Waiting 'til the last minute could be the key to scoring a cheap deal on a great cruise. Even though you’ve missed out on earlier bargains, a flexible schedule allows for some surprising discounts.
If you’re willing to accept the available accommodations, you’ll find that many cruise lines will run great deals in order to fill up their cabins before departure, U.S. News reports.
Here are five tips for scoring last-minute cruise deals on the cheap:
Latest: What's Your Favorite Type of Vacation? Relaxing or Exploring?
1. Be realistic about your late planning — Others who planned earlier have already taken the best spots, so you usually have to be flexible when choosing the cabin, suite, or seating, Cruise Critic explains. You’ll get a better deal if you don’t worry too much about specifics.
2. Find a port that’s near you — This may help avoid the cost of airfare, which adds to the rate of last-minute arrangements, even on great deals. It might be cheaper if you can use your car to get to your cruise departure site.
3. Search online — There are plenty of last-minute cruise deals through travel websites and cruise lines, according to an article by Beau Prichard in USA Today. There are also community sites for travelers who review cruise lines and may know about the latest deals, sharing them in forums.
Tell Us: What Part of the World Do You Like to Visit?
4. Remember timing — The best last-minute cruise deals differ by location. A European or Alaskan cruise has better deals in May or October, just before or after the high season, writes Lew Toulmin in International Travel News. A Caribbean cruise might offer cheaper prices in April and May or September through January. Also, avoid holiday weekends when demand could reduce last-minute bargains.
5. Try a travel agent — Some people think it’s cheaper to find deals on their own, but many travel agents have exclusive information that can land you a last-minute bargain. They often get their commissions from hotels and wholesalers, according to U.S. News.
Vote Now: Should the Government Be Doing More to Promote Tourism in America?
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.