Monday, April 22, 2024

Late vs Early Booking: When to Book a Cruise for the Best Price

cheapest month to cruise

These months fall outside peak travel season and are considered the shoulder season. During this time, cruise lines may offer lower prices to entice travelers to book. Bermuda cruises sail from April through mid-November, mostly during Bermuda’s high or “beach” season.

School’s in Session: Traveling Outside School Holidays

Booking a sailing during these times can save hundred or thousands of dollars and still deliver a fantastic vacation. September is one of the hottest times of year, and cruises from that month through November will still be rainy. But it’s peak season for enjoying the beauty of the rainforest as well as an inexpensive time to cruise.

My Favorite Time to Book Caribbean Cruises

Picking a spring Bermuda cruise can be significantly cheaper than sailing during the peak travel season of late June through August. But that doesn’t mean all the cheap fares are only in October—after all, some cruise itineraries don’t even sail during that time of year! Depending on where you want to cruise and what week you’re willing to sail, you can find rock-bottom prices on cruises at many other times of the year. You can often find a cruise that’s much cheaper than any October sailing, if you choose the right week.

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Generally, April, May, and November are the best months to save money on cruises in this part of the world. But the busy season is also the hottest, and you’ll encounter scorching temperatures and blazing sunshine when you cruise the Med in July or August. To avoid the worst of the hot weather and save some money, consider cruising in the off-peak months. Bargain Mexican Riviera cruises can be up for grabs during the slower season from the end of July through November. But the weather can be hot—an August sailing will save you money, but be prepared for 90° (32°C) temps during your days in port.

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. The Caribbean cruise season is year-round, and there are some peaks and valleys in terms of demand and pricing throughout the year. Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said.

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Just avoid Thanksgiving week at the end of November to get the best cruise fare. The issue with determining the least expensive time to sail is that many ships sail different routes through the year. A ship might sail from one port for a few months with several different itineraries and cruise lengths, before moving on. Departure ports, routes, and trip length all impact prices, making it hard to judge one cruise against another. If you’re wanting to save money, however, there are definite times of year where it is much cheaper to sail than others.

Don't see a fare you like?

On the other hand, August is also notorious for hurricanes disrupting travel to Caribbean ports. Whether you want to have a summer vacation or a winter getaway, the weather somewhere in the Caribbean is always warm and welcoming. 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. 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 may only be able to book cruises within a day or two of departure directly with the cruise line's reservations department.

cheapest month to cruise

Should you wait and book a last-minute cruise?

The timing of spring discounts isn’t always consistent, so it’s best to keep an eye out and book when you see a low rate. Booking during the shoulder season is an excellent option if you’re looking to save money on a cruise. It’s worth noting that shoulder seasons can also be affected by other factors, such as school holidays and weather patterns. For example, September and October may be cheaper for Caribbean cruises because they fall during hurricane season. However, the risk of a hurricane may be lower in May, making it a safer bet for those looking to save money. Those months coincide with peak season in the Caribbean, though, so crowded ports and beaches plus higher cruise fares are the norm.

Hawaii

Knowing the best time to purchase your cruise is just one part of the puzzle. When you sail has a much bigger impact on what you pay than when you buy. There are rules and stipulations for each cruise line as to whether your fare is eligible to get refunded should the price goes down. You’ll want to make sure you read all the fine print of your fare before you buy.

If, for whatever reason, there is a cruise with a few spare staterooms close to the departure date, it is very possible that the cruise line will decrease the price to try and sell the cabin. A last minute cruise deal could mean that you'll end up paying double (or triple) in airfare, sail on a smaller ship with less frills, or visit ports of call you aren't overly enthused about. People often wonder if there is a specific day of the week when cruise prices consistently drop.

But our friends tell us stories of getting an amazing deal two months before sailing, and we're intrigued by the various last minute specials advertised by cruise sellers. We want a handy formula for determining that sweet spot when cruise fares are at their lowest. Book during the slowest time, which is typically from November to February, and you will save the most money. This is also the rainy season for Hawaii so expect to see a few rain showers on your trip. During holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas you will see a spike in prices, as some travelers want to book their vacations during time already off from work. I love booking cruises in September because it’s typically still warm and you can find rock bottom deals.

It also means you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy all the amenities on board the ship. The biggest advantage of cruising during hurricane season is the lower prices. Cruise lines often offer discounts to fill cabins during this time, making a cruise more affordable for budget-conscious travelers. However, it’s important to remember that you may be taking a risk by booking during hurricane season. When a hurricane or tropical storm is forecasted, cruise lines may have to change the itinerary, which can frustrate passengers. Sometimes, ports of call may be skipped, and the ship may have to change course to avoid the storm.

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