Never book a cruise without shopping around first – seriously! You could be paying hundreds more than you need to.
If you always stick with the same travel agent or book directly with the cruise line, chances are you’re missing out on better prices elsewhere.
But with a few clever tricks, you can unlock some incredible savings – enough to fund your next cruise! Here are my top insider tips for finding the very best cruise deals.
1. Sign Up to My Newsletter!
Every Thursday, I send out a newsletter to my email subscribers, which has my pick of the best cruise deals that I’ve found or been sent each week.
I get a lot of emails from cruise lines and other partners with their best deals, so I sift through those each week, but then I also spend time hunting out deals myself.
(And not just to put the email together… Sometimes I just like looking).
Then, every Thursday I’ll send out the collated list to my subscriber list.
So with one quick sign-up, you don’t have to do anything else except wait for the email to arrive in your inbox.
2. Join Travelzoo
Travelzoo is one of the world’s biggest travel clubs – they have over 30 million members around the world who share your love for travel!
And they also love a good deal, too…
You can browse the Travelzoo website if you want to check out some top deals on cruises, but the very best offers – the exclusive ones – are reserved for members.
Like me, they check tons of offers every week and pick out just the best ones that offer the best value, removing all the hard work for you.
You can join Travelzoo here if you want to get sent their top deals each week.
3. Add Yourself to Cruise-Themed Facebook Groups
Facebook is full of communities of cruise lovers who are always sharing tips, tricks, and, yes, the latest deals.
These groups are great because you’re connecting with people who share your passion and who often have a wealth of experience.
Some members may even post deals they’ve found, along with advice on how to snag the best cabins or perks. Plus, if you’re new to cruising, it’s a fantastic way to learn from seasoned pros who are happy to share their wisdom.
Just type “cruise deals” or “cruise tips” into Facebook’s search bar, and you’ll find groups to join in no time.
It’s a good idea to join groups about cruising in general, such as my Cruise Chat group, but also pick some for your favourite cruise line or ship.
Also, try looking for groups related to your cruise niche, if you have one. The Solo Cruise Form by Passion For Cruises is great for single travellers, for example, and they even host meet-ups in the UK for members!
4. Follow Cruise Lines on Social Media
Sometimes the best deals aren’t because someone has an insider tip or an exclusive special offer. Sometimes it’s as simple as a cruise line’s promotion being pretty good.
When a cruise line starts a promotion, they’ll usually shout about it on social media, so follow them to get ahead of the curve and find out as soon as something good launches.
It’s also a great way to stay updated on exciting new itineraries or special events onboard their ships.
5. Read Cruise Blogs for Insider Tips
There’s nothing quite like learning from someone who’s been there, done that, and got the nautical t-shirt.
Cruise blogs (like this one!) are packed with insider knowledge, including tips on how to save money, the best ways to use onboard credit, and secrets to making the most of your time on board.
You’ll also find reviews of cruise lines, ships, and destinations, helping you choose the best fit for your next adventure. Bonus: Many cruise bloggers also share deals they come across or are tipped off about!
I’m not one to hog all the attention, so check my guide on the best cruise blogs to see some other people you can follow!
6. Join Reddit Communities About Cruising
If you’re not already a Redditor, it’s worth creating an account just to access the cruise-related communities on the platform.
Subreddits like r/Cruise are filled with helpful discussions about everything from packing tips to where to find the best deals.
You’ll also find threads where cruisers share discount codes or alerts for price drops.
The platform is a treasure trove of information, and because it’s discussion-based, you can ask questions and get personalised advice from fellow cruise enthusiasts.
(Also, there is – without exception – always a funny thread on subreddits like r/Cruise to get lost in, whether it’s about weird complaints, mishaps onboard or something else!)
7. Check Travel Agencies
It might sound old-school, but travel agencies can still be a great source of cruise deals, especially if you attend their in-person events or sign up for their newsletters.
Many agencies have exclusive partnerships with cruise lines, meaning they can offer deals or perks like free upgrades or onboard credits that you won’t find anywhere else.
Pro tip: Look out for local agencies that specialise in cruises – they often have the best connections!
And don’t be afraid to pop into a physical travel agency to have a natter and find out more. Sure, they’ve probably put their best deals in the window to attract you in, but they might have something else to surprise you with.
Read more: The Best Way To Book A Cruise (Online, Phone or In-Person)
8. Watch Cruise YouTubers
If you prefer to build up a personal connection with the cruise experts, YouTube is your friend.
Cruise YouTubers often post vlogs of their trips, including detailed reviews of ships, itineraries, and onboard experiences.
They’ll frequently share tips on saving money, and sometimes they’re even offered deals to pass along to their viewers.
Plus, it’s a fun way to get excited about your upcoming trip by seeing what you can expect!
9. Consider Sale Seasons
At certain times of the year, you might get a better deal for a cruise. BUT I wouldn’t recommend always waiting for those periods, because you can miss out on itineraries that sell out quickly.
As a guide, the best deals can usually be had in January or around Black Friday. But there are often cruise lines with summer sales too.
Suggested read: These Are The Best Times Of Year For Cruise Discounts
Again, don’t hold off if you find a good cruise deal. It may not get any better during these windows, and you might just miss out on a great price.
However, definitely make sure you’re following all the rest of these tips around those key sale periods, because you might then find a deal that blows you away.
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
Final Word
Cruising doesn’t have to break the bank. With just a little bit of effort upfront, you can save hundreds – or even thousands – on your next holiday at sea.
Whether it’s signing up for newsletters (ahem, like mine), joining Travelzoo, or connecting with like-minded cruisers online, there are so many ways to find amazing deals.
The best part? The more you save, the more you can cruise. And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?
I’ve got more tips on getting a good deal, so next, why don’t you check out these guides?
- These Are The Cheapest Months To Go On A Cruise
- How to Get Cheap Cruises: An Insider Guide
- How To Get The Best Deals On Cruises
Hi, Cruise Mummy, Can I have your recent article about Australian not being happy with the cruise ? I saw the title but couldn’t find the content. Can you mail it to me? Many Many Thanks.