Set Sail: 11 Top Tips to find cheap cruises
Cruises can not only be a great way to travel, but they can also be great value – particularly if you know how to find the best deal.
We have personally taken many cruises all around the world.
It is possible to find cheap cruises from Australia – or worldwide – for as little as $100 per person per day.
Considering that this includes your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment, it’s pretty unbelievable — but true.
Finding the best deals isn’t always straightforward, though.
That’s where this guide comes in – with hacks to help you find an affordable sailing that delivers maximum savings.
Here are our best tips and booking strategies to help you find cheap cruises.
1. Consider a cheap off-peak cruise if you can
It’s no surprise that cruises from Australia that operate during busy periods—like Christmas and New Year—have inflated price tags.
Prices can also be elevated during Australian school holidays in January and over the Easter break.
However, you can often snag a great price on a booking during quieter times, like October, November, February or March.
2. Book early or book late for the best cruise deals
This is a vital booking strategy to remember if you want to get the best possible deal.
The general rule is to book early or book late.
Prices are generally relatively low if you book a cruise in advance, 12 months or more before the sailing.
Generally, prices steadily rise after that – except for when companies might offer sales.
If a sizable number of cabins remain unsold in the final few months before departure, prices will then drop as operators look to fill spots.
Booking a sailing at the last minute is not practical for everyone, but it can deliver significant savings.
Cruises from Sydney are popular for Australians.
3. Snag a cheap cruise sale
Many cruise lines hold regular sales throughout the year, which are worth watching.
For example, at the time of writing, Royal Caribbean had a sale that included up to $600 onboard credit on bookings, up to 60% off for the second guest in a cabin and any children being able to join and sail from just $59 per day.
Deals like this are standard on some lines, so it could be worth waiting to book if there is not a reasonable offer at the time you are looking to book.
A good sale could see you snap up a very cheap deal.
4. Book cruise deals through a travel package website
Booking through a third-party travel deals website can deliver huge cruise savings.
This is a great way to save on a sailing and land a delightful deal.
These deals websites — like Luxury Escapes and TripADeal — often offer cabins for less than the cruise lines offer on their own websites.
On some sailings, these sites have claimed savings of more than 50 per cent, so they can be worth a look.
5. Book a cheap cruise through a travel agent
If you struggle to find a great deal online, find a good travel agent.
Like the travel deals websites, travel agents can offer lower prices on cabins than the cruise line’s own websites.
Sometimes, you might find that a travel agent will offer you the same price as the cruise line, but the travel agent may also throw in some extra onboard credit or other perks.
There is no significant benefit to booking directly with the cruise line itself.
6. Join a cruise line loyalty program
Most cruise lines have loyalty programs you can join for free.
If you then make a booking and link your membership, you can earn status credits in that program.
The more cruises you take with that line, the more benefits are likely to come your way.
Sometimes, lines offer special deals for return cruisers who are members of their loyalty programs, such as additional savings or onboard credit.
Return cruisers can also enjoy onboard perks like free or discounted drinks, free tours and free or discounted laundry services on their second and subsequent cruises with some lines.
Popular loyalty programs for Australians include Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Carnival’s VIFP Club, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club and Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle.
7. Book an inside cabin for cheap cruises
While Balcony cabins have plenty of appeal, Inside cabins are almost always far cheaper.
Inside cabins are worth considering if you want to enjoy a cheap deal, especially for shorter cruises (seven nights or less).
Balcony cabins can be quite expensive on some sailings, so Inside cabins are a much more affordable option.
8. Get a good deal by bidding for a cabin upgrade
If you book an Inside or Ocean View cabin, there’s a chance that you may be able to get an upgrade at a heavily discounted rate.
If your sailing is not sold out in the months before your cruise, the line might offer you the chance to bid for an upgrade to a higher cabin type.
You could book an Inside cabin and then secure an upgrade to a Balcony cabin for as little as $100 per person.
If you are selected to receive an offer email, you can choose how much you are willing to pay for an upgrade.
This can be one of the great hacks, especially for off-peak cruises.
9. Book cheap cruises by sailing on an older ship
Some of the flashy new modern ships look very enticing for travellers, but sailing on them also comes at an inflated price tag.
In many cases, you can have a similar experience on an older ship within the same line for much less outlay.
10. Book your next cruise while you’re onboard a cruise
If you love your sailing, it can pay to book your next cruise while onboard.
Most ships have ‘Future Cruises’ shops or desks onboard, which offer great benefits for making your next booking during your current holiday.
They will often offer hundreds of dollars of free onboard credit to entice you to return for another trip.
11. Make your cruise booking with a travel credit card
By making your next booking with a travel credit card, you could not only earn reward points but also save on travel insurance.
Some travel credit cards include cruise insurance if you pay the full price of your sailing on a credit card.
If you don’t have a travel credit card – or your card does not include this insurance – consider a quality cruise insurance policy.
As with any travel – particularly for international trips – it is essential to be covered with travel insurance.
Summary
You don’t have to sail on a budget cruise line to enjoy an affordable cruising holiday. Great deals are available if you know a few tips and hacks which can deliver significant savings. You could secure a great deal by booking your sailing at the right time and through the proper channels. Other ways to save include joining a loyalty program, booking lower-class cabins or sailings on older ships and booking your next cruise holiday while you are still onboard a cruise.
Written By: Chris
Updated: October 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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You can save by booking off-peak cruises, while there are savings to be had for those willing to sail in lower-class cabins or on older ships. Booking through a travel deals website like Luxury Escapes or a travel agent is also a great way to secure a cheap deal.
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Booking through a travel deals website or a travel agent is often the best way to get the best deals. These channels can offer cheaper cabin prices than the cruise lines’ websites. There is usually little benefit in booking directly.
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Booking early (at least 12 months in advance) or last-minute (within three months of sailing) are good strategies to save. These are usually when prices are lowest, making for very budget-friendly cruises. However, last minute bookings do come with some risk if your sailing sells out before you can secure a good deal.
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If you can travel at short notice, a great hack can be to book a last-minute deal. If lots of cabins remain unsold in the final months before a sailing, lines will regularly slash prices. Another good hack, especially for off-peak sailings, is to book a cheaper Inside cabin and make a bid to upgrade your cabin if you are offered closer to the sailing. Sailing in a lower-class Inside cabin is another great way to travel on a budget.
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Many cruise lines offer regular sales and these often include free onboard credit. If there is not a current sale on a cruise that you are eyeing, it could be worth waiting for one. Alternatively, some travel agents or booking websites will offer free onboard credit on some cruise bookings. If you book your next cruise while you are onboard a cruise, there are often large onboard credits bundled in as well. These are some great cruise tips for getting free onboard credit.
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Some lines offer additional discounts or onboard credit on bookings made by members of their loyalty programs. Return cruisers are also treated to a range of onboard benefits, which can include free or discounted drinks, free or discounted laundry services and free tours or spa access on sailings.
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Some of the popular loyalty programs for ships that frequent Australian waters include Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Carnival’s VIFP Club, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club and Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle. These programs each provide different perks and benefits for return cruisers.
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There are cruises from most Australian capital cities, especially over the warmer summer months. You can take cruises from Sydney, cruises from Brisbane, cruises from Melbourne, cruises from Adelaide, cruises from Hobart and cruises from Fremantle. However, Sydney and Brisbane are the two busiest ports and offer the most ships and sailings.
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There sure are! Last-minute cruises can be a great way to secure a cheap holiday, particularly during off-peak travel times. There is never any guarantee that lots of cabins will remain unsold in the months leading up to the departure of the sailing, but that is when lines tend to slash prices if there are.
