last minute cruise deals from ny

Best Last Minute Cruise Deals from New York City

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $357 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $337 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $366 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $247 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $332 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $275 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $372 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $292 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $204 pp not included.

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If you're looking to book a last minute cruise deal, Cruise.com can help. We offer a large selection of cruises that depart soon. These last minute cruises, at unbelievably low prices, set sail in just days weeks or months and can often be found for a steep discount.

Last minute cruises offer a great opportunity to get exceptional cruise deals, discounts, upgrades and other valuable offers on itineraries that cruise lines are looking to fill for close in departures. If you are flexible and want to take advantage of great last minute cruise deals you can book online or call one of our cruise experts to book your next cruise.

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• Up to 35% Off + 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
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Everything You Need to Know About Last-Minute Cruises From NYC

If you live in the New York metro area (and there are many millions who do), you’re lucky enough to have access to Broadway shows, world-class museums … and three cruise ports for when you want to get out of town.

A variety of ships are available out of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on the East River, and Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, offering cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, as well as along the scenic coast of New England. If you aren’t much of a planner (who has the time?), you can snag some pretty great last-minute deal cruises from NYC. But where can you go, and what does “last-minute” really mean? Here’s everything you need to know.

1. What itineraries are available? From NYC’s ports you can head north, south, and even due east. Bermuda cruises are typically available starting in the spring all the way into the fall, and ships head to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean year-round (and are a great way to escape the chilly winter). You’ll also find New England and Canada cruises during the summer.

When fall arrives, the seasonal ships head to their winter ports, which means repositioning cruises are available. Another option: transatlantic cruises, which take place year-round. Itinerary lengths vary from short four-day getaways to weeklong sailings and 14-night journeys.

2. Which lines cruise from New York? With three ports in the metro area, lots of ships dock here, some of them year-round. For example, Norwegian Breakaway cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Florida, and the Bahamas from Manhattan, while Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas sails Caribbean, Florida, and Bahamas itineraries, plus makes some trips to New England and Canada from Bayonne. Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 takes transatlantic voyages out of Brooklyn, as well as occasional cruises to New England and Canada.

In the late spring and summer you’ll find even more options, with ships such as Carnival Sunshine and Norwegian Gem sailing Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries and the occasional New England and Canada cruise.

New York is also a pit stop for some ships as they reposition between Europe and the Caribbean. Lines tend to alternate which ships have these itineraries each year. You can typically find options from Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line, as well as luxury lines such as Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.

3. What is the time frame for last-minute deals? Some lines close sailings a month before the embarkation date, while others allow you to book up to four days before you have to board. If you’re booking close to the sailing date, be sure you have your documentation in order. Many cruises out of New York are round trip, meaning you really only need a state-issued ID such as a driver’s license to sail. But keep in mind you will need a passport or passport card if you want to explore on land in Canada or on many Caribbean islands.

4. Which ships have the best last-minute deals? The larger the ship, the more cabins that need to be filled, so you’re more likely to score a deal on mega ships such as the 3,963-passenger Norwegian Breakaway and 4,180-passenger Anthem on the Seas. You’ll also likely have more cabin categories to choose from, especially during off-season sailings. Balcony cabins tend to sell out first, and the best last-minute deals are typically for inside cabins — but on larger ships, more balcony cabins may be available.

5. Which destinations have the most last-minute cruises? It’s all about timing when it comes to these deals. You’ll find the most options for Bermuda, Bahamas, and Caribbean cruises from August to October, as well as early December and early January. New England and Canada cruises come up more often in June, July, and August. Keep in mind the most popular time to cruise this route is when fall foliage is at its peak in the Northeast, and these sailings tend to book up further in advance, leaving last-minute bookers out in the cold.

6. Where can I find last-minute cruises from NYC? You can find the best deals right here, and sign up for ShermansCruise’s newsletters to have deals delivered right to your inbox. Looking for cruises out of other ports? Check out our last-minute cruises page.

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Cruise from Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey

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NON-STOP ADVENTURES IN NEW YORK 

New York is unlike any other city. From historical architecture and iconic landscapes to an eclectic cultural scene, the Big Apple buzzes with excitement around the clock. And when it comes to incredible tourist attractions, there are endless options, including some of the world’s best museums, ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street walking tours and so much more. All within an hour’s drive (or yellow taxi ride) from the port in Cape Liberty, New Jersey. So whether you have a few hours before boarding your cruise or a couple of days, don’t miss some of the best things to do in NYC.

MUSEUMS FOR EVERY MOOD

Considered the cultural capital of the U.S., New York City has close to one hundred must-see museums to choose from. Explore interactive exhibits from land to sea and even outer space at the American Museum of Natural History. If you’re a modern art enthusiast, check out MoMa. And you can’t leave NYC without visiting the MET to take in over 5,000 years of art on display. 

WALK THIS WAY

Hands down, the best way to see New York City is with a walking tour. Wander through famous mafia locations in Little Italy. Bargain with vendors in Chinatown. Or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge like a local. And head to Chelsea Market to sample some of the city’s amazing cuisine or hit up one of the many mouthwatering food tours.

AMazing architecture

If you love history and architecture, you’ll get your fix of both at Grand Central Terminal. Marvel at the beaux-art landmark — and recreate your favorite movie scene filmed at the famed location. Or check out the iconic 77-story Chrysler Building, a true art deco masterpiece. And be sure to stop by the Flatiron Building, one of the first steel-frame skyscrapers in the world.

Take a bite out of the Big Apple with a fall foliage cruise to Canada and New England , or the pastel shores of Bermuda , or to Royal Caribbean’s reinvented private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay . Set sail on the Best Cruises out of New York to discover the best of the Caribbean , the Bahamas , and the Northeast.

Symphony of the Seas ® is your ticket to one-of-a-kind summer adventures from Cape Liberty, New Jersey. Watch rockets blast off from Kennedy Space Center. Explore pristine coral reefs teeming with colorful fish in Nassau. And take on record-breaking thrills and endless ways to chill at Perfect Day at CocoCay, voted Best Private Island by Travel Weekly readers.

EXPLORE SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

Calling all the vacation thrill seekers, gourmet globetrotters and travel adventure aficionado. Jam out to the sounds of a junkanoo band along the historic streets of Nassau, and discover game changing thrills and ways to chill on Perfect Day at CocoCay, the award-winning private island. Anthem of the Seas takes you from skyscrapers to seascapes in no time.

Explore Anthem of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas ® is your gateway to the postcard-perfect pink-hued shores of Bermuda. Or venture further up the coast for fall foliage along the windswept shores of New England and Canada. No matter which destination you choose, set sail from Cape Liberty and put adventure on the itinerary.

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Times Square Manhattan Manhattan, Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Sightseeing in Manhattan excites and amazes like nowhere else— and every neighborhood presents a fascinating, unique personality. Tour Rockefeller Center and catch a show at Radio City Music Hall. Walk the High Line and soak in the urban buzz of Times Square. New York cruises allow you to experience it all— by tour bus, subway, or on foot.

GO SKY HIGH

Empire State Building Observatory Deck View, Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Stand among skyscrapers at one of New York’s scenic observation decks. Admire Central Park from the open-air Top of the Rock. Enjoy twinkling evening views from the top of the Empire State Building. Or venture 104 floors up to the One World Observatory in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

OFF THE GRID

Cruises from New York allow you to explore the Staten Island Zoo or cheer on the Yankees in The Bronx. International culture and cuisine await you in Queens, while wineries and beaches speckle Long Island. Or stop in Hoboken, a pedestrian-friendly town where you can stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway across from Manhattan’s glimmering skyline.

LOCAL CUISINE

With some 20,000 sit-down restaurants, this is a foodie’s paradise. Many iconic dishes have been rubber-stamped by New York— pizza, bagels, hot dogs and cheesecake included. Savor steamy dumplings in Chinatown. Slurp down Blue Point oysters in Chelsea Market. Or munch on the legendary cronut. Then sip a Manhattan cocktail to cap off the night in NYC.

This global shopping capital covers it all: from big department stores like Barney’s along glitzy Madison Avenue, to souvenir shops selling “I Love NY” T-shirts. Hit up the Historic Orchard Street Shopping District for leather goods, or SoHo for cutting-edge fashions. Greenwich Village is best for books, records and craft shops, and it is a must-see when you cruise out of New York.

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New York (Manhattan), NY

To see discounted cruises that visit or depart from this port, use the Find a Bargain box on the left.

Sailing in or out of New York Harbor is an unforgettable experience -- your ship glides past the familiar skyline and, of course, the Statue of Liberty. New York offers an endless array of things to do: Visit fabulous museums, window-shop along Fifth Avenue, stroll Central Park, ride to the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building or catch a Broadway show. Or, soak up the sights and sounds of one of its neighborhoods, whether it's avant-garde Greenwich Village, stylish SoHo, bustling Chinatown or the fashionable Upper West Side.

New York City Passenger Ship Terminal 711 12th Avenue New York, NY 10019

The New York City Passenger Ship Terminal is located 15 miles from Newark International Airport, 15 miles from LaGuardia Airport and 20 miles from JFK International Airport. 

From outside New York City - Take the New Jersey Turnpike North/South to the Lincoln Tunnel. Take the Lincoln Tunnel to New York City. Go north on 12th Avenue to 55th Street. Go west on 55th Street. Proceed to Pier 88/90/92.

From John F. Kennedy Airport - Take the ramp toward Airport Exit/Other Terminals. Stay straight and get on the JFK Expressway. Merge onto I-678 N/Van Wyck Expressway. Then, merge onto Grand Central Parkway W via exit 10. Take the I-495 W exit. Merge onto I-495 W/Long Island Expressway via exit 10W. Take the I-278 W exit, toward Brooklyn-Queens Expressway/Brooklyn. Merge onto I-495 W via the exit on the left toward Midtown Tunnel/Manhattan. Keep left at the fork in the ramp. Stay straight to go onto Queens Midtown Tunnel Exit. Turn right onto E 34th St. Turn right onto 12th Ave/NY-9A N/West Side Highway. Turn left onto W 55th St. Proceed to Pier 88/90/92.

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4 Night Cruise to Canada & New England

• You want mega-ship fun with innovative onboard features
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• You hate crowds; things can get competitive at the buffet
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4 Night Cruise to Bermuda

• You want a bright, bold, big ship that's packed with fun
• You like vibrant nightlife and nonstop entertainment options
• You are traveling as a family and need a ship for everyone
• You don't like being one of a crowd; this is a small city at sea
• You want a more inclusive cruise; extra-cost items abound

5 Night Cruise to Bermuda

• You want diverse, innovative options when it comes to family cabins
• You like plenty of big-ship choice for dining and entertainment
• You appreciate Norwegian’s freestyle cruising atmosphere
• Go-karts, bumper cars and laser tag just aren’t your thing.
• You want a smaller ship with less crowding and queueing
• You want a bevvy of dining, lounge and entertainment options
• You love being outdoors; The Waterfront promenade is a winner
• You like lavish suites and well-appointed cabin options
• You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best features
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• You want a cruise with tons of fun for the entire family
• You like dining outdoors and chilling out by the pool
• You want some of the best cruise entertainment options at sea
• You dislike crowds or lines; you can find both on Norwegian Escape
• You don't want to pay extra for the ship's coolest features
• You're after a romantic couples cruise or a laid-back trip
• You want a ship with plenty of outdoor bar and dining options
• You want to book a suite; The Haven onboard is spectacular
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• You dislike lining up for things; you might do so for shows
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• You like a refined social atmosphere with places to escape to like a traditional observation lounge
• You prefer a smaller ship with fewer fellow passengers
• You are turned off by The Haven exclusives separate from public amenities
• You want even more included without the need to pay for extras

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Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

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

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

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

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

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

Are river cruises worth the money?

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

What cruises are best for families?

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

How much does a cruise ship cost?

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

What are some of the best cruise lines?

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

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

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

Are cruise trips affordable?

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

What is it like to go on a cruise?

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

Are cruises a good way to travel?

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

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

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

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

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

Are cruises all-inclusive?

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

Is food free on a cruise?

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

What cruise lines are adults only?

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

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

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

What are the best cruises for couples?

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

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

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

Are there any Christmas cruises?

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

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

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

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

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

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

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

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

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Last-Minute All-Inclusive Cruises

H aven’t quite gotten over the winter blues? Throw caution to the wind and embark on a last-minute all-inclusive cruise adventure! Find unbeatable deals and new experiences by taking a trip on the open ocean. Discover delicious cuisine and all-inclusive amenities aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Meet new people or have an unbelievable time with your loved ones. Here’s what you’ll find when searching for last-minute cruises.

The Advantages of Last-Minute All-Inclusive Cruises

1. unbeatable deals.

One of the most enticing aspects of last-minute all-inclusive cruises is the potential for unbeatable deals. As departure dates draw near, cruise lines often reduce prices to fill remaining cabins. This opens up opportunities for savvy travelers to enjoy luxurious voyages at a fraction of the original cost. The spontaneity of last-minute bookings can lead to surprising affordability, making cruising accessible to a wider range of individuals.

2. Flexibility in Itineraries

Last-minute cruises offer a level of flexibility that appeals to those with unpredictable schedules or a desire to explore without a set plan. After all, living on a schedule can be tiresome after a while. With numerous cruise itineraries available, ranging from tropical paradises to historic European cities, spontaneous travelers can choose from a variety of destinations that match their interests.

3. Avoiding Overplanning Stress

Planning a vacation can sometimes be stressful, with detailed itineraries, accommodation arrangements, and sightseeing plans. Last-minute all-inclusive cruises, however, eliminate the need for extensive pre-trip planning. This reduces pressure on travelers trying to save money while also trying to get the most out of their time off.  And for retirees, this makes for a more relaxing experience overall.

Where to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Several cruise lines are known for offering attractive last-minute cruise deals to fill remaining cabins. Keep in mind that availability can vary based on the specific cruise, departure date, and destination. Here are some popular cruise lines that often provide last-minute deals.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean frequently offers last-minute cruise deals on a variety of itineraries. Last-minute cruise deals include a three-night trip from Florida to the Bahamas for under $300 or a 13-night cruise from Barcelona for under $500. The all-inclusive cruise features free dining options, free activities, and other amenities.

Carnival Cruise

Carnival is known for its fun and lively atmosphere. It also offers a ton of excellent last-minute cruise deals, including a 4-Day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach, California for under $250 and a 3-day getaway from Brisbane, Australia.

Princess Cruises

With a reputation for a more refined experience, Princess Cruises may offer last-minute promotions. Keep an eye on their website or work with travel agencies that specialize in cruise deals. It’s a particularly popular option if you are looking for an Alaskan cruise.

Unbeatable deals and new experiences await aboard a last-minute all-inclusive cruise. Save time and money by booking a trip with any one of the cruises mentioned above. You can also search for deals using travel booking websites like Expedia, Vacations to Go, or Cruises.com, where you’ll find specials throughout the year. Finally, consider booking off-peak season to save even more money. Happy voyages!

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Come Sail Away

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Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

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