Why Cruise Deals Matter

With the cost of living rising, savvy travellers are looking for ways to make their holiday budget go further. Scoring a great cruise deal means you can enjoy more destinations, better cabins, and extra perks all without breaking the bank.

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1. When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

• Wave Season (January–March): This is when cruise lines offer their biggest discounts and perks, such as free upgrades, onboard credit, or drinks packages.

• We often favour Last-Minute Deals: If you’re flexible, booking 6–8 weeks before departure can net you huge savings, especially outside school holidays.

• Shoulder Seasons: Cruises in spring and autumn are often cheaper than peak summer or Christmas sailings.

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2. Where to Find the Best Cruise Deals

• Official Cruise Line Websites: Always check the cruise line’s own site for exclusive offers.

• Comparison Sites: we often use trusted sites like Iglu Cruise, Cruise.co.uk, and My Kind Of Cruise to compare prices across multiple cruise lines.

• Travel Agents: A good agent can access group rates and unpublished deals. It often won’t cost you any extra and they are there to help if something goes wrong.

• Newsletter Sign-Ups: Subscribe to cruise line and agency newsletters for flash sales and exclusive codes.

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3. Top Tips for Saving Even More

• Be Flexible: If you can travel at short notice or midweek, you’ll often get the best prices.

• Consider Repositioning Cruises: These one-way voyages (e.g., Mediterranean to Caribbean) are usually cheaper and less crowded.

• Look for Added Value: Sometimes a slightly higher fare includes extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, or gratuities, making it better value overall.

• Book Onboard: If you’re already on a cruise, booking your next one before you disembark can unlock loyalty discounts and perks. You may also be able to purchase future cruise credit which won’t tie you to a specific cruise but will get you extra benefits when you book.

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4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Extra Costs: Always factor in port fees, gratuities, and excursions when comparing deals. British lines often include these in the initial price, but most US lines do not. Always check the final price before booking.

• Not Reading the Fine Print: Check cancellation policies and what’s included in your fare.

• Booking Flights Separately: Sometimes cruise lines offer flight-inclusive packages that are cheaper and more convenient.

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5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are last-minute cruise deals really cheaper?
A: Often, yes, especially if you’re flexible with dates and cabin type. But popular sailings (like school holidays) can sell out early especially those family cabins.

Q: Can I get a deal if I’m travelling solo?
A: Look for cruise lines that offer reduced or no single supplements or consider sharing a cabin with a friend. Some cruise lines have special solo cruises. An example would be Riviera Travel having a whole river ship dedicated to solos.

Q: What’s the best way to get notified of deals?
A: Sign up for email alerts from your favorite cruise lines and travel agents.

 

Conclusion

Finding the best cruise deals in 2026 is all about timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to booking your dream cruise for less. For more cruise tips, reviews, and exclusive offers, subscribe to Tom and Dom Travel or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.