8 Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Your Next Cruise

So you’re ready to book a cruise to enjoy some time on the water and exploring port cities. But when is the best time to book a cruise? What if prices drop after you’ve already paid for your trip? Are the onboard drinks and Wi-Fi packages really worth it?

Meghan Coyle and Sally French, co-hosts of the Smart Travel podcast, devoted an entire episode of the show to cruising after Sally went on two cruises, back-to-back. Tune in to Sally's money-saving tips:

And that's not all. Christopher Festerman, a senior travel professional for CruisesOnly, has some additiona advice on how to find the best cruise deals. Here are seven things to consider before booking your next cruise:

1. Book early if you have special needs or a large party

You don’t want to risk the rooms you need being unavailable, and you can often get money back if the per-person price drops later.

2. Your travel agent might be able to track price changes

Once you’ve already purchased a trip, some can set up an automatic notification to let you know of a price drop and refund the ticket difference to you as long as the final payment hasn’t passed.

Don't want to talk to a real human in the traditional sense of a travel agent? Undercover Tourist offers discounted cruises (as well as discounted theme park and attraction tickets). Sometimes, it offers less in terms of discounts and more in terms of upgrades, such as onboard credits worth up to $1,000 on certain cruise lines.

3. Wait to book for last-minute deals

If you are really flexible on dates, location and cabin type, you may be able to get deals within 30 days of your departure.

4. Don’t assume an interior stateroom is the best deal

Often, the ocean view and balcony rooms will come with perks such as unlimited beverages and included gratuity. The difference you spend may save you money and make your vacation more comfortable and memorable.

5. Book shore excursions from outside vendors

You can find local shore excursions online and get more options with smaller group sizes.

Related read: How to stay fit on a cruise (and save money doing it)

6. Book spa treatments while at port

When the ship is docked, you can get spa treatment packages for much cheaper than on land in a destination city. Take the morning for a spa treatment and the afternoon to explore the area.

7. Only buy Wi-Fi if you absolutely need it

You can get Wi-Fi in coffee shops, local bookstores or restaurants at port stops.

8. Be flexible with your sailing date

One of the easiest ways to save is by simply adjusting when you sail. Cruise pricing varies dramatically depending on the season, and being flexible with your dates can mean serious savings.

According to Cruise Critic data pulled for NerdWallet in April 2025, July is the most expensive month to cruise to destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean. In contrast, October tends to be the cheapest month to cruise — with balcony staterooms on Alaska cruises costing 70% less in October than in July. Caribbean cruises also drop by over 30% between peak July and quieter September sailings.

Of course, shoulder season sailings may come with cooler temps or the risk of rougher seas, especially during hurricane season. But if you’re comfortable trading perfect weather for lower fares, flexibility can be one of your best tools for getting more cruise for your money.