Good Lifestyle

Maybe you have always wanted to make your way in the Mediterranean, or maybe you can't stop thinking about cocktails on a Caribbean Island . Anyway, cruises are a popular vacation choice for a reason, but there is one thing that almost all have in common: they are not exactly cheap, especially now. While ticket sales are skyrocketing following the cocovated pandemic, Cruise Line has increased its prices, CNBC reported at the end of last year. But you may not have to spend big to get the cruising holidays of your dreams. To help you, we talked about several travel experts to get their initial knowledge. Read the rest to discover the best time to book a cruise and how you can make sure you get a good deal.

In relation: 8 cruise secrets of former ships directors .

When is the best day to book a cruise?

When it comes to booking a cruise, there is a day of the week that seems to stand out among the others: Thursday. At least, this is the case according to 2018 study Led by the Cruisewatch search engine. The platform analyzed more than 600,000 cruise price discounts for the previous year and found that prices had dropped the lowest on Thursday.

On the other hand, prices increased the most on Wednesday. According to the study, 34% of additional price increases occurred that day compared to any other day of the week.

Of course, there is more than just book the right day (or avoid the bad day).

"Cruise prices fluctuate with demand and supply," Britta Bernhard , Passionate cruise and co-founder of Cruisewatch, said in a press release accompanying the study. "Most people do not realize that they can save massive sums by reserving at the right time."

What month are cruising tickets the cheapest?

With more than 15 years of experience in the cruise industry, Michael L. Moore ,, cruise and founder of the Countdown of the Disney -based travel website to Magic, says Better life That the holiday sales period in November is "Prime Time" for cheap cruising tickets.

"Cruises want to fill ships during the high season more expensive, so just like retail stores, they hang the offers of Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday that you cannot refuse," he shares.

In fact, Moore reveals that he has once reserved a family of five on an Alaska cruise of seven nights for only $ 1,500 in total using the sales of Thanksgiving Week.

"It's $ 300 per person for a high season adventure in a balcony room-outside the holidays," he notes.

In relation: 11 clothes that you should not wear on a cruise .

What is the best time of year to book a cruise?

But do not reduce the advantages that accompany the reservation of your cruise earlier, especially since the holidays can be a very expensive period of the year.

The "wave season" of the cruise industry occurs every year from January to March, which is the period when most cruising lines "unleash an avalanche of tenders to encourage the first reservations", according to Moore.

"We are talking about free cabin upgrades, unlimited drinking packages and hundreds of credits on board - you name it," he said. "During the 2022 wave season, I marked a Caribbean cruise with $ 600 on board on board more free WiFi for my customers. It is in addition to a price already deeply at reduced prices!"

When should I wait to book my cruise?

It is often recommended to reserve cruises at least nine months in advance (and at least 15 months in advance for luxury cruise lines) travel expert Alexandra Dubakova .

"Early booking is considered the best because it guarantees availability and there are often special promotions for high -demand cruises", " Jay Ternavan ,, travel expert And the founder of Jayway Travel, explains. "Cruises also increase the price as more and more guests join a trip, making early reservation beneficial for specific regions and new ships." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

But you may always be able to conclude good deals even if you don't book early.

"For people who are more relaxed with their time and may wait for the last moment to book a cruise, it is possible to save considerable sums of money because the cruise lines have certain sections of their fleet called` ombragères "which must be filled until the departure time and, therefore, they offer heavy discounts or additional services," reveals Ternavan.

In fact, Moore advises its customers to be on the lookout for about 90 days before a cruise is navigation. It is generally when "the despair offers come into play and your flexibility can be chargeable," he said.

During these last -minute offers, late bookers can usually "find cabins inside at incredibly low prices, sometimes as low as $ 50 per night", noted Ravi parikh ,, travel expert and founder of the RoverPass booking engine.

You may even be able to land outside and balcony cabins at a better price that you would have months before if you were waiting to book.

"It is because some people who may have booked early could end up canceling their reservation at the last minute," said Parikh.

In relation: The 7 best cruises to book if you are over 60 years old .

When is it intelligent to reserve an early cruise?

But if you died on the type of room you want, it is probably better not to hazard it. In this case, Annie Jones ,, luxury travel advisor And the owner of Telos Travel, says it is an intelligent idea to book earlier "so that you have the best options available for cabins".

"Cruises generally disclose their schedules 18-24 months in advance," she shares. "The most desirable cabins often reserve first because there are fewer available, so sooner you book, the best choices you will have for the cabin type and location on the ship."

Reservation for one year or more is particularly important if you reserve an shipping cruise Mary Curry ,, Travel Product Director and trip planner at Adventure Life.

"Many cruise lines publish their schedules and information on new routes and new ships well in advance, and you will almost always get the best price if you book early," she notes. "Many lines offer early reservation discounts and a handful of last -minute offers. And although these last -minute prices can be a better percentage percentage, they are often on more expensive cabins that have not yet been reserved, therefore overall the cost is higher.

Do not forget to think about all the excursions that you may also be interested in booking with your cruise.

"Complementary excursions such as kayak among icebergs are often available on a limited basis and can be filled long before your cruise leaves," warns Curry. "So, for the best price and the best availability, it is really important to book early."

Have you not managed to book your additional modules before they are all filled? Do not give up hope. Dubakova says it is important that people know that they can also reserve trusted shore excursions.

"Although it can be more practical to book through the cruise, it is often more expensive," she warns. "Look for similar visits to your destination and book to secure your place."

In relation: The 8 best adult cruises for stress -free holidays .

How can I know if I get a good deal on a cruise?

Cruise prices can vary considerably depending on a number of different factors, including "cruise route, the age of ships and the reservation calendar", according to Ternavan. So how can you determine whether or not you get a good deal? Many experts recommend using surveillance and comparison websites, even in times when promotions are not regularly known.

"It is possible to monitor prices to seek discounts with the help of various programs such as the Shipmate application or the cruise critic," said Ternavan. "Regarding promotions, promotions are expected during the wave season or in January, February and March, but prices can lower at any time."

Moore adds: "My best advice is to identify your essential criteria, but keep your mind open. Register for alerts for sale and be ready to jump!"

Another piece of advice you need to take note to make sure you get a good deal involves reserving your next cruise while you are already cruising, according to Jones.

"The cruise line can offer percentage discounts, deposits, advantages or reduced upgrades if you book with their sales office on board. Sometimes, you can even receive a credit on board applied to the cruise on which You are currently (and perhaps your future cruise), "it shares. "Even if you work with a travel advisor, these reservations on board can often be transferred to your advisor so that they can always help with the new reservation, confirm that all the information is correct and ensure that everything works well for YOU."

And don't worry about flexibility.

"Reservation on board also means that you can change your options for the route or the cabin later if you change your mind," explains Jones. "But you will want to check with the cruise line for their rules specific to the company."

Wrap

This is all for our guide supported by experts at the best time to book a cruise. Be sure to check soon with us for more travel tips that can make all the difference when it comes to getting the best offers on your next vacation.