Find Cheap Cruise Deals for Caribbean & Alaska

Dreaming of a cruise, but wondering how you can cruise cheap? I cruise a lot; believe me, I have to look for the cheapest and most affordable way to cruise.

Whether you're cruising to Alaska or the Caribbean, I’ll show you exactly how to find cheap cruises, tips for scoring last-minute cruise deals, and everything you need to know about how to get a cheap cruise.

In this post, you will find:

When to book a cruise in advance

When to book a cruise last-minute

Finding Cheap Cruises Tips

Finding Cheap Caribbean Cruises

Finding Cheap Alaskan Cruises

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if a purchase is made, I could earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you need help planning or packing for your Alaskan or Caribbean cruise, check out my free Ultimate Cruise Checklist for more tips.

How to Find Cheap Cruise Deals

When to Book a Cruise in Advance

Timing is everything when booking your cruise. I know you have heard of booking in advance for a cheap cruise deal, but you have also probably heard of booking last minute for cheap cruises. So, which one should you really do for the best deal?

Well, I have done both and let me tell you both have their pros and cons - so, let's take a look at what would be the best option for you.

Booking in Advance

When you book in advance, you will have options to find cheaper cruises and book during cruise sales seasons, which are Wave season and even Black Friday.

Wave season begins in January and runs through mid-March, and this is a good time to book your cruise or even your flights and hotel before cruising, as this is when most people are booking their travel, and rates come down during Wave season.

While Wave season is known to have some of the best rates for booking your cruise, you can now find some great cruise deals during Black Friday.

I know we are past Black Friday right now at the time of me writing this but take a look at some of the 2024 Black Friday cruise deals to get an idea of affordable cruises during this time.

Pros of Booking in Advance

• Some of the best cruise deals are offered during Wave Season and Black Friday

• You can also save money on airfare and hotel stay

• You will have more options for a cabin upgrade closer to your cruise date

• The option to choose the cabin you want without running the risk of it being sold out

• More options for shore excursions, while popular shore excursions tend to sell out quickly

• Discounted drink packages are available for some cruise lines

• Many cruise lines offer reduced deposits for booking early

• You will have the option to book when you want and avoid peak season cruising if you don't like cruising during crowded times.

You can book early to receive great cruise deals for both an Alaskan and a Caribbean cruise.

However, I highly recommend that you book your Alaskan cruise in advance.

• I have noticed that at least 6 months out, you can find cheaper Alaskan cruises

• You have the option to book that whale excursion or glacier excursion - while many Alaska excursions are popular, waiting till the last minute isn't a good idea.

• You might be able to find that balcony room at a cheaper price

Cons of Booking in Advance

Less flexibility to change your plans

• Booking in advance could lock you into specific dates

• If something were to happen with work or personal matters, you could face cancellation penalties. I highly recommend travel insurance in case a cancellation occurs.

Potential Itinerary Changes

• Cruise lines sometimes have to adjust their itinerary, causing you to miss a planned port day

• Caribbean cruises are more at risk for itinerary changes due to weather

• If you are booking an inaugural sailing, sometimes the cruise could be canceled due to the ship not being ready at the time suggested.

You Might Miss out on Last Minute Cruise Deals

• Cruise lines often drop their prices closer to sailing dates to fill empty cabins

• Tip: if you haven't paid your cruise fare in full and your cruise drops in price, call the cruise line to request an adjustment in your balance owed.

If you need packing tips or help planning your cruise, check out my free Ultimate Cruise Checklist.

When to Book a Last-Minute Cruise

While timing is everything when booking a cruise, last-minute cruise deals require flexibility with dates and itineraries.

Booking a Last-Minute Cruise

Booking last-minute cruises is one of the best ways to find cheap and affordable cruises, but it's not for everyone. A lot of us need time to plan for travel and even PTO at work.

You can find last-minute cruise deals year-round - here are a few tips to help you:

• Join the cruise line's newsletter so you can receive emails when they have last-minute deals come up

• Check multiple cruise booking sites and sign up for notifications

• Look at cruise 2-3 months from the sail date you want

• Be ready to move fast, some cruise deals can happen 2- 3 weeks before the sailing date

• Be ready to accept inside cabins as these usually fill up last

Pros of Booking Last-Minute

• Save 50% or more on your cruise

• When you book last-minute you could find unsold premium cabins cheaper

• Receive possibly complimentary upgrades or pay less for a cabin upgrade

• Some cruise lines offer last-minute deals on bundle packages with Wi-Fi and a drink package

You can find last-minute Caribbean cruise deals year-round, but these are especially common during late summer and early fall as peak season is ending for Caribbean cruisers.

While it is recommended to book your Alaskan cruise in advance, I have still found some great last-minute, cheap Alaskan cruises, and these are usually found in May and September when fewer passengers are cruising to Alaska.

Cons of Booking Last-Minute

Limited Cabin Choices

• You may have to settle for an inside cabin, while inside cabins are cheaper, you may not like this if you prefer a balcony

Limited Itinerary Options

• You will have to be flexible with the itinerary choices available to grab a cheap cruise at last minute

• If you had your eye on a certain destination, you may not find a great last-minute deal on it

Lack of Shore Excursion Options

• Popular shore excursions sell out fast, so if you want that swimming with the dolphins excursion, exploring Mayan Ruins, or Whale watching, they may be sold out.

Higher Airfare

• You may run the risk of higher airfare and hotel costs

Find the best cruise deals here !

Finding Cheap Cruises Tips

Finding cheap cruise deals may seem impossible, especially with how expensive cruises are now, but it's not impossible. Here are 5 tips when bargain hunting for a good cruise deal.

1. Cruise during the Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is before and after peak cruising season. You can find cheaper cruise rates if you look for cruises in the fall (Sept and October), winter (January and February), and the very beginning of March.

You will want to avoid booking during holidays and really anytime school is out.

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 fewer shore excursions as the cities and wildlife are more bustling during the summer months.

2. Book Inside Cabins

Whether you are booking in advance or last-minute, look at inside cabins as these are cheaper and will save you money on your cruise.

3. Monitor Price Drops

Watch for flash sales and sudden price drops, and don't forget to sign up for the cruise line of your choice email newsletter to be alerted as soon as a cruise deal has popped up.

• Websites such as Cruise Critic, Kayak, and Expedia can alert you to price drops

4. Use a Travel Agent

If monitoring multiple cruise websites and waiting for deals is a lot to handle, or you are worried you may not catch the right deal, a travel agent can help you.

5. Repositioning Cruises

A repositioning cruise is where your cruise leaves from one port and arrives at another port for departure. Some cruise lines offer discounts on their repositioning cruises. Plus, you could save money on airfare if you live near a cruise port and would only need to fly to one location.

6. Depart from Less Popular Ports

Smaller ports such as Jacksonville, Mobile or Tampa could offer lower port fees and competitive deals.

Note: The two most popular cruise ports in the United States are Port Canaveral and Port Miami. You may find higher cruise rates cruising out of these popular cruise ports.

Finding Cheap Caribbean Cruises

When it comes to finding cheap Caribbean cruises, flexibility and timing are still part of the game.

If you are a new cruiser, a Caribbean cruise might be for you, as Caribbean cruises are often cheaper. Here are 4 tips for finding a cheap Caribbean cruise.

1. Cruise during the Shoulder Season

For a cheap Caribbean cruise, you will want to avoid crowds, holidays, and anytime schools are out, such as spring break and summertime.

Examples of off-peak Season.

• Late August - early November (hurricane season)

• Early December, before the Christmas rush and after Thanksgiving

• January and February after the New Year's rush

Yes, if you cruise during hurricane season, you might run the risk of bad weather and a port cancellation. However, I have cruised during a tropical storm before, and it's not that bad, as cruise ships are equipped to handle this; just be sure to pack your seasick meds in case you need them.

Tip: Off-peak season typically has better options for shore excursions and even specialty dining on the ship since you aren't cruising with large crowds.

2. Sail on Shorter Cruises for a Cheaper Deal

If you are a first-time cruiser, picking a shorter Caribbean cruise could be the best deal for you. You will save some money, plus you won't be tied down to a week if you realize cruising isn't your thing.

Look for shorter sailings of 3- 5 nights for cheap cruise deals. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC run constant sales on their shorter Caribbean cruise getaways.

Some popular destinations include:

• Bahamas (Nassau, or Bimini)

• Cozumel, Mexico

• Barbados

3. Depart from Less Popular Ports

The most popular ports in Florida are Port Canaveral and Port Miami. You can find these cruising destinations from these ports, but look at other ports for price comparison.

• Port Everglades

• Port Tampa Bay

• Port of Jacksonville

4. Book Last-minute Cruise Deals

It's usually much easier to find last-minute Caribbean cruises at an affordable price than other cruise destinations. If you are capable of cruising last-minute, and you like the popular destinations I just shared with you, then chances are strong that you will find a last-minute cruise deal with one of those destinations.

Be sure to sign up for email newsletters so you will be alerted of price drops.

Finding Cheap Alaskan Cruises

Alaska cruises are so amazing. I had the opportunity to do a 5-week back-to-back Alaskan cruise in July and loved it! However, Alaskan cruises can take some planning as they can be expensive if you don't know a few tricks.

Let's look at 4 tips to help you find a cheap Alaskan cruise.

1. Sail Early or Late in the Season

The Alaska cruise season is short (May - September), with the peak time to cruise being June, July, and August.

When is the cheapest time to cruise to Alaska?

• In May (spring sailing) - cooler weather with still some snow available

• In September (fall sailing) - cooler weather with fall colors and possible snow beginning and possible chance to see the Northern lights.

Note: Cruising in the shoulder season to Alaska can bring you cheaper prices with fewer crowds, but you may have fewer options for shore excursions as the towns and wildlife begin to bustle during the peak cruising season.

2. Choose an Inside Cabin to Stretch Your Budget

I know this may not sound ideal when cruising to Alaska. The thought of sitting on your balcony, drinking a cup of coffee, watching the snow-capped mountains off in the distance is the best, but if you are on a budget, an inside cabin could help.

All cruise lines cruising to Alaska have an observation deck you can sit out on and take in the gorgeous scenery. Saving money on your cabin could allow you the option to spend more money on shore excursions and activities while visiting the Last Frontier.

3. Book a Repositioning Cruise

Cruise lines often reposition their Alaskan cruise ships at the end of the cruise season. Some cruise lines will reposition to California, Mexico, or Australia.

With the one-way travel of a repositioning cruise, cruise lines often offer cheaper cruise rates for these cruises. If you are flexible with your traveling and can travel one way to the cruise port, a repositioning cruise might be the right cruise for you.

4. Look for Flash Sales

Alaskan cruises often go on sale during the wave season (January - March) and again around Labor Day. While many people will tell you the best time to book an Alaskan cruise is during the wave season, I suggest also looking during the Black Friday sales as well. I found some great deals this past Black Friday.

Conclusion

You can find cheap cruise deals on both Alaska and Caribbean cruises, they are out there, I promise.

• Book during the wave season (January - March) for the best cruise deals

• Cruise during off-peak season with less crowds

• Sign up for email newsletters and price drop alerts

• Be flexible with your dates, cabin, departure ports, and destinations

• Consider repositioning cruises

• Be patient - I promise the cruise deals are out there

I hope this was helpful for you in finding your cheapest cruise deal on your next cruise. If you need further help with packing tips and planning your cruise, be sure to check out my Free Ultimate Cruise Checklist.

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