Summer Cruise Savings
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Ready to embark on a memorable cruise vacation?
Summer is upon us and in this blog, I’ll uncover strategies and insider tips for maximizing your summer cruise savings.
From early booking discounts to last-minute deals, join me as we navigate the waters of budget-friendly cruising for the ultimate getaway.
Cruise memories last a lifetime; mine have. I still remember much of my first cruise experience with my family when I was fifteen.
We cruised from Miami through the Caribbean, docking at Cozumel, MX, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the Grand Cayman Islands.
I came home looking like a cooked lobster but felt like a liberated teen!
One of the best travel memories of my life, as it opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I was hooked on traveling. The wanderlust only got stronger.
Now, let’s dive into how to book a budget-friendly, money-saving cruise for summer!
Budget-Friendly Approaches to Enjoy Your Cruise.
↪ The cheapest months to go on your cruise are May, June, and September; savings, fewer crowds, and typically milder weather.
↪ Last-minute cruises can save you 60% or more.
↪ Consider booking as a group (family & friends) at a discounted rate.
↪ Bundles of airfare, accommodations, and excursions can save you money and offer a better cruise experience.
Best Times to Book a Cruise
Typically the best time to book a cruise is the beginning of the year, January and February.
Book as soon as dates/itinerary is released (1 to 2 years in advance).
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Saving Tip: Book During the Shoulder Season
What is a shoulder season?
The time either before or after peak season, when the weather is still good, but the crowds are less. Below are a few locations with shoulder seasons.
Alaska’s cruise season shoulder months are May and September, offering the best deals, and fewer crowds.
Bahamas is typically cheaper during January, February (cooler weather), and September (active hurricane month).
New York is cheapest during January, February (burr), and September (hurricane season).
Mexico cruises are cheapest in early fall, September, October, and the beginning of November.
Book with price protection (if given the option), then if the price drops, you get the difference.
During active hurricane season (August and September), it’s recommended to get trip insurance.
Keep Reading for More Ways to Save
Save on port fees and taxes.
Save on Repositioning Cruises.
Save on booking last minute cruises.
Save on short cruises (3-4 days).
Save on Port Fees and Taxes
What are port fees and taxes?
At every port of call the ship uses, the local government charges the boat fees and taxes, which the passengers pay.
These fees are added to the initial price advertised by the travel company, usually upon checkout.
Port fees are about 10-20% of the base fare - fewer ports (stops, fewer fees).
International cruises include all fees and gratuities in the list price, giving you the end-all cost.
Ports in the US
The cheapest ports to cruise from in the US are -
The most expensive ports tend to be in Alaska. Check out CruiseDirect for prices.
Mediterranean (Europe) Port Fees
They range between $150 and $200 depending on the ports visited.
Remember in Europe, the price you see is the price you get.
Legally the cruise line has to show the complete cruise cost including the port fees.
Save on Repositioning Cruises
What is a repositioning cruise?
A cruise ship needs to get from one place to another to change locations for the season and it takes passengers along for the ride at a discount.
Repositioning cruises - always book last minute.
These cruises are usually longer (more days).
Where do you find repositioning cruises?
CruiseDirect features repositioning cruises on the Deals page.
Remember to check the number of days at sea and port calls (more ports = more port fees).
EUROPE ⇨⇨⇨ US
Cruise ships from Europe to the US can cost as low as $40 per night per person.
These trips usually take place in the fall, the number of days at sea is higher and trips can be up to a month long.
SOUTH AMERICA ⇨⇨⇨ US
You can find two-week repositioning cruises from South America.
The Panama Canal repositioning cruises can take two to three weeks, depending on the departure port.
Save on Shorter Cruises
If you want to experience a cruise for the first time, a short 3-4-day cruise is a start.
They are often cheaper due to fewer ports of call (saving on port fees and taxes), fewer days aboard, and less chance to spend on extras like excursions at the ports.
CruiseDirect has great deals on 2, 3, and 4-day cruises.
There are more ways to save like bundling airfare and accommodations. Also, bundle onboard drink packages, tips, and excursions to save and get the most out of your cruise.
Cheers to happy travels and a happy wallet.
