Cruise deals 2024, 2025: best deals and offers | MSC Cruises (2024)

FAQs

What are the cheapest months to book a cruise? ›

Beyond holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when there may be some flash sales, January and February are particularly good times to book a cruise, as the first two months of the year are considered “wave season” in the cruising industry.

“It's best to book a cruise six to 12 months out to ensure you get an optimum selection of cabin types, preferred itineraries, and special promotional rates,” says Jennifer DeLaCruz, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Lines.

Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain.

However, some cruise lines are generally known for offering budget-friendly options. One such option is Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Cruise Line often stands out for its affordability compared to other cruise lines in the American market. Here's why it might be a good choice.

Heidi Allison, president of CruiseCompete.com, a long-running site where experienced cruise travel agents bid for vacationers' business, says that in 2024, prices for cruises have seen an "increase of approximately 15 to 20 percent" over last year.

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.

If you're extremely flexible, booking last minute can save you 60% or more, as cruise lines are desperate to fill empty cabin space. But generally speaking, it's best to book over a year in advance during the November to March sale season.

What day of the week do cruise prices drop? ›

According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise. Prices associated with travel are always in flux due to supply and demand, so the prices of a cruise can change daily. Prices could spike on a Wednesday and drop, well, on a Thursday.

While not all cruises are all-inclusive, most cruise fares cover the basics, such as meals and accommodations. Guests may have to pay extra for certain activities, drinks, and dining options.

Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom. These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings.

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In the cruise industry, January, February, and March are our favorite months. That's because winter is Wave Season, the best time for Sailors to book their next cruise with stellar deals and savings. April and May are two of the best months to book a cruise, since you'll get up to 80% off your second Sailor.

May and September are less crowded and offer lower prices, with the chance to see the Northern Lights in September. For Mediterranean cruises, shoulder season months like May and September offer comfortable temperatures and lighter crowds.

The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.

Wave season is the period from January through March when cruise lines offer their most competitive deals. Sailing during off-season months when school is in session is usually cheapest. You could score free upgrades and onboard credits by cruising off-season.