Best Time to Book a Cruise: How to Get the Lowest Fares
Timing matters more than most people realize when it comes to cruise pricing. Fares rise and fall throughout the year, and knowing when to book can save you hundreds — sometimes even thousands — on the exact same sailing. The best time to book a cruise depends on your destination, your flexibility, and the type of cabin you want, but there are clear patterns that can help you lock in the best deal.
This guide breaks down the seasons, sales cycles, and booking windows that consistently deliver the strongest value.
Wave Season: January–March
Wave Season is the cruise industry’s biggest annual sale period. If you want:
- lower fares
- reduced deposits
- onboard credit
- free upgrades
- kids‑sail‑free promos
…this is the time to look.
Wave Season is especially strong for:
- Caribbean cruises
- Alaska cruises
- Europe summer itineraries
- Newer ships
If you’re planning a big family trip or want a balcony on a popular sailing, Wave Season is one of the safest times to book.
Book Early for the Best Cabin Selection
If you care about:
- cabin location
- connecting rooms
- aft balconies
- suites
- accessible cabins
…booking early is essential.
Cruise lines release their lowest prices when itineraries first open — often 18–24 months in advance. Prices tend to rise as the ship fills, especially for premium cabin categories.
Early booking is ideal for:
- Alaska
- Europe
- holiday sailings
- new ship launches
If you want a specific cabin type, early beats cheap last‑minute deals every time.
Shoulder Season = Lower Prices
Shoulder season is the sweet spot between peak and off‑peak travel. You’ll often find:
- lower fares
- fewer crowds
- better weather than off‑season
- more cabin availability
Examples:
- Caribbean: late April–early June, September–early November
- Europe: April–May, September–October
- Alaska: early May or late September
Shoulder season is one of the most reliable ways to save without sacrificing the experience.
Last‑Minute Deals (Great for Flexible Travelers)
If you don’t care about cabin location and can travel on short notice, last‑minute deals can be incredible. Cruise lines discount unsold cabins 30–60 days before sailing to fill the ship.
Best for:
- interior or oceanview cabins
- off‑season Caribbean
- repositioning cruises
- travelers within driving distance of a port
Not ideal for:
- families needing multiple cabins
- holiday or school‑break sailings
- Alaska or Europe
If you’re flexible, last‑minute deals can be some of the cheapest fares of the year.
Holiday and School‑Break Sailings: Book Early
These sailings almost never get cheaper:
- Spring Break
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas & New Year’s
- Summer peak (June–August)
Families book these early, and prices rise steadily as the ship fills. If you’re traveling during these windows, book as soon as itineraries open.
Repositioning Cruises: The Best Value at Any Time
Repositioning cruises are one‑way sailings where the ship moves to a new region. They’re often:
- longer
- cheaper per night
- less crowded
- packed with sea days
Examples:
- Transatlantic
- Panama Canal
- Pacific crossings
These cruises offer some of the best value in the industry, and prices stay low even without major sales.
Watch for Price Drops After You Book
Many cruise lines allow you to reprice your cruise before final payment if the fare drops. This is where:
- price alerts
- deal‑tracking tools
- cruise‑line apps
…can save you real money.
If you see a lower fare, call the cruise line or your travel agent — they can adjust your booking.
When Cruise Lines Run Their Best Sales
You’ll see strong promotions during:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Wave Season (Jan–Mar)
- Back‑to‑Cruise sales in late summer
These aren’t always the lowest fares, but they often include valuable perks like onboard credit or drink package discounts.
Final Thoughts
The best time to book a cruise depends on your priorities — but understanding the patterns makes the decision much easier. Book early for the best cabins, look to Wave Season and shoulder season for strong value, and keep an eye on price drops before final payment. With a little strategy, you can secure the right sailing at the right price and feel confident you booked at the perfect time.
