Embarking on a cruise holiday is an exciting adventure, and timing is everything when it comes to securing the best deals. In this quick guide, we'll delve into the factors that impact when to book a cruise, exploring the influences of destination popularity, the choice of cruise line, the advantages of booking during off-peak times and finding early bird promotions or last-minute deals.
Beyond special/seasonal deals, there are several factors that typically influence the price of a cruise year-round. These include:
The popularity of your chosen cruise destination(s) plays a significant role in determining when to book. High-demand destinations are usually more expensive and have limited availability, particularly during peak seasons.
Popular destinations include the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska, so it’s advisable to book well in advance for these destinations unless you’re on the hunt for last-minute deals (more on that later…).
Different cruise lines and ships cater to various preferences and demographics. Popular cruise lines and new ships may fill up quickly, especially for specific itineraries.
So if you’re dead-set on a particular cruise line or a specific ship, booking early ensures you secure your preferred accommodations, plus you’re likely to get some early booking perks.
Certain cruises coincide with special events, holidays or festivals, increasing demand during those periods.
Booking in advance for cruises aligned with holidays, such as Christmas or New Year's, ensures availability and allows for better planning.
The length and complexity of your cruise itinerary can impact when to book.
Longer and more intricate itineraries, such as around-the-world cruises or those with multiple ports of call, may require earlier booking to secure specific cabin categories and guarantee availability.
Bearing all the above factors in mind, here are the benefits of booking your cruise holiday during off-peak travel times:
Cruises during less popular months or when schools are in session (known as off-peak or shoulder seasons) may come with lower prices, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travellers. Bear in mind that different destinations have different off-peak times, usually dependent on spring/summer months and the holiday period of the departure country.
Choosing off-peak times means fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere onboard and at ports of call. In addition, you can enjoy popular destinations with fewer tourists.
Booking a cruise during off-peak times increases the likelihood of securing the specific cabin category you desire. With fewer passengers vying for accommodations, you have a better chance of getting the cabin with the perfect view and/or amenities, and at a better price than you would pay during peak times.
When it comes to cruises, the early bird definitely catches the worm! Here’s why:
Sought-after cabins, such as suites or balcony cabins, often sell out quickly. Early bird booking ensures a broader selection of cabins, allowing you to choose the location, size and features that suit your preferences.
Cruise lines want passengers to book early, so they offer special promotions to incentivise early bookers. These may include discounted fares, onboard credits and/or complimentary perks such as drink packages or shore excursions. Taking advantage of these promotions saves you money and adds extra value to your cruise experience.
Booking early provides the luxury of time for planning shore excursions, dining reservations and other onboard activities. It also ensures you have a better chance of securing spots in popular speciality dining venues onboard and coveted excursions.
While booking early has definite perks, waiting till the last minute can also have benefits if you’re flexible and prepared to roll the dice.
Cruise lines often lower prices for unsold cabins as the departure date approaches. If you are flexible with your travel plans and can make last-minute decisions, you’re likely to snag a great deal on a cruise. However, this strategy carries some risk, as availability and specific cabin choices may be limited.
For example, NCL is currently running a 50% flash sale for all cruise bookings made by 31 March 2024. With this deal you can take a 10-Night Asia Cruise from only R28,966 pps; a 7-Night Greek Isles Cruise from R28,806 pps; or a 10-Night Med Cruise from R37,527. These are just three of the cruise deals on offer. Ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for more options.
Last-minute bookings may also offer the opportunity for cabin upgrades if higher-category cabins are still available, as cruise lines sometimes offer attractive upgrade offers to fill remaining cabins closer to the departure date.
Just as cruise lines offer early birds perks to entice early bookings, so too do they offer last-minute bookers perks in order to sell-out remaining cabins. These can include free extra guests, speciality dining, onshore excursion credits and more.
For example, NCL is offering 5 Free at Sea benefits along with its current flash sale (50% of all cruise bookings made by 31 March 2024). Benefits include: Free Premium Beverages; Free Speciality Dining; Free Excursions; Free Wifi; Free 3rd and 4th Guests (on selected sailings).
It’s clear that determining when to book a cruise holiday involves a careful consideration of various factors, including destination popularity, cruise line preferences, and your flexibility in travel plans.
You also need to decide whether to play it save and book early, or roll the dice and book late to score last-minute deals. Either way, you can always trust your nearest Sure Travel Agent to source the best cruise deals.
Sure Travel is partnering with Norwegian Cruise Lines to offer a 50% off flash sale for all cruise bookings made by 31 March 2024.
Plus all cruises include 5 Free at Sea benefits: Free Premium Beverages; Free Speciality Dining; Free Excursions; Free Wifi; Free 3rd and 4th Guests (on selected sailings). While there are plenty of cruises to choose from, our top three picks are:
1 | 10 Night Asia Cruise onboard Norwegian Spirit, departing from Tokyo. Cruise priced from R28,966 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
2 | 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise onboard Norwegian Getaway, departing from Athens. Cruise priced from R28,806 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
3 | 10 Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Norwegian Epic, departing from Rome. Cruise priced from R37,527 pps.. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Hurry! Sale ends 31 March 2024. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to book.