Best Time to Book a Cruise (Save Money & Get the Best Cabin)
Booking a cruise at the right time can save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars.
And I’ll be honest…
I didn’t always get this right.
I’ve overpaid.
I’ve booked too early.
I’ve booked too late.
I’ve even lost a non-refundable deposit once (that one still hurts).
But after years of cruising, patterns become very clear. And once you understand them, you stop guessing—and start booking smarter.
Quick Answer: When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?
If you’re just looking for the short answer:
Good deals: 0–60 days before sailing
Best value (perks): January–March (Wave Season)
Preferred cabins: 12–24 months in advance
For new ships: As soon as bookings open
Now let’s break it down the right way.
Booking Early (12–36 Months Out): Best for Cabins & New Ships
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises release itineraries years in advance.
And surprisingly…
Early pricing is often very competitive.
Why booking early works:
✔ Best cabin selection (balconies, aft, suites)
✔ Lower deposits (sometimes refundable)
✔ Ability to reprice if fares drop
✔ Access to inaugural sailings
Not sure whether a balcony is worth the extra cost? Check out our guide comparing inside, ocean view, and balcony cabins to see which option fits your travel style best.
New Ship Strategy (This Is Where People Win Big)
When a brand-new ship is released:
Prices are often lowest at launch
Then demand kicks in… and prices climb.
If you’re targeting:
- New Royal Caribbean ships
- New Norwegian Prima-class ships
- New builds from Carnival or Princess
Waiting usually costs you more, not less.
Last-Minute Deals (0–60 Days): Best for Pure Savings
This is where you can find some of the cheapest cruise fares available.
Why?
- Empty cabins = lost money
- Cruise lines slash prices to fill ships
What you can expect:
- Deep discounts (especially interiors)
- Occasional balcony deals
- Flash sales through third parties
The Trade-Off (This Matters)
- Limited cabin selection
- Flights can be expensive last-minute
- Popular sailings rarely drop in price
Personally, I rarely take advantage of last-minute cruise deals, even though some of the savings can be incredible. Most of our cruises are booked at least six months in advance because getting vacation time approved isn’t always easy. For me, having the dates locked in and knowing I can actually take the trip is often more important than chasing the absolute lowest fare.
This strategy only works if you’re flexible.
If you must have a specific ship, date, or cabin… this is not your move.
Wave Season (January–March): Best Overall Value
This is the most important booking window of the year.
If you ignore everything else, don’t ignore this.
During Wave Season, cruise lines push hard to lock in bookings.
Typical Wave Season perks:
✔ Free drink packages
✔ Free Wi-Fi
✔ Specialty dining included
✔ Kids sail free deals
✔ Reduced deposits
Key insight:
Prices aren’t always lower—but the value is significantly higher.
The Real Sweet Spot (Most People Miss This)
If you want to balance everything:
Book 6–12 months out during a promotion
This gives you:
- Good pricing
- Decent cabin selection
- Access to perks
It’s not the absolute cheapest… but it’s often the smartest.
Real Mistakes I’ve Made (Learn From These)
Let me be real with you:
I’ve made almost every mistake possible.
- Overpaid by booking at the wrong time
- Used sites that weren’t competitive
- Didn’t track prices after booking
- Lost a non-refundable deposit
Booking mistakes are just one part of the learning curve. If you’re new to cruising, check out our guide to the biggest cruise mistakes first-time cruisers make and how to avoid them.
Watch Out for This
Non-refundable deposits can be brutal.
You save a little upfront…
But if plans change, you can lose it entirely
It’s rare—but when it happens, it hurts.
Smart Booking Tactics (That Actually Work)
This is where you separate yourself from most cruisers.
1. Track Prices After You Book
Most people don’t do this—and it’s a mistake.
If your cruise drops in price:
- Reprice it
- Or get onboard credit
This alone can save you hundreds.
2. Don’t Always Book the Cheapest Cabin
This is a big one.
Sometimes:
- A balcony is only slightly more
- A better location avoids noise and motion
A small upgrade can completely change your experience.
3. Compare Multiple Booking Sources
Never assume one site is cheapest.
Check:
- Cruise line directly
- Major booking platforms
- Travel agents
I’ve personally found better deals after booking more than once.
4. Look at Total Cost (Not Just the Price)
A cheap cruise might not include:
- Drinks
- Wi-Fi
- Gratuities
Meanwhile, a higher fare might include everything.
One of the biggest examples is drink packages. A cruise fare that looks more expensive upfront may actually save money if drinks are included. We break down the real math in our cruise drink package guide.
Always compare the real total cost.
Final Verdict: What You Should Actually Do
If you want a simple strategy:
- Want the cheapest deal? → Book last-minute
- Want the best perks? → Book during Wave Season
- Want the best cabin? → Book early
- Want balance? → Book 6–12 months out
Final Thought (From Experience)
Even now… I still sometimes book a cruise and later find a better deal.
That’s just how this industry works.
But if you follow what’s in this guide, you’ll:
✔ Save money
✔ Avoid rookie mistakes
✔ Get better cabins
✔ And book with confidence
Before You Book
If you’re planning your cruise, check out:
- Our full cruise ship reviews (what the experience is really like onboard)
- Cruise menus and drink guides (what you’ll actually pay onboard)
- Port guides (what’s worth doing vs skipping)
