These Are the Best Times to Book a Cruise for Deals, Optimal Rooms, and More (2024)

Saving money feels good — almost as good as sitting on the top deck of a Caribbean-bound cruise with a co*cktail in hand. It's easier than you think to get the best of both worlds — you just need to know the best time to book. In most cases, securing your spot as early as possible will get you the best price. If you miss the early-bird fares, consider waiting until "wave season," January through March, when cruise promotions abound.

Of course, pricing also fluctuates based on the itinerary, the ship, the type of cruise, and demand. The best time to book a cruise depends largely on when you want to travel, what you want out of the experience, and whether you're daring enough to wait for a deal. Read on to find out how to snag the cruise of your dreams without breaking the bank.

When to Book Early

If you have your sights set on a high-demand sailing — for example, on a new ship or during school holiday breaks — the best time to book will likely be as soon as the fares are released. Cruise Critic says that many popular sailings offer their best rates when they first go on sale and then prices increase as the ship fills up. This rule is especially true for luxury itineraries, Disney cruises, and new ships. Other than saving you money, this might be the only way to guarantee a spot (and secure a particular cabin location).

When to Wait

If you're not interested in high-season travel or experiencing the latest cruise ship, you can play the waiting game and pounce as soon as fares drop. As any seasoned traveler knows, you can often find lower rates or free add-ons as the departure date approaches and the cruise line works to fill the ship. In those cases, prices will likely drop within 90 or 60 days of the departure date, after final payments are due.

While holding off may result in a once-in-a-lifetime deal, keep in mind that your cabin and category choices may be minimal, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to book at all. This approach works best for people with flexible work schedules or retirees who can adjust their travel dates to take advantage of these less expensive fares.

Tracking Cruise Fares

The only way to really know the best time to book a cruise is to track fares, which you can do through the Shipmate app and Cruise Critic. Sign up to be alerted if there's a price drop, taking the stressful task of incessant scanning off your plate. Some people also have luck with requesting a price match even after they've booked — it all depends on the cruise line — so keep those alerts on.

Best Time of Year to Book a Cruise

The best time of year to book a cruise is often January through March. Demand plummets after the holiday season, and during this period of industry-wide promotions — aka "wave season" — the price of that cruise you've been dreaming of may drop significantly. It's also a good time to find booking promotions, like free upgrades, prepaid gratuities, or onboard spending money.

Best Time of Month to Book a Cruise

While there isn't a "best time of the month" to book a cruise, monitoring fare changes over several weeks can help you spot any price drops. Cruise prices fluctuate frequently based on availability, demand, and special deals. Unless you're interested in a high-demand sailing, be patient and look out for flash sales.

Best Day of the Week to Book a Cruise

People often wonder if there is a specific day of the week when cruise prices consistently drop. Unfortunately, fares don't rise and fall on a set schedule, and it's impossible to predict when they'll change. Past research has found that cruise fares might be lowest on Thursdays and highest on Wednesdays, but the data is constantly fluctuating, and some experts say it's inaccurate anyway. Your best bet is to track fares throughout the week.

Understanding When and Why Cruise Prices Drop

"Wave season" may be a popular time to find cruise deals, but not every company releases its best deals during that period. Promotions (or lack thereof) are often based on what is and isn't selling. If a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. But if a cruise's departure date is fast approaching and the ship is only partially booked, prices will drop and complimentary add-ons will increase, resulting in some happy customers.