Are you planning a cruise but want the best deal possible? What if I told you there are special booking windows, standby programs, and insider tricks that most travelers don’t even know about—tricks that can save you hundreds, or even thousands, on the exact same cruise?
I once met a couple who booked their cruise last minute and paid far less than I did, and today I’m going to show you how to do the same. Stick around, because these tips could completely change the way you book your next cruise.
Wave Season
Let’s start with the biggest one—Wave Season. If you’ve never heard of it, Wave Season runs from January through March, and this is when cruise lines bring out their best sales of the year. Think of it as Black Friday, but for cruises, and it lasts for three whole months.
During this time, you’ll see deals that aren’t just about lowering the cruise fare. We’re talking free drink packages, free Wi-Fi, onboard credits you can use in the shops or spa, sometimes even free third and fourth guests in a cabin. For families, these are huge savings.
The other reason to book during Wave Season is availability. The best cabins—the family rooms, spa cabins—they go fast. And if you’re hoping to sail over Christmas or New Year’s, those cruises usually sell out first. So if you want the best price and the best cabin, Wave Season is the time to book your cruise.
Holland America Standby Program
Another way to save money on a cruise is through Holland America’s Standby Program. Not every cruise line does this, and that’s what makes it so interesting. It’s perfect if you’re flexible with your travel dates and don’t mind making last-minute plans.
Here’s how it works: instead of booking your cruise the traditional way, you put yourself on a standby list for a specific sailing. The prices are dramatically lower than normal. Inside or oceanview staterooms are ninety-nine dollars per person, per day, while verandah cabins are one hundred and twenty-nine dollars per person, per day.
To put that into perspective, a seven-night oceanview cruise could cost under seven hundred dollars per person. And here’s the kicker: the third and fourth guests sail free. That means four people can cruise for just around $1,400 total. That’s an incredible deal.
About a week before departure, Holland America starts assigning these standby cabins. If you’re confirmed, congratulations—you just got at a huge discount. If not, you’ll either get a full refund right away or you can keep waiting all the way up until ninety minutes before the ship leaves. And if you’re still not confirmed by then, you’ll get your money back.
Of course, there are trade-offs. You won’t get to pick your exact cabin or location, and you only know at the very last minute if you’re sailing. That’s why this program works best for people who live near a cruise port, since booking last-minute flights can quickly eat into your savings.
If you love spontaneity, can pack on short notice, and don’t care much about cabin location, the Holland America Standby Program can be an amazing way to cruise at a discount.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Another way to get a great deal on cruises is during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Every November, most cruise lines roll out short but powerful sales to capitalize on the holiday shopping frenzy.
These promotions often mirror what you see during Wave Season. The cruise fares are discounted and the deals are loaded with lots of free extras. You might get free onboard credit, complimentary specialty dining, a free beverage package, free Wi-Fi and third and fourth guests sail free. Sometimes you’ll even see bonus offers like reduced deposits, which can make it easier to book a cruise without committing a lot of money upfront.
The trick with Black Friday sales is timing. Unlike Wave Season, where you have a few months to decide, Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions are usually only available for a few days. If you see a deal, you have to act fast.
The best way to prepare is to sign up for email lists with your favorite cruise lines or even follow them on social media. That way, when the sales go live, you’ll be among the first to know.
Last Minute Bookings
An easy way to save money on a cruise is by booking last minute. These are sailings booked within sixty to ninety days before departure.
Why this window? Cruise lines require final payment about ninety days out, and there are always cancellations. To fill those empty cabins, prices often drop dramatically.
The upside of booking last minute is obvious: the price. You can sometimes find cruises that are hundreds of dollars less than what people who booked early paid.
I once met a couple on a Panama Canal sailing who booked just weeks before the cruise and paid significantly less than I did.
But there are downsides to booking last minute. You’ll need to pay the entire balance upfront—there’s no deposit option this close to departure.
Plus, cabin choices will be limited. You’ll likely end up in the worst cabins on the cruise ship.
And the last minute airfare and hotels can eat into any savings. That’s why last-minute bookings work best for people who live close enough to drive to the cruise port.
The key to last minute bookings is flexibility. If you’re willing to take whatever cabin is left and aren’t tied to specific vacation dates, you can get amazing deals.
Future Cruise Bookings
Another way to save money is to book your next cruise while you’re still on your current one. Just stop by the Future Cruise Desk, and you’ll often find deals that are better than anything available once you’re back home.
Booking through the Future Cruise Desk comes with many perks. Cruise lines typically offer extra onboard credit that you wouldn’t get if you booked later.
You may also get first access to cabins that aren’t yet available to the general public, which is a big advantage if you’re eyeing a new ship or a unique itinerary. Plus, you don’t have to pay much upfront—deposits are often reduced, sometimes as low as one hundred dollars per person.
On a recent MSC cruise I took, I booked two future sailings while onboard. Not only did I receive generous onboard credits, but I also secured my preferred midship cabin, which is important for me since I’m prone to seasickness. The best part? The deposit was fully refundable up until the final payment deadline, so it felt like a no-commitment option—I could cancel at any time if needed.
Not every cruise line is this flexible—some deposits are nonrefundable—so it’s always wise to double-check before committing.
Another way to save money is to buy future cruise credits. These are like gift cards with a bonus.
For example, you might pay one hundred and fifty dollars for a credit that’s worth three hundred toward a future cruise. The value is great if you’re sure you’ll sail with that line again, but there are risks. The credits usually expire, and they can only be used with the cruise line where you purchased them.
I once bought a Norwegian cruise credit thinking I’d use it, but because my family’s schedule revolves around school breaks, I ended up booking with a different cruise line. That credit expired, and unfortunately, the money was lost.
Shoulder Season Deals
Another smart way to get a good deal on cruises is by booking during the shoulder season. This is the period just before or after the busiest travel months.
For example, Alaska cruises in May or September are often much cheaper than those in the middle of summer. Mediterranean cruises in the late fall are less expensive than mid-summer, and Caribbean cruises in the Fall and early December or right after New Year’s are usually cheaper.
Shoulder season works best for retirees or anyone with flexible schedules because families tied to school calendars usually can’t travel during these windows.
But do know that the weather will be less than ideal during shoulder season. Alaska in May or September can be cooler and less predictable than the peak summer months. Caribbean cruises in the fall will be within hurricane season, which is one reason the fares are lower.
But for travelers who can be flexible, shoulder season has several advantages: smaller crowds, calmer ships, and much better prices.
Repositioning Cruises
Another way to save money on cruises is by taking a repositioning cruise. These are longer sailings that happen when cruise lines move their ships from one region to another—for example, from the Caribbean to Europe in the spring, or from Alaska to Asia in the fall. Because they’re one-way trips with plenty of sea days, the per-night cost is often surprisingly low compared to traditional cruises.
Of course, there are a few trade-offs. You’ll need to book a one-way flight, which can sometimes be pricey. There are also a lot of sea days, which means long stretches without port stops, and crossing large oceans can be tough if you’re prone to seasickness.
On top of that, many repositioning cruises happen during off-peak shoulder season, so weather can be cooler or less predictable than during peak months.
For travelers who enjoy lots of sea days and are looking for a bargain, repositioning cruises can be an incredible value.
Price Drop Monitoring
Here’s another great way to save money on cruises: even after you’ve booked, your price isn’t always locked in. Many cruise lines will honor a price drop if it happens before your final payment date. That means you can book early to secure the cabin you want and still take advantage if fares go down later.
Some cruisers save hundreds of dollars just by keeping an eye on prices and calling the cruise line or their travel agent. It’s one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re never overpaying for your cruise.
Holiday Sales Throughout the Year
Another easy way to get a good deal on cruises is to book it during smaller holiday sales throughout the year. Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July sales—cruise lines love running short promos around these holidays.
They’re not always as strong as Wave Season or Black Friday, but if you’re already planning to book, timing your reservation around one of these sales can give you that little extra perk or onboard credit.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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