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The best cruise deals: How to secure the best deal
Cruises don't have to be expensive. If you book cleverly, you can get dream trips at a bargain price. But when are the prices lowest? Where can you find the best deals? And what tricks really help you to go on a great cruise at a low price?
There are a few secret time slots when cruises are significantly cheaper. Some deals only appear briefly and disappear just as quickly. Others are only worthwhile for early bookers with patience. One thing is certain: if you know where to look, you can save hundreds of euros - without sacrificing luxury.
Here you can find out when and where to find your next cruise at the best price. So buckle up - we're going bargain hunting!
When are cruises the cheapest?
Cruises fluctuate in price - enormously. If you book at the wrong time, you often pay twice as much. But there are patterns. If you are clever, you can save several hundred euros with the right timing.
There are three strategies to choose from: book early, hope for last-minute deals or take advantage of seasonal discounts. But which one is really worthwhile? And how can you avoid hidden costs?
Early booking vs. last minute: what really saves money?
Bargain hunters are faced with the question: When to book? Early or late? Both strategies have their advantages, but not every strategy suits every traveler.
Those who book early secure the best cabins, often with a sea view and balcony. Many shipping companies entice you with discounts, on-board credit or free upgrades. But there is a catch: the prices are fixed, real rock-bottom prices only arise later.
Last minute can be a real stroke of luck. Prices plummet shortly before departure, because empty cabins don't make the shipping companies any money. If you are flexible and are not tied to a specific route or cabin, you can get your dream cruise for half the price. The disadvantage? The best seats are long gone, flights can be expensive and sometimes there are only inside cabins left.
So the best deal depends on you. Planner or adventurer - which are you?
Where are the best cruise deals?
There are special offers everywhere - but not every provider really has the best deals. Book directly with the cruise line? Or would you rather browse on a comparison platform? The choice can affect the price by hundreds of euros.
Shipping companies often entice passengers with exclusive on-board credit, cabin upgrades or drinks packages that are only available with direct bookings. Sounds good, right? But there's a catch: the prices are not always the cheapest. Comparison platforms such as “e-hoi”, “Dreamlines” or “Cruise24” bundle offers from various sources and sometimes offer significantly lower rates.
Then there are specialist travel agencies that have close contacts with the shipping companies and can offer insider tips and special prices that cannot be found online. Especially for luxury or expedition cruises, it is worth asking for hidden deals here.
The Secret Weapon: Take Advantage of Error Fares and Canceled Cabins
Sometimes it happens: shipping companies or booking portals make a mistake. Suddenly there's a luxury cabin for the price of an inside cabin. Or a two-week Caribbean cruise costs only half the price. Such error prices are extremely rare - but when you find them, you can make incredible savings.
How can you find such bargains? Some websites and forums collect these price errors and share them with their members. If you are flexible and book quickly, you can get hold of real luxury travel at a bargain price.
Cancellation cabins** are also a goldmine. If passengers cancel their trip at short notice, shipping companies often sell the cabins at a greatly reduced price. These last-minute offers usually appear two to four weeks before departure - perfect for spontaneous cruisers.
Tip: Anyone looking for such deals should subscribe to cruise newsletters and check booking sites regularly. The best offers are often only available for a few hours!
Upgrades for free: How to get more cabin for your money
You've booked an inside cabin - but suddenly you wake up with a sea view or even a balcony? Cabin upgrades are not a legend, but a clever way to get more luxury without paying a penny extra.
How does it work? It's simple: shipping companies want to fill their best cabins and therefore offer free or inexpensive upgrades. If you remain flexible and book a guaranteed cabin, you can often get a better room. This means that you only choose the category (e.g. inside cabin) and are later allocated one - often a better one than expected.
Another trick: Bid on upgrades. Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, have systems that allow you to bid for a higher cabin class after booking. Sometimes it works - and you're suddenly traveling in a suite for a fraction of the actual price.
Tip: Be friendly at check-in. Sometimes free upgrades are simply a matter of availability - and a nice chat with the staff!
On-board credit and extras: How to get more for your money
Some offers look more expensive at first glance - but are actually real bargains. The reason? On-board credit, drinks packages or included excursions that really make the price advantage visible.
Many shipping companies entice you with promotions that give you credit for spa treatments, stores or specialty restaurants. This can be worth several hundred euros. It is worth comparing such offers, especially with premium shipping companies.
Drinks packages are also often included in special deals. If you like cocktails, soft drinks or specialty coffees, you can save a lot here. This is because the prices for drinks on board are often high.
Important: Read the small print! Some packages only apply to certain drinks or have a daily limit. But if you look closely, you can secure real benefits.
Discounts for certain groups: Who really saves?
Not everyone pays the full price. Some people get special offers - at least on paper. But is it really worth it or is it just a marketing ploy?
Senior discounts - real savings or advertising trap?
Many shipping companies advertise special prices for older travelers. But let's be honest: the discounts are often hardly worth mentioning. A few percent here, a small discount there - but if you book cleverly, you can often find better deals. Early booking discounts or last-minute offers are usually cheaper than those offered specifically for senior citizens.
Family benefits - "Children travel for free"?
Sounds great. But it's not always the case. This is because free tickets for children are usually only valid in the parents' cabin. In addition, there are taxes, port fees and often high prices for additional services. What's more, many of these offers are not valid during the vacations - and that's exactly when families want to travel. If you are flexible and book early, you can still benefit.
Single cabins - when single travelers have to pay extra
Single travelers have a hard time. There are hardly any single cabins on many ships - and if you book a normal cabin on your own, you pay extra. The “single cabin surcharge” can amount to up to 80%. But there are tricks:
- Some shipping companies, such as Norwegian or MSC, have special cabins for solo travelers.
- If you are flexible, you can get hold of remaining places shortly before departure.
- Group travel or cabin-sharing portals can help to reduce costs.
If you plan cleverly, you can also save as a solo traveler - but the shipping companies don't make it easy.
