When is the Cheapest Time to Book a Cruise? Insider Tips to Save Big in 2025

Are you dreaming of a cruise vacation but worried about the cost? I've been like this a lot, and even after cruising so often, I still get concerned about budgeting. That is the number one thing holding most of us back from traveling.

The top question I receive is, "What are the cheapest times to book a cruise?"

Well, the good news is, cruising doesn't have to be expensive. With just a little planning you can snag some great deals and make your cruise dream a reality. I am going to share with you what I've learned along the way on when to book your cruise to save big, and some tips to ensure you have a budget-friendly cruise!

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The Big Problem: Cruises Can Be Expensive

If you’ve ever started planning a cruise, you’ve probably felt the sticker shock. Between the base fare, gratuities, excursions, and onboard expenses, the costs can add up quickly. Many cruisers worry about:

• Overspending on their vacation.

• Missing out on deals because they booked at the wrong time.

• Hidden fees that inflate the total cost.

But here’s the secret: When you book matters just as much as where you book. By timing your purchase strategically, you can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

The Solution: Book During the Cheapest Times

To help you save money and avoid stress, I've compiled a list of the best times to book a cruise in 2025. These tips are based on industry trends, what I've learned, and real-life examples to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

1. Book During Wave Season (January-March)

I have said this many times that booking during Wave Season can save you a lot of money. Wave Season is when the majority of travel is booked for cruising and hotels.

Why it's a Good Option:
Wave season is the Black Friday of cruising. From January to March, cruise lines offer their best deals of the year, including discounted fares, free upgrades, and onboard credits.

Also, just to note: When looking at cruise prices, since July 2024, websites now show both the cruise fare and taxes. So, no more hidden taxes on you and waiting till you get to the end of the booking process to see how much it will be.

• Worried about missing out on deals? Wave season is your best bet for snagging a bargain.

Examples of deals:

• 50% off second guest fares.

• Free drink packages or Wi-Fi (I feel both of these cost way too much, so definitely look at the pricing to make sure the cost of a drink package or Wi-Fi is worth it for you).

• Reduced deposits for early bookings (Some cruise lines allow you to make payments as well).

Pro tip: Start researching in December so you’re ready to book as soon as the deals drop.

2. Last-Minute Bookings (1-3 Months Before Departure)

Not everyone can book a cruise last minute, I get it. A lot of us need time to plan for travel and even PTO, but if you live close to a cruise port and are flexible with your dates then this option could be for you.

Why it’s a Good Option:
If cruise lines still have unsold cabins close to the departure date, they’ll slash prices to fill the ship. Booking within a month is one of my favorite ways to cruise cheap, especially if I am taking advantage of casino cruise offers.

• Concerned about overspending? Last-minute deals can save you up to 50% off the original price.

Examples of deals:

• 7-night Caribbean cruises for under $400 per person (I actually found some last-minute Alaska cruises last summer at great prices too. While you can usually just find great last-minute deals on Caribbean cruises, don't rule out looking at other destinations).

• Balcony upgrades at interior cabin prices.

Pro tip: Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to take advantage of these deals.

3. Off-Peak Seasons (Shoulder Seasons)

Shoulder Season is the time before and after the peak season of cruising. As with most traveling you can usually find better deals when schools are in and not cruising around spring break, holidays, and summer vacation. However, I think that's the fun time to cruise, am I right?

Why it’s a Good Option:
Booking during off-peak times—like late spring or fall—means fewer crowds and lower prices.

Although, you want to be mindful of hurricane season during early fall time. It might be cheaper to snag that Caribbean cruise in September, but you might run the risk of losing a port you were looking forward to due to weather. Many times, when there is a hurricane threat, or heavy wind and rain, the cruise ship will divert to another island or give you an extra sea day.

• Want to avoid crowded ships and high prices? Off-peak cruising is the way to go.

Examples of off-peak times:

• Caribbean: Late April to early June, September to November.

• Europe: April-May, September-October.

• Alaska: April-May or September-October. (Note that some cruise lines don't start cruising to Alaska till May while some finish up their cruising season in September).

Pro tip: Off-peak cruises often have better availability for excursions and dining reservations. However, if you are cruising to Alaska in off-peak season expect less wildlife and possibly less shore excursions as the cities and wildlife are more bustling during the summer months.

4. Holiday Sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Labor Day)

I have seen some amazing cruise deals you can take advantage of around Black Friday, which is really the entire month of November. So, if you are ready to book your cruise in November, you might find a better or the same deal then as you would if you waited till January for Wave Season.

Why it’s a Good Option:
Cruise lines often run special promotions during major holidays, offering discounts and perks.

• Tip: sign up for the cruise line's emails and newsletters to receive emails as soon as they start offering discounts.

• Looking for extra perks? Holiday sales often include free upgrades or onboard credits.

Examples of deals:

• Black Friday: Up to 75% off fares.

• Cyber Monday: Free drink packages or Wi-Fi.

• Labor Day: Discounted family fares.

Pro tip: Search multiple sites such as Cruise Critic, Expedia, and other cruising sites along with the cruise lines site to price compare to get the best rates offered.

5. Repositioning Cruises

A repositioning cruise is when one ship moves from one cruise port to another. Instead of getting off at the same port you boarded you will be taken to a different port at the end of the cruise. This is good if you live near a cruise port and there is a ship that will be repositioning to your cruise port.

For example, I flew to New Orleans to cruise on the Carnival Glory that repositioned from New Orleans to its new home in Port Canaveral Florida (which is where I live, so I only had to pay for travel once to get to New Orleans).

Why it’s a Good Option:
Repositioning cruises can sometimes be heavily discounted due to it being a one-way cruise. You can often find last minute deals on these cruises as well.

• Want a unique experience at a lower cost? Repositioning cruises offer incredible value.

Examples of deals:

• 14-night transatlantic cruises for under $800 per person.

• Longer itineraries at lower per-night rates.

Pro tip: These cruises often have more sea days, so they’re perfect for relaxation.

6. Book Early for Popular Itineraries

Booking at last minute can save you a lot of money as the cruise ship may not be a full capacity. However, booking in advance you have the option to choose exactly when you want to cruise and it can help you plan your budget while snagging that popular cruise ship as well.

Why it’s a Good Option:
While last-minute deals are great, booking early can save you money on popular itineraries like Alaska or Europe. It's not as easy to book a whale excursion or a glacier excursion if you book your Alaskan cruise at last minute.

• Are you worried about missing out on your dream cruise? Early booking ensures availability and lower prices.

Examples of deals:

• Early bird discounts of up to 30%.

• Free upgrades or onboard credits for early bookings.

Pro tip: Look for “price drop guarantees” that refund the difference if fares decrease.

Final Tips to Save Even More

• Use a travel agent: They often have access to exclusive deals and perks.

• Monitor price drops: Websites like Cruise Critic or Kayak can alert you to discounts.

• Be flexible: Shifting your travel dates by a week or two can lead to big savings.

Conclusion: Your Budget-Friendly Cruise Awaits

Booking a cruise doesn’t have to drain your savings. By timing your purchase strategically—whether during Wave Season, off-peak months, or holiday sales—you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation at a fraction of the cost.

Ready to start planning? Use these tips to find the cheapest time to book a cruise in 2025 and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Bon voyage!