A Budget Traveler’s Guide
Cruises are a unique and exciting way to travel, offering the convenience of an all-in-one vacation with transportation, meals, entertainment and accommodations included. But many people assume cruises are too expensive or out of reach. The good news is that with a little research and flexibility, finding an affordable cruise is entirely possible, even for travelers on a budget. Want to know how to find affordable cruises? Check out our tips below.
Book Last-Minute (or Very Early)
Cruise lines hate empty cabins. As a result, they often slash prices in the weeks leading up to a departure to fill ships. If you're flexible on dates and destinations, you can score a fantastic last-minute deal by booking 2–8 weeks before a cruise departs.
Keep in mind that last-minute booking works best if you live near a departure port or can find a cheap flight on short notice. Be prepared to compromise on cabin selection, as the most desirable rooms (like balconies) may already be taken.
On the flip side, booking very early—up to 12–18 months in advance—can also lock in low prices, especially on popular routes or with premium cruise lines. Early bookers often receive perks like free cabin upgrades, drink packages or onboard credit.
Use Credit Card Points or Travel Rewards
If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may be sitting on points or miles that can be redeemed for all or part of a cruise. Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture, allow you to use points to offset travel purchases or book cruises directly through their travel portals.
In some cases, co-branded cruise line credit cards (such as those from Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian) offer bonuses like free onboard credit, priority boarding or discounts. While these cards might not have the most flexible point systems, they can offer value if you’re loyal to a specific line.
You can also consider using general travel credit cards to cover related expenses, such as flights to the cruise port, pre-cruise hotels or excursions.
Travel During the Off-Season
One of the easiest ways to find cheaper cruises is to sail during the "shoulder" or off-peak seasons. Cruise prices often drop significantly during less popular travel months, and you’ll still enjoy most of the same amenities, often with fewer crowds.
Best times for cruise deals:
- Caribbean. Late April to early June, September to early December (watch for hurricane season).
- Alaska. May and September (cooler weather, but cheaper).
- Mediterranean. March to early May, late October to November.
- Transatlantic repositioning cruises. Spring and fall, as ships move between continents—great for long, cheap voyages.
Cruises during school breaks, holidays and summer tend to be more expensive and book up faster.
Consider Inside Cabins or Guaranteed Rates
Choosing an inside cabin (a room without windows or balconies) can dramatically cut the cost of your cruise. While you won’t have the ocean view, you'll still have full access to the ship’s amenities. If you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ship or on excursions, the savings can be well worth it.
Another option is to book a “guaranteed” cabin rate. This means you choose the category (inside, ocean view, balcony), but the cruise line selects the exact room. In return, you typically pay a lower price and may even receive a free upgrade if better rooms are available.
Use Cruise Aggregator Sites and Alerts
Don’t rely on just one booking website. Use cruise aggregator sites that compare prices across multiple cruise lines and travel agencies. Sites like:
These platforms often have exclusive deals and discount rates. Many also allow you to sign up for price alerts or newsletters so you’re notified when deals become available.
Join Loyalty Programs and Email Lists
Most major cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer perks and discounts to repeat customers. Even if you’re not a frequent cruiser, joining these programs can give you early access to promotions, discounted rates and onboard benefits.
Signing up for cruise line newsletters is another simple way to stay informed. These emails often include “flash sales,” limited-time discounts and special packages that aren't available on third-party websites.
Cruise from a Local Port
If you live near a cruise departure port such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Seattle or Galveston, you can save hundreds by skipping the airfare. Cruise lines often offer regional deals for residents, and you eliminate the need for pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
Even if you don’t live near a port, choosing one with major airline hubs can lower your total travel cost.
Final Tips for Budget Cruising
- Watch out for hidden fees. While cruise fares include meals and entertainment, extras like drinks, shore excursions, gratuities and specialty dining can add up fast. Look for all-inclusive deals or promotions offering free drink packages or onboard credit.
- Book with a travel agent. A good agent can access exclusive rates or perks and help you find the best deals based on your preferences.
- Be flexible. If you’re open on dates, destinations and cabin types, you’ll have more room to find a bargain.
With a little planning and flexibility, an unforgettable cruise vacation can fit into almost any budget. Whether you're hunting for last-minute steals or using rewards to offset costs, there are more ways than ever to set sail without sinking your wallet.