheapie stateroom might be right across from the service area, with a door slamming shut 24/7 or underneath the kitchen, with heavy carts rolling at 6 a.m. Avoid cabins below frequently used passageways on the top decks where footsteps and the sound of deck chairs moving frequently can be annoying. Even higher category cabins can be one deck below the main deck so it is wise to ask about this when reserving.

There are several websites with exhaustive cruise deck plan maps that offer advice and user-generated feedback, almost like a sea-going counterpart to SeatGuru’s airline seat maps. These can be a lifesaver when choosing a cabin type.

The scoop on shore excursions

For a first-timer, these can be confusing. Details aren’t often added to an itinerary until six months or so before sail date; check back regularly, snap up a place on any excursions that are of interest, and book early—popular options can reach capacity long before sailing. 

Still, some travelers choose to go off-menu and arrange private excursions, using independent companies, which can often be cheaper than the line's options. Just keep in mind that when taking an independent excursion, the ship won’t wait for you if you’re late. Staying with the cruise line’s jaunts may be more expensive, but is a safer bet if you are not sure of a new destination.

Sloan says that it really depends where the ship is going. In some ports like Barcelona or Venice, it is easy to venture off on your own without an excursion. Others, however, may require longer drives or special access passes making excursions a safer bet.

Another consideration is to use port days to spend more time on the ship. Leppert notes that onboard amenities like pools, buffets and waterslides are less crowded when most people are ashore. If a particular destination doesn’t appeal to you (or perhaps you have been many times before), it’s ok to enjoy the ship instead.

What is a sea day?

Transits, when the ship is en route between ports, are known as sea days (like the term shore excursions, it's more  cruise lingo ); passengers, obviously, remain on board. Many newbies fret about wasting time at sea rather than exploring, but they’re often a fun chance to explore the ship itself, as well as decompress between ports. Some travelers actually  book cruises that have at least one or two sea days, especially if it’s a larger ship with loads of amenities like water parks, race car tracks, zip lining, and multiple shows. 

What's the best first cruise for a family?

The mega ships are always primed to be the best first choice for families, whether Norwegian’s 4,200-passenger  Escape or the newest Oasis class of ships beginning with the  new  Wonder of the Seas . Their emphasis is on activities like adrenaline-rushing water slides, surf simulators, and three-tiered race tracks.

Disney Cruise Line is an obvious place to start for families, but it has a surprising number of activities and experiences for adults, too, including adults-only areas on board. Still, this isn’t the line for an adult-only vacation unless you’re a hard-core Disney fan.

How much does it cost to book a cruise?

You may be wondering how much does a 7-day cruise usually cost? The answer is that it depends. The time of year you travel (avoid school holidays, for example), the destination, and the ports of call can affect the overall cost. 

Many travelers enjoy, for example, taking repositioning cruises. These happen typically as the seasons change and cruise lines move their ships from one region to another (between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, for example). Sometimes, these cruises visit islands that are rarely frequented making them more expensive. Many experts say that they are not ideal for first-time cruisers, however, as there may be many sea days. 

Shorter cruises that rely on drive-market travelers typically come with a lower price point than those in far-flung destinations. Special deals and repeat traveler discounts can also affect the overall cost.

What is the cheapest cruise ship to go on?

These are generally the shorter sailings from Miami or Port Canaveral, for instance, using the larger brands like Carnival, Princess Cruises, or Royal Caribbean, according to Sloan. The best deals are generally in the fall (the low season for Florida departures). Cruises to the Bahamas or the Caribbean tend to be more affordable than those to places like Europe or Alaska.

West Coast travelers can find great bargain deals on cruises to Mexico, too, adds Leppert.

What to know about cruise insurance

Don’t skimp on  cruise insurance . Cruise vacations can easily fall prey to flight disruptions or storms that can snarl plans. Check online for insurance policies from places like VisitorsCoverage and Seven Corners, which have reasonable prices for comprehensive coverage.

If you’re flying to the embarkation point, plan to arrive the day before—even the most perfect cruise won’t wait if you’re stuck in air traffic congestion all morning. Yet another reason to ensure you’re insured.

The Best Website for Booking Cruises: Simplify Your Vacation Planning

Imagine planning your dream cruise vacation, only to get lost in a sea of confusing websites and overwhelming options. You’re not alone in facing this challenge. Finding the perfect cruise at the right price can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if there was a solution that could simplify this process and make booking your ideal cruise a breeze?

Picture a scenario where you could effortlessly compare different cruise lines, destinations, and prices all in one place. No more endless tabs open on your browser or hours spent scrolling through countless websites. What if I told you there’s a website that can streamline this entire process for you, saving you time and energy while ensuring you find the best deal for your dream cruise?

In this article, we’ll explore the best website for booking cruises that will revolutionize the way you plan your next ocean adventure. Say goodbye to the hassle and confusion of traditional booking methods, and say hello to a stress-free and efficient way of securing your perfect cruise getaway.

Key Takeaways

• Online cruise booking platforms offer a convenient way to access a wide array of cruise options from the comfort of your home.
• Essential factors to consider in a cruise booking website include user-friendly interface, comprehensive search options, transparent pricing, customer reviews, and flexible booking options.
• Top contenders like CruiseDirect and Expedia offer user-friendly platforms with robust search features, while Orbitz and Cruise Critic provide tools for comparing prices and accessing exclusive deals.
• Booking during off-peak seasons and leveraging customer reviews can help you secure optimal savings and make informed decisions when booking a cruise online.
• CruiseDirect emerges as the top pick due to its unmatched user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, diverse cruise options, and exceptional user experience.

Understanding the Cruise Booking Landscape

The rise of online cruise booking.

Booking cruises online has witnessed a significant surge in popularity over the past few years, offering travelers a convenient way to plan their dream vacations from the comfort of their homes. Unlike traditional methods that involved visiting physical travel agencies or contacting cruise lines directly, online booking platforms bring an entire array of cruise options to your fingertips.

With just a few clicks, you can explore various cruise itineraries, cabin types, onboard amenities, and exciting shore excursions all in one place. These platforms act as comprehensive hubs that streamline the entire booking process, allowing you to compare prices, check availability, and make reservations instantly. The rise of online cruise booking has revolutionized the industry, giving you unprecedented access to a world of cruise possibilities with unprecedented ease.

What to Look for in a Cruise Booking Website

When choosing a cruise booking website, there are several key factors to consider to ensure a seamless and satisfactory booking experience. Here are essential aspects to look out for:

• User-Friendly Interface: Opt for websites with intuitive interfaces that make navigation and booking a breeze. A well-designed site will allow you to quickly search for cruises based on your preferred dates, destinations, or cruise lines.
• Comprehensive Search Options: Look for platforms that offer robust search features, enabling you to filter your cruise options based on criteria such as price range, cabin type, departure port, or onboard activities. This ensures you can easily find cruises that align with your preferences.
• Transparent Pricing: A reliable cruise booking website should provide transparent pricing, including detailed breakdowns of the costs involved, such as base fare, taxes, fees, and any additional charges. This clarity helps you make informed decisions without any hidden surprises.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Consider websites that feature genuine customer reviews and ratings for various cruises and cruise lines. Reading feedback from fellow travelers can give you valuable insights into the quality of the cruise experience and help you make informed choices.
• Flexible Booking Options: Opt for websites that offer flexible booking options, including secure payment gateways, cancellation policies, and the ability to manage your booking online. Flexibility ensures that you can make changes to your reservation if needed without hassle.

By keeping these factors in mind and choosing a reputable cruise booking website that meets your criteria, you can embark on a smooth and stress-free journey to finding and booking your ideal cruise vacation.

Top Contenders for Best Cruise Booking Websites

When evaluating cruise booking websites, you want to consider several key factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable booking experience. Here are some top contenders known for their exceptional user experience, competitive pricing, and diverse range of cruise options.

Evaluating User Experience and Interface

When choosing a cruise booking website, the user experience is crucial. Look for sites that are easy to navigate, with intuitive interfaces that allow you to search for cruises based on your preferences effortlessly. Websites like CruiseDirect and Expedia offer user-friendly platforms where you can easily filter your search by destination, cruise line, departure date, and more. A seamless booking process with clear instructions and minimal redirects can save you time and frustration.

Comparing Prices and Deals

One of the significant advantages of booking a cruise online is the ability to compare prices and access exclusive deals. Websites like Orbitz and Cruise Critic offer tools that allow you to compare prices from multiple cruise lines, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Keep an eye out for promotions, discounts, and package deals that can help you save on your cruise booking. Additionally, signing up for price alerts can notify you of any price drops, enabling you to snag a great deal.

Assessing Range of Cruise Options

A comprehensive range of cruise options is essential when selecting a booking website. Websites such as Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean provide a wide selection of itineraries, from family-friendly cruises to luxury voyages, ensuring there’s something for every traveler. Consider the cruise lines available on the website, the types of cabins offered, onboard amenities, and excursion options when assessing the variety of cruise options. Flexibility in choosing your ideal cruise package can enhance your overall vacation experience.

Navigating Discounts and Offers

When it comes to booking cruises and getting the best deals, navigating through discounts and offers can significantly enhance your vacation experience. Here’s how you can find exclusive online deals and take advantage of seasonal promotions and last-minute discounts efficiently.

Finding Exclusive Online Deals

To secure the best prices for your dream cruise, it’s essential to look for exclusive online deals offered by various cruise booking websites. These deals are often not available elsewhere and can provide significant savings on your booking.

Tip: Make sure to sign up for newsletters or alerts from these websites to stay informed about any exclusive deals or limited-time offers. Keeping an eye on flash sales can also help you grab amazing discounts.

Seasonal Promotions and Last-Minute Discounts

Seasonal promotions and last-minute discounts are excellent opportunities to book a cruise at a reduced price. Look out for special promotions during off-peak seasons or holidays when cruise lines may offer discounted rates to fill up their cabins.

Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates. Last-minute discounts are often available closer to the departure date when cruise lines aim to fill remaining cabins. By being open to spontaneous travel, you might snag a fantastic deal on a luxury cruise.

By actively exploring discounts and offers, you can make the most of your cruise booking experience and unlock significant savings that allow you to enjoy more activities onboard or splurge on excursions during your voyage.

Insider Tips for Booking Cruises Online

Best times to book for optimal savings.

When looking to optimize your cruise booking for the best prices, timing is crucial. To secure optimal savings, consider booking your cruise during off-peak seasons. Cruise lines often offer lower prices during periods of lower demand, such as fall and early winter. By being flexible with your travel dates and avoiding peak vacation times, you can take advantage of discounted rates. Additionally, keep an eye out for flash sales, which are short-term promotions that can provide significant savings on cruise bookings. Planning ahead and booking early can also result in discounted rates, especially for popular cruise destinations.

Leveraging Customer Reviews and Ratings

One of the most valuable tools when booking a cruise online is customer reviews and ratings. Before making a decision, take the time to read through reviews from past travelers to get a sense of their experiences. Look for websites that feature detailed reviews and ratings for specific cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. Pay attention to factors such as service quality, cleanliness, entertainment options, and overall satisfaction levels mentioned by previous passengers. By leveraging the feedback and insights shared by other travelers, you can make an informed decision and choose a cruise that aligns with your preferences and expectations.

The Winner: Our Top Pick for Booking Cruises

Why it stands out.

When it comes to booking cruises, one website stands out above the rest: CruiseDirect. What makes CruiseDirect your top pick for booking cruises is its unmatched user-friendly interface. It’s designed to make your booking experience smooth and hassle-free. With simple navigation and intuitive search options, finding the perfect cruise for your dream vacation is just a few clicks away.

Unique Features and Services

CruiseDirect offers a range of unique features and services that set it apart from other booking websites. One of the standout features is its comprehensive pricing comparison tool. This tool allows you to compare prices across multiple cruise lines, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Additionally, CruiseDirect provides transparency in pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for without any hidden costs.

Moreover, CruiseDirect’s diverse range of cruise options caters to every traveler’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly cruise, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-packed voyage, CruiseDirect has you covered. With a wide selection of itineraries and destinations, you can easily find the perfect cruise that suits your needs and budget.

CruiseDirect emerges as the top choice for booking cruises due to its exceptional user experience, transparent pricing, and extensive range of cruise options. Booking your next cruise with CruiseDirect ensures a seamless experience from start to finish, making your vacation planning a breeze.

You’ve explored the world of online cruise booking and discovered the ultimate solution for your vacation planning needs. CruiseDirect emerges as the go-to website, offering a seamless experience with its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, and diverse cruise options. By leveraging customer reviews and ratings, you can make informed decisions and embark on unforgettable journeys. With just a few clicks, you can now book your dream cruise effortlessly. Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what challenges are highlighted in planning a cruise vacation.

A: The challenges of planning a cruise vacation are discussed, emphasizing the need for a simplified process for comparison.

Q: Why is online cruise booking gaining popularity?

A: Online cruise booking is on the rise due to its convenience and accessibility, revolutionizing the industry.

Q: What are the key factors for selecting a cruise booking website?

A: Factors include user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive search options, transparent pricing, customer reviews, and flexible booking.

Q: Why is CruiseDirect recommended as a top pick for booking cruises?

A: CruiseDirect is recommended for its unmatched user-friendly interface, comprehensive pricing comparison tool, transparent pricing, and diverse range of cruise options.

Q: How does CruiseDirect enhance the vacation planning experience?

A: CruiseDirect stands out for its exceptional user experience, making vacation planning seamless and hassle-free.

Q: What are the insider tips provided for booking cruises online?

A: Insider tips include leveraging customer reviews and ratings to make informed decisions based on past travelers’ experiences.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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Complete Guide: How to Book a Cruise

Wanting to take a cruise, but feeling overwhelmed with actually booking the trip? There’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry. It’s normal to have questions. That’s why we’ll show you how to do it the right way.

Whereas on a traditional vacation you might book a few nights at a hotel and then fill in the blanks for the rest of the trip later, cruises mean you are booking almost everything for your entire trip in one transaction.

Not only do you have to figure out which cruise line to sail, but also where you’ll go, how long you’ll cruise, which ship you want, what type of cabin, and even how you’ll actually book your trip.

There’s a lot that goes into booking your cruise. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know.

In This Article...

Starting Your Search for a Cruise

As with most things these days, many people begin their search for a cruise on the Internet. You have dozens of different websites that will help you start on the path of figuring out which trip you are interested in sailing. They generally fall into one of two categories:

Cruise Line Websites For some, they already know the cruise line that they want to sail. Maybe you’ve sailed before and are loyal to a brand. Maybe you live near a port that offers service from only one or two different lines. Or maybe you just have a specific cruise line that you want to try out.

In any case, if you already know the line you want to sail, then one of the easiest ways to get started booking your cruise is to visit the cruise line website directly. This includes sites like:

• Carnival.com
• RoyalCaribbean.com
• MSCCruises.com

Cruise line websites will offer sailings only from that specific line, narrowing down your choices. Each site will also have filters that you can use to trim the list of available cruises, including departure date, port, length of cruise, and more.

Third-Party Travel Websites If you aren’t sure (or don’t care) which cruise line you want to sail, then the best place to start your search for a cruise is with a third-party website.

These sites like Orbitz and AvoyaTravel , have a big advantage over specific cruise line websites. They aggregate all cruises from all the lines. It’s a great way to start your hunt for a trip if you’re interested in finding the cheapest cruise available and don’t care which line you sail.

As well, third-party websites also let you filter down trips by departure port, date of sailing, where you want to sail, and more.

If you don’t care or know which cruise line you want to sail, then start with one of these sites.

Read: The Best Websites to Book a Cruise

Travel Agents/Vacation Planners What if you don’t want to find a cruise on your own, or you have a lot of questions? In that case, you can work with an expert. This includes travel agents (who search across cruise lines) and cruise line vacation planners (who work with specific lines).

These services can help you find the perfect cruise at no cost to you. The people filling these roles are experts in cruising and know the ins and outs of what deals are being offered, itineraries, and even the pluses and minuses of certain cabins on the ship. They can also be a direct point of contact should you need to make any changes to your reservation. For some people, having a specific person you can contact is very valuable.

The best way to find an agent or planner is to ask around for recommendations. Friends and family (or even people online) might have someone they recommend that can help you find the right cruise.

Selecting a Cabin Type

In the “old” days of cruising you didn’t have many cabin choices. It was usually a room with a window or an interior cabin.

Times have changed. Today you have a full assortment of options. This ranges from everything from interior cabins to oceanview, to balcony cabins, suites, and now many cruise lines are coming out with specialty cabins. These include rooms with different designs than the rest of the ship and perks offered like exclusive areas  that only those staying in high-end suites can visit.

Cabin Options To be sure, the number of options can be overwhelming. However, they usually fit into one of the following categories:

Interior: The most basic cabin on the ship, the interior cabin is set on the inner part of the vessel. That means no windows. The design and layout is usually similar to any other typical room, but the lack of a window or balcony turns some people off. Still, these rooms are the least expensive on the ship, and if you aren’t the type to spend a lot of time in the cabin, they can be a good option that saves money.

Oceanview: Just as the name implies, this cabin offers a view of the water via a window. It’s slightly more in cost than an interior cabin, but not as expensive as a balcony.

Balcony Cabin: Balcony cabins offer you a small outdoor space (usually not larger than about 25-40 square feet) where you can sit and look out. It’s nice having your own private outdoor space, but it’s also valuable for being able to get some light and fresh air when you want. Balcony cabins prove popular with most cruisers and are priced higher than interior or oceanview rooms.

Suites: Similar to a balcony cabin, suites offer more space and typically larger balconies. If you’re the type that worries about a small cabin size, then a suite might be the thing for you. These days some suites can be massive (even some that are two stories), depending on the specifics of the ship you sail.

Specialty Cabins: Many cruise lines are creating “resorts within a resort” like Norwegian’s The Haven or the Havana cabins from Carnival. These are special cabins that offer perks or a different experience than normal rooms. For example, Carnival’s Havana cabins are styled in a more tropical theme and offer exclusive access to dedicated pools. These types of cabins aren’t available on every ship and what’s included will vary.

Think of these rooms as a way to have a boutique cruise experience while still having the advantages of a larger ship.

Picking a Room Location

Where should I book my room on the cruise ship? That’s a big question that many people have. Often you can actually save some money by letting the cruise line choose your room for you. Similar to airplane seating, cruise lines charge more if you pick your own room.

Truth is, the vast majority of cabins are perfectly fine. Cruise ships are built so that noise doesn’t travel easily between decks or floors. Your chances of being bothered by noise are slim. As well, with so many things to do all over the ship, location isn’t as big an issue as you might think. Even so, there are some things to know to keep in mind about choosing your cabin location.

Booking Aft, Forward, or Midship The first choice you’ll face is whether you want to be aft, forward, or in the middle of the ship. The decision rests with where you think you’ll spend most of your time and if you worry about having to walk.

If you want to be close to where you’ll spend the most time, then you’ll need to check out the deck plan of the ship and see what amenities are located where. From there, you can better determine where you want to be on the ship. (Just Google the ship’s name + deck plan to see a map of any ship.)

Truth is, activities and amenities are spread around the ship so you’ll likely do a bit of walking anyway. For most people, we don’t think that choosing front, back, or midship will make that big of a difference in their cruise.

The one way that might change is if you want to get a cabin that’s out of the way. Rooms at the very front or very back of the ship will naturally have less foot traffic around them and some people prefer these rooms given there are fewer people around them.

Which Deck to Choose Modern cruise ships can be up to 20 decks tall. So which deck is best to pick? As a general rule of thumb, we suggest that the higher the deck, the better — especially if you have a balcony cabin where high decks can give you a better view.

Higher decks are also closer to the popular pool deck, where passengers spend a lot of time. That means less waiting on the elevator and fewer flights of stairs to get out in the fresh air on days at sea.

That said, if you would rather be closer to the indoor activities on the ship like dining rooms, promenades, casinos and shopping, these are often on middle decks (usually around decks 5-8, but see the deck plans for your ship). If you prefer to be closer to these, then look for a room that’s a deck above these features.

It’s ideal to get a spot that’s between the middle decks where the indoor activities are located and the higher decks with the pool and outdoor areas so that you’re closer to everything.

What Else to Watch For Here are a few other things to consider when looking at room location.

Special Balcony Cabins: Are you sailing in a balcony or suite? Due to the unique characteristics of each ship, there are some cabins that have larger balconies or are more private. Cabins at the back of the ship can have extended balcony areas. Rooms where the ship’s side juts out from the rest of the ship can give you more space as well.

The Deck Above: Take a look at where your cabin is and then check the deck plans for the deck above. Ideally you want to avoid any spots where there will be a lot of foot traffic above your cabin at night. So areas like nightclubs on the ship should be red flags. Staying below these can mean more noise at night when you might be trying to sleep.

Interior Promenade Cabins: One final suggestion is to watch for cabins that look out into interior spaces. For instance, some Royal Caribbean ships have “Promenade View Interior” rooms that offer windows into an open promenade area. These spots are great for people watching, but the promenade can have music playing well into the evening, and the bass can be heard when trying to sleep.

Choosing a Ship to Sail

Since roughly 1990, the average size of a cruise ship has more than doubled . With that growth, ships have gone from a way to get from port to port to becoming a destination in and of themselves.

Today’s modern ships are luxurious hotels mixed with amusement parks. They offer shopping, bars, restaurants, entertainment, and more. And there is now a big difference between older ships and the new modern mega ships.

Benefits of Older Ships (built before 2010) As a general rule of thumb, we prefer newer ships. But that’s not to say that older ships don’t have their perks.

First and foremost, you’ll find cheaper prices on older cruise ships . With all the bells and whistles of a new ship, many passengers seem to opt to book those ships instead, leading to high demand. Meanwhile, cruise lines often lower the prices on older ships. So in many cases you can get largely the same cruise itinerary for less money.

As well, older vessels are usually smaller. If you’re the sort of person that would prefer having fewer people on the ship, then this could be a positive for you. A smaller ship also means less walking compared to larger vessels.

Benefits of Newer Ships (built after 2010) When it comes to newer ships, you’re normally going to get larger vessels. That means lots more space on the ship (though not always more space per passenger), which translates into more of everything. Newer, larger ships will have more restaurants, more things to do, more people, and more spaces for you to enjoy.

The largest and newest ships will also have the latest and greatest features for you to enjoy. For instance, Norwegian’s newest ships have the world’s only go-kart tracks at sea. Carnival’s newest ships have the first at-sea roller coaster. 

It’s not just amusements, however. Newer ships also have the latest in restaurants, shows, and other perks as well.

Our suggestion is that if you can spring the extra money, we suggest looking toward newer ships when booking your cruise. They simply offer the latest and greatest with more to do. And with cruise ships pushing the envelope of what can be included onboard in recent years, the difference can be dramatic.

Choosing a Departure Port

As cruising has boomed in popularity, the number of ports you can sail from has also increased. With cruises leaving ports from Seattle to New York, literally hundreds of millions of Americans live within a few hours drive of a cruise port .

There are definite advantages to driving to the cruise port. For one, you don’t have to book a flight or worry about finding a hotel the night before your cruise (it’s always a good idea to book your flight for the day before your cruise leaves).

This can save you a lot of money versus sailing from a port that’s much farther away. It’s also simply much easier to drive to the port on the day of your cruise and then drive home right after you get back home.

That said, if you have a specific itinerary in mind, or you want the most options on you choice of cruises, then you may want to pick a departure port that’s not in your backyard.

Most notable are departure ports in Florida and the Port of Seattle.

Florida is the cruise capital of the world , with the three busiest cruise ports ( Miami , Port Everglades , Port Canaveral ). Between these ports you can sail any line in America on trips that range from quick trips to The Bahamas to cruises that sail around the world. When it comes to options, you can’t beat sailing from Florida.

Seattle is the most popular point for cruises to Alaska , which have soared in popularity in recent years. Since it’s located in the far corner of the United States, most people have to budget the extra cost to fly to this port.

While the U.S. is the world’s largest cruise market, cruises sail around the world from Europe to Australia to Asia. If you plan to have an itinerary outside of the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Alaska, then you’ll need to plan to sail from a foreign port.

Choosing an Itinerary

When it comes to where you can sail on a cruise, there is no limit. If it has a coast, then a cruise ship will go there. That includes everywhere from far-flung ports in Asia to trips just a couple of hundred of miles from the United States in The Bahamas.

That may make choosing an itinerary daunting, however, in practice it’s actually fairly simple.

Selecting a Region   The first step is the easiest. It’s paring down the region you want to sail. It’s pretty clear right from the start if you prefer to do a cruise around the Mediterranean or if you’re more interested in going to Alaska. It’s the same deciding whether to cruise the Caribbean or an Australian/New Zealand cruise. Before you can book, you need to know roughly where you want to go. For most people, it’s something they already know.

Choosing Between Ports   In the United States, trips to the Caribbean and Bahamas are the most popular, followed by Alaskan sailings. There are plenty different itineraries among the trips, with ports mixed and matched to make a number of unique trips.

Frankly, the number of different ports of call can be overwhelming. Even if you read up on each port or ask around on message boards, you still might not be entirely sure where all you want to go. That’s because everyone has a different opinion on each port based on their own experience.

Personally, we’ve sailed tons of trips and found that cruise ports in the Caribbean are often (but not always!) similar. That’s why we suggest selecting one or two ports that you know for sure you want to visit and then working from there.

Maybe not every port you visit on a cruise will be your absolute favorite, but by focusing on a couple that you are excited about, it makes picking an itinerary much easier.

Private Islands   These days cruise lines all have their own private island, with most being in The Bahamas. If you are able to book an itinerary to a private island, then we highly recommend it.

These islands are for the enjoyment of cruise passengers only. The cruise lines have taken away many of the headaches that come with other ports of call (such as aggressive vendors and distant beaches) and tailored the entire experience to passengers. If you’re wanting the ideal tropical paradise of white-sand beaches and relaxing under an umbrella, private islands are hard to beat.

Best of all? Most itineraries from Florida include a stop a the cruise line’s island, no matter which line you sail.

Selecting a Cruise Length

While the classic cruise is a 7-day trip, today you can sail on anything from a three-night getaway to a 180-day around-the-world cruise. The number of options provide another variable in finding the perfect cruise to book as the length of trip has a major impact on your sailing.

Shorter Cruises (6 Nights or Fewer)   Don’t have a lot of time or simply want to get away without breaking the bank? There’s been a rise in the popularity of shorter cruises. These trips are abundant in the Caribbean and Bahamas, ranging from three to six nights.

The big advantages are that they mean less time off of work and usually have lower fares than longer vacations.

Short cruises also tend to attract a younger crowd. That’s not to say it will be nothing but younger passengers, but you should expect the atmosphere to be more lively compared to longer sailings.

Longer Cruises (7 nights or longer)   While seven nights is the most common cruise length, they can extend to almost any length imaginable.

If you have never sailed before and are unsure if cruising is right for you, then we usually suggest looking for shorter trips. They are able to give you a sample of cruising without committing you for an entire week or more.

If you know you want to sail, then many people like longer cruises because they give them the time to actually unwind and get away from it all. Longer cruises also have the advantage of being able to travel farther from the home port, meaning you can visit more far-flung locations.

While short cruises might be a getaway, longer sailings can be more of a vacation.

The crowd on these cruises is often a little older (especially on cruises of longer than a week). Expect a more relaxed vibe. As well, if you want to sail on the newest ships, they usually sail cruises of seven days.

Choosing a Time of Year to Sail

What’s the best time to take a cruise? That depends on what you’re looking for.

The busiest time to sail is during the summer when school is out and families are on vacation. During this time you’ll find ships with more kids on board, as well as higher prices. As well, Alaskan cruises sail a shorter season that lasts from April through October.

During the winter, cruise prices are lower, but the weather in the Caribbean is still wonderful. 

Read:  What’s the Best Month to Cruise? Pros & Cons of Sailing Each Month of the Year

Below is a breakdown of each time of year and its impact on sailing.

January-February: Winter in the United States, but still warm in the Caribbean. Prices are among the lowest of the entire year, making it a great time to sail for cheap and go somewhere warmer.

March: Prices spike with the Spring Break season, but deals can still be found if you look early or late in the month. Expect shorter cruises to have a more party-like atmosphere as younger passengers take advantage of Spring Break.

April-May: Prices usually dip again after Spring Break, making April and May another good time to find some deals. As well, Alaskan cruise season begins to open up and since it is early in the season, fares are reasonable.

June-August: Peak cruise season as more people are traveling. You’ll find the highest prices during this time, although prices can start to ease the second half of August. Also be aware that hurricane season is from June-November. Your chances of having a run-in with a hurricane on a cruise are tiny , but they can cause ships to be re-routed and cause havoc with schedules.

September-October: Hurricane season is still active. Prices start to come down from the summer peak as families get back to school and work. This is a good time to find deals while also having warm weather for the length of your cruise.

November-December: Want to get away for the holidays? Cruising is a great way to get away from the cold and to the warm tropics. Prices can be very affordable, outside of the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Often your schedule will dictate when you can sail. The good news is that there is no bad time to cruise. The tropics are warm year-round and weather usually isn’t an issue outside of the occasional hurricane that causes disruptions. You’ll save money by sailing outside of Spring Break, summer, and Christmas, if you’re able.

How to Book and Pay for a Cruise

Booking a cruise is surprisingly simple. Once you find the trip you like, you simply pull out your credit card to make a payment and reserve your spot — just like you would booking a flight.

These days, everything can be done online , including picking a cruise and a room.

If you have questions, you can always call the cruise line or your travel provider to have them walk you through the process. Cruise lines can also take your reservation right over the phone. 

What You’ll Pay One thing that surprises passengers is that the price of their cruise is often more expensive than they thought it would be at the start of the process. For instance, a cruise might be advertised for $399, but the total price comes out much higher.

That’s because advertised cruise fares are per person, for the lowest-cost interior room. However, cruises are sold at double occupancy, so the price doubles right off the bat. As well, any room upgrades like an oceanview or balcony cabin will be higher.

Finally, there are also port fees and taxes. These can add $100-$200 per person on a typical trip.

Bottom line, just be ready for an “out the door” price that’s significantly higher than what you might have expected.

Deposits When booking you might have the option to put down a deposit or pay for the cruise in full. If your cruise departs soon (within 90 days), then payment is usually due in full. Cruises booked farther out can be booked with only a deposit.

If possible, it’s best to book with a deposit and then pay off your cruise as slow as allowed. Like airfare, cruise prices can fluctuate. If you buy a cruise and the price drops, then you can often (though not always) give the cruise line a call and get the fare adjusted. The price difference is either refunded to you or sometimes given as onboard credit.

But if you’ve paid in full, then you lose some leverage in asking for a price break. If you’ve only paid only a deposit, then you can cancel the booking and then rebook at the lower rate if it makes sense financially.

Often this isn’t an issue, but the deposit gives you the most flexibility without putting down as much money.

Gratuities These days cruise lines charge gratuities (a daily per person fee that’s given to the crew) automatically. These charges run about $16-20 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line. You can either opt to include them in your cruise fare when you book or wait and have them charged to your onboard account when you sail.

The choice is yours. It merely comes down to when you want to pay the charges. There’s no real advantage or disadvantage to paying them now or waiting.

Other Purchases (Excursions, Specialty Restaurants, Drink Packages, Internet) The cruise fare is just the start of what you’ll spend on your cruise. Most things are extra on the ship, including the shore excursions and drink packages.

If you know that you want to book some of the extras, then it is smart to do it before your cruise sets sail, instead of waiting until after you board. After you book your cruise, you’ll be given an online account. Here you can manage your booking, including pre-purchasing extras on the ship.

The advantage is not only are these things already booked when you walk on the ship (meaning you don’t have to worry about booking them at the start of your cruise), but cruise lines usually have discounts for buying early . In other words, booking packages early can save you money.

FAQ About Booking a Cruise

What If I Change my Mind About My Cruise? If you change your mind and decide that the cruise you booked isn’t right for you, then you want to make a change as soon as possible.

Cruise lines traditionally have cancellation penalties that get higher the closer you are to sail date. So a cruise that leaves in six months might not have a penalty for cancelling or changing your itinerary, but a cruise leaving in two weeks will forfeit the entire cost for cancelling.

If you know that the cruise you picked isn’t right for you, get in touch with the cruise line as soon as you can.

How Can I Book the Best Deal? Want the best deal? Then you should look for cruises on older ships that depart in off-season months like January, February, October, or November. In general, this is when you’ll find lower prices for classic Caribbean cruises.

However, not everyone wants to sail on an older ship or has the flexibility on when they sail. We suggest seeing our 10 Rules for Getting a Cruise Deal for more on how to sail while also saving your money.

What If the Price Goes Down After I Book My Cruise? No one wants to book a cruise… and then see the price drop right after they book. But like airfare, the prices of cruises can fluctuate. 

That’s why we suggest checking in every week or two after you book your cruise. If the price falls, don’t hesitate to call the cruise line (or whomever you booked through) and ask if they can adjust the price for you. Often they will give you the lower price, making a five-minute phone call worth the trouble.

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When is the best time to book a cruise?

The best time to book a cruise is when you've done your planning, picked a ship and found a cruise fare that fits your budget and offers good value. But that doesn't stop vacationers from wondering if they'd find a cheaper price if they wait to book tomorrow, next week or next month.

I'd love to give you a magic date to circle in red on your calendar so you'd know for sure that was the best time to book a cruise. The truth is there's no one best day, but knowing a few things about how cruise lines price cabins and when they tend to run promotions will help you identify high-value deals. When you see one, you'll know it's as good a time as any to book your next cruise vacation.

What is the best day to book a cruise?

Everyone wants to know the cheapest day to book travel — as if fares drop like clockwork on Wednesday morning and rise with the sun on Thursday. It doesn't work that way.

It used to be that lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line would offer midweek sales on select cruises every Tuesday or Wednesday. These lines still offer the occasional flash sale, but they don't always fall on the same day of the week.

Within a given cruise sale's promotional period, I've seen cabin prices fluctuate daily and I've seen them stay the same for a week. It all depends on how many cabins a cruise line has allocated for a specific fare class and whether those rooms happen to sell out or not.

I could tell you that it's cheaper to book a cruise at the beginning of a sale because availability is greatest. However, if the line sees a certain cabin category on a specific ship failing to sell as expected, it could drop rates halfway into the sale period.

The exception is any highly anticipated and publicized cruise, especially if it's a one-off voyage or a short-season sailing, like a Great Lakes cruise . The maiden voyage and early inaugural season cruises of a new Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line ship will sell like hotcakes on the day bookings first open; the most beloved theme cruises also book up quickly. World cruises have sold out within hours, even with price tags of $150,000 per couple.

If you have exclusive early access to book one of these cruises, due to being a past passenger or loyalty program member, take advantage and book your vacation the day the voyage goes on sale.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

What is the best month to book a cruise?

If there's no best day to book a cruise for the best deal, you might think there's a best month. While you can find cheap cruises any month you look, I can give you some pointers about which months are most likely to feature cruise sales with value-added promotions.

The best months to book a cruise are January through March, when nearly every cruise line launches some kind of wave season promotion , and November through December, when Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales often start well before Thanksgiving and end days or weeks after. You might find a cheap cruise deal or a fare packed with extras (like complimentary beverage packages, free kids fares or reduced deposits).

Are you guaranteed to find the cheapest, most freebie-laden pricing during these months? Of course not! Cruise lines sometimes inflate prices before a sale, so deals for 30% or 50% off may not be as good as you think. Or, the cruise line may offer its best fares in a one-off sale at another time of year.

Whether the winter months are the best time to book a cruise depends on which itinerary you're hoping to book and how popular that sailing is that year. In a year when Alaska cruises are popular, the wave season promotions in January and February might not be especially good because the lines don't need to discount to fill cabins. But if Alaska cruise bookings are soft, the wave season specials could be the best of the year as cruise lines pull out all the tricks to fill ships.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

What is the best time of year to book a cruise?

I could say that winter is the best time of year to book a cruise because that would cover the late-fall Thanksgiving week sales and wave season promotions. I can guarantee that your cruise line will offer some promotions during the winter, but that doesn't mean it's the best time to book.

If you want to book a solo or family cabin on a Mediterranean cruise in July, you likely want to book much earlier than January for the most availability and the best prices. As I said earlier, great sales and deals can pop up year-round, including on other holidays such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

How far in advance should I book a cruise?

All this talk of the best time to book a cruise raises the question of how far in advance you should book. The key to the answer is recognizing that cruise lines adjust pricing as cabins sell out (or fail to do so) on any given ship and itinerary.

Cruise lines want you to book as early as possible. Not only do they get cash in hand sooner, in the form of your deposit, but they can rest easy when a ship sells out early knowing they don't have to work to get people to come on board and spend more money.

Therefore, cruise lines often offer their best fares when bookings open to incentivize travelers to book early. Cruises open for bookings a year or more in advance. For example, as of August 2024, I can book a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line through spring or fall of 2026, depending on the ship.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

Now, it might be the itinerary I'm looking at won't be popular, and the cruise line will lower the fare closer to sailing. Or, the itinerary will sell well, and prices will only go up from the original price. I can't know for sure, though I can guess that peak-season trips to popular destinations on a newer cruise ship are more likely to sell quickly. Christmas and New Year's cruises , top suites and limited specialty cabins (such as solo and family cabins) also tend to sell out early.

If you ask me, the answer to "How far in advance should I book a cruise?" is as early as possible for the most popular cruises and cabin categories and at least nine months before most sailings.

Can I book a cruise at the last minute?

Yes, you can book a cruise at the last minute, but that doesn't mean you should.

In the cruise industry, a last-minute booking is considered any cruise purchased after final payment is due, generally 60 to 90 days before sailing. That means you have to pay the entire cruise fare at the time of booking rather than paying a deposit and the rest at a later date.

The final payment date is a day of reckoning for cruise salespeople. It's the last date that undecided travelers can cancel without penalty. Once final payment is due, the cruise line has a more accurate picture of who is likely to sail (since once you pay, you're likely to go, barring an emergency). At that point, the line can see if the ship is comfortably full (meaning it can hold prices steady or raise them because it's not worried about filling the ship) or is too empty (meaning it better run some promotions to get more folks in cabins).

If it's the latter, that's when you get last-minute deals on cruise ships with unsold cabins. However, even if that last-minute cruise is cheap, the 11th-hour airfare or precruise hotel booking could eat into your savings.

For the real procrastinators out there, the absolute last day you can book a cruise before its departure has changed over the years. Currently, a cruise line could accept a booking mere hours before sailing, as long as boarding is still open and the ship's manifest (the list of passengers and crew members on board) has not been submitted to the authorities.

In actuality, most cruise lines will sell available cabins through the day before sailing but limit or deny same-day bookings. Depending on the line, you might only be able to book cruises within a day or two of departure directly with the cruise line's reservations department.

Booking a cruise just days before sailing should only be attempted by travelers within an easy drive of the cruise port. You should also make sure that you have time to get any necessary documentation, as well as make related travel plans.

How do I know if I'm getting a good deal when I book?

Regardless of when you're booking a cruise, you'll want to know if the fare you're paying for your vacation at sea is a cheap deal, average or overpriced. The best way to know that is to do your research.

Tracking prices allows you to watch the rise and fall of cruise fares over time, so when the fare drops, you'll recognize the price as a deal and be able to pounce on it. This strategy is best if you plan to book early and aren't as concerned about the ship selling out immediately.

Don't forget to watch for value-added promotions as well. For example, Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion currently includes six booking perks (a free beverage package, a shore excursion credit, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, extra guests and buy-one-get-one-free airfare).

If that sounds like too much math homework, I recommend that you call a travel agent . A cruise-knowledgeable travel adviser can help you plan your trip and determine if the current pricing is good or if you should hold out for a deal.

Bottom line

I'll say it again: The best time to book a cruise is when you see a price and promotion that seems like a good value to you. If you feel like you're getting your money's worth on a cruise purchase, go ahead and book that dream vacation. There's no way to be absolutely sure you're buying when the cruise fare is the lowest possible price with the maximum number of fare inclusions.

Sometimes you might be forced to choose between the cheapest possible fare and one that offers a greater total value, given the included perks. Knowing when cruise lines will likely run promotions will help you strategize, but sales can pop up anytime — and not every promotion offers the cheapest fares.

Stop trying to game the system and focus instead on planning the perfect cruise vacation you and your loved ones will reminisce about long after you've forgotten how much you paid for the trip.

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
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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