The Allure & Luxury of Last Minute Cruise Deals
There’s always something incredibly exciting when booking a last-minute trip to the unknown. The spontaneous nature and thrill of the unknown, and of course the savings involved with the journey. Cruise liners are often offering a reduced price for their unsold cabins as the sail date approaches, they would rather have a full cruise at a lower price than have zero revenue. This is where you can benefit from an opportunity to experience the luxury and opulence of a cruise journey but at a rate that is lower than anybody else. Think about it, the amenities and exciting opportunities that are offered by Cruise liners are more than what you would require for entertainment exposure. From Broadway theatrical shows to luxurious spas and shore excursions, all within the reach and affordability due to cruise last minute deals.
Unlocking the Secrets of Cruise Last Minute Deals
So, you are interested in a Cruise holiday, but you are unsure where to find these amazing deals we talked about? Worry not, we have you covered! Follow these proven strategies which are here to offer you a flexible yet affordable reservation for you and your family.
- Be Flexible - This is the golden rule when it comes to finding the best last minute travel opportunities, the more flexibility you show with your dates, destination or even the cruise line, the more chances there is for your discounted reservation.
- Off-Peak Season – Consider traveling during off-season or shoulder seasons when you are booking your cruise journey. These are the periods right before or right after the major tourist season, allowing you to get tickets at much more significantly lower rates than most.
- Sign-Up for Fare Alerts - Nearly all of the major cruise liners and travel agencies offer fare alert systems through email or their website. They send newsletters and promotional deals to your inbox when it comes to getting last minute cruise offers.
- Use 3rd Party Sites - If you want to choose the best cruise for your journey but don’t have a specific liner to go for, then you can compare the prices offered by multiple companies. These 3rd party sites often provide a filtering system that allows you to find and compare the best prices and discounts on deals.
- Consider Travel Agents - If you are looking to negotiate special perks, and upgrades or find deals that are not available publicly then a travel agent is a must-go for your needs. They can help you book, manage, or modify your reservations even at the last minute.
- Follow Social Media – Got a cruise liner that you are dreaming of going with? Try following their social media handles as they often announce flash sales and special promotional deals through their channels, offering a heads-up for you even before it reaches the widely advertised public.
- Book Quick to Move – Found the best discount cruise last minute? Try to book it quickly due to their time-sensitive nature, when you find a deal that looks too good for its price, others are looking at it too so, move and make your reservation before anybody else.
Where to Find the Best Last Minute Cruise Vacation Deals
If you are looking forward to finding the best cruise deals then there is no doubt that flexibility is key, however, there are certain destinations and cruise liners that offer last-minute discounts. Try to focus on these sections to find the best deal possible:
- Caribbean Cruises: The destination cruise to the Caribbean is a hugely popular one, however, there are different options for their cabins. This offers a potential for finding a last-minute deal that can significantly lower your fare by a margin, it is especially possible during the shoulder seasons (Spring & Fall).
- Bahamas Cruises: Looking forward to the beautiful Bahamas but on a limited holiday time frame? Worry not as there are several short cruises of 3-4 days to the Bahamas which are offered at discounted rates, especially from Florida.
- Repositioning Cruises: The cruises that allow ships to move from one region to another, such as from the Caribbean to Europe at the end of the season, offer passengers incredible value for money as they are eager to fill for these one-way sailings.
- Major Cruise Liners: Try to look forward to the major cruise liners and their websites, sign up for their newsletters as they are all known to offer last minute deals that offer cabins at a very low price for passengers who are looking forward to their oceanic voyage.
Maximize Your Savings Beyond the Base Fare
While the base fare of many last-minute cruise vacation deals is incredibly low, it is very important to remember that there are several other costs to consider when booking a cruise deal:
- Gratuities: When you are onboard, most cruise liners automatically add on the gratuities to cover tips for staff, just make sure to include this factor into your budget as you travel on a voyage.
- Drinks: If you are looking forward to purchasing a beverage pack from the Cruise liner, do note that all drinks, whether they are alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are charged extra on the tab.
- Shore Excursions: You can indeed explore ports and such on your own, but organized excursions are an experience that is worth it. Do note that this experience, however, is charged additionally, becoming an additional cost over the base fare.
- Flights & Transfers: It is always essential that you cover the cost of flights and transfers to your departure port as well as to the cruise terminal, these overhead costs are often ignored when planning out a holiday voyage.
- Travel Insurance: Purchasing travel insurance is a wise decision, especially for last-minute trips to protect against unforeseeable cancellations and changes.
Are Last Minute Cruises Worth It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The most obvious benefit is the potential one has for massive cruise discounts on their base fares. | You have very few options when it comes to the cabin type, itinerary, and departure date. |
| Last-minute trips can also be incredible and thrilling, providing an element of adventure to your holiday. | Flights that are booked at the last minute are often offered at an extraordinary price, offsetting some money from your Cruise savings. |
| With last-minute booking options, you do not have to spend months trying to go over different deals. | You have less time to research the plans, destinations, and arrangements to act accordingly. |
| You can also enjoy all the amenities and experiences of a cruise journey without spending a lot on the ticket. | Since you would be going on a specific cruise or itinerary without your choice, the risk of missing out can set in for you. |
Are You Ready to Find The Perfect Last Minute Cruise Deal? Search Today!
If you are ready to find the perfect last minute cruise vacation deal then you should be able to follow the steps and be proactive, flexible, and persistent with your choices. Follow up with your favorite cruise liners on social media and set up fare alerts and newsletters. Search on third-party sites and compare the offerings, fares, and even the routes for a better understanding of what you want to get. Beware of additional overhead costs, include them in your budget, and see whether you are covering up on the deal you were looking for. Do not wait, as deals don’t last long, it is advised that you make your choice as soon as possible and with travel insurance so you can enjoy your voyage without any worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are last minute cruise deals?
Last-minute cruise deals are nothing but heavily discounted fares which are offered by cruise liners on their unsold cabins as they go closer to the departure date. These deals are typically available within the 90 days of departure but some of the best discounts are found within the last few weeks or days before their departure.
Do cruises get cheaper as they reach the departure date?
Generally, if we consider the base fare then yes, in most cases, the closer the departure date gets, the cheaper it gets for cruise passengers. It is all done by the cruise liners because they would rather fill up their cabins at a lower rate than go on voyages with empty ones. However, do note that the availability of the cabins depends upon the demand, popularity of the liner, time of the year, and much more.
How to get the best deals on a cruise journey?
In order to get the best deals on cruise liners, we recommend that you be flexible with your dates and destination and most importantly set up fare alerts on your cruise liners and travel agencies’ websites. Social media is another place where you can find amazing deals that can run seasonally as well as a day or two, but they are meant to provide the best discounts possible.
What is the $ 50-a-day cruise term?
The term of $50 a day is a benchmark to find cruise deals which doesn’t include taxes, fees, gratuities or extras. It is an older term that got stuck with time and are eligible with last minute deals during off season.
