Cruising Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive – Here’s How to Do It the Smart Way

Let me tell you something most people don’t realise: cruising doesn’t have to be expensive. I take multiple cruises a year with my family, and we often spend less than some people do on their monthly car payments.

It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about knowing where to look, when to book, and which deals are actually worth grabbing. Not every tip will work for every person or every trip, but think of them as tools in your cruise-saving toolbox. Use the ones that fit your plans, and skip the rest.

Ready to find out how I do it (and how you can too)? Let’s dive into the tips for scoring cheap cruises.

Before You Start: Know What’s Included

When you’re searching for a cheap cruise, don’t just focus on the upfront fare — look at what’s actually included. Cruises often offer far more value than traditional holidays when you consider everything that comes bundled in.

Even the lowest-priced sailings usually include your accommodation, meals in the main dining areas and buffets, onboard entertainment, daily activities, pools, hot tubs, and fitness facilities. If you tried to book all that separately — hotel, dining, shows, and activities — you’d likely spend much more.

That said, there are some extras that can increase the total cost: drinks packages, speciality dining, spa treatments, and the casino, for example. One thing that often catches people off guard is gratuities (or tips). These are typically added to your onboard account and can run around $16–$18 per person, per day, something to factor in, especially for families.

Some cruise lines include gratuities in the fare, but many don’t, so it’s always worth checking before you book.

1. Pick the Right Cruise Line

Not all cruise lines are priced equally, and if you’re looking for a great deal, some offer far better value than others.

Generally speaking, the cheapest cruise lines (based on starting fares) are:

1. MSC Cruises
2. Costa Cruises
3. P&O Cruises

I’ve personally cruised with MSC and P&O and found some fantastic deals, especially when booking older ships or off-season itineraries. I haven’t sailed with Costa (yet!), but they’re consistently known for offering low fares, particularly in Europe.

Those “lead-in” prices can be a bit misleading though. Once you factor in taxes, port fees, and gratuities, the true cost can climb. Always check what’s included.

Also, keep in mind: many of the cheapest cruises with MSC and Costa are one-way itineraries, which may require a flight. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to factor in.

Related reading: The 5 Reasons Behind MSC Cruises’ Low Prices

2. Don’t Overlook Older Ships

Prices can vary wildly depending on the ship, and newer isn’t always better when it comes to value.

New ships tend to come with higher fares. They’re full of flashy features, and people are happy to pay a premium, especially for maiden voyages.

But cruise ships are refurbished regularly, usually every three years, so even older ships are clean, modern, and well maintained. You won’t find peeling paint or tired décor like you might in a budget hotel.

Choosing an older ship can save you hundreds without sacrificing the experience. Even drink prices and packages can be cheaper on older ships. If you’re flexible, skip the latest launch and enjoy the same great cruise for less.

3. Save Big by Choosing the Right Cabin

Cabin choice makes a big difference to your total fare. If you’re cruising on a budget, an inside cabin (no windows) is usually the cheapest option.

I almost always book inside cabins. They’re perfect if you’re mainly using the room to sleep and shower. I only consider upgrading to a balcony if I’m cruising somewhere especially scenic — like Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords — or if the price difference is minimal.

Some travellers prefer balconies for extra space, natural light, or to make travelling with a baby easier. That’s totally fair. But for pure savings, inside cabins are unbeatable.

For the lowest prices, look for a “guaranteed cabin.” That means the cruise line picks your room, but you’re guaranteed a cabin in that category, and you might even get upgraded. You can pay extra to choose your exact room, but I rarely find it worth the cost.

That said, if you’re cruising with a budget line and want a bit more comfort, it might be worth upgrading your cabin rather than paying more for a different cruise line.

4. Choose a Cruise Port You Don’t Have to Fly to

One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to avoid flying. Flights, airport transfers, baggage fees, and hotels can easily add hundreds to your cruise bill.

If you can drive to your departure port instead, you’ll save a lot and simplify your trip. In the US, most cruises depart from Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral), but also sail from ports in Texas, California, New York, Louisiana, Alaska, and more.

Check what’s sailing from nearby before assuming you need to book a flight. A drive-to cruise can be one of your biggest money-saving moves.

5. Know the Cheapest Times to Cruise

Timing is everything.

In Europe, the cheapest months tend to be December and January (excluding Christmas and New Year). In the Caribbean, August through October usually offers the best rates, partly because it’s hurricane season.

If you’re flexible, these months can offer incredible value. But avoid cruising over Christmas, New Year, and school holidays, prices often double or even triple during peak demand.

6. Let the Deals Come to You

Here’s a trick most people overlook: stop searching endlessly — let the best cruise deals come to you.

Cruise lines often rely on travel agents to fill ships quickly, especially for last-minute or underbooked sailings. Agents promote these deals through email newsletters, texts, and social media.

To stay in the loop:

• Sign up for cruise deal emails
• Follow trusted travel agents and cruise pages on Facebook and Instagram
• Turn on notifications so you never miss a flash deal

I’ve grabbed some of my best deals this way. Just be ready to book quickly as the cheapest cabins go fast.

7. Use a Travel Agent

Yes, a good travel agent can often beat the cruise line’s direct pricing.

Agents earn commission, but they also get bonuses for hitting sales targets. That means they’ll sometimes sell cruises at cost (or less) to qualify for those bonuses.

Some even buy cabin blocks in bulk at reduced rates. Once they own the cabins, they need to sell them, which can work in your favour.

Plus, a travel agent can package your cruise with flights, hotels, and insurance — and help if things go wrong. If your agent isn’t saving you money or time, it’s time to find one who does.

8. Join Facebook Groups for Specific Ships

Here’s a lesser-known trick that can lead to big savings, especially if you’ve got your eye on a particular ship.

Once you know which ship you’re interested in (say, Icon of the Seas, Disney Treasure, or Carnival Celebration), head to Facebook and search for groups dedicated to that ship. You’ll find a bunch of cruise communities, some general, some specific to particular sailings, and many are full of travel agents offering exclusive group rates.

These agents often reserve blocks of cabins in advance, meaning they can offer prices that are 20–30% lower than the standard fare, sometimes even more. And even if the price isn’t lower, they’ll often throw in onboard credit, perks, or gifts funded out of their commission.

Just be sure to check the agent is reputable before booking. But if they’re active in the group, come recommended by others, and are responsive to your questions, it could be a great way to cruise for less and get a few extras thrown in.

9. Time Your Booking Right

There are two golden windows for booking a cruise:

• As soon as itineraries are released (18–24 months before sailing)
• 6–12 weeks before the cruise (when final payments are due and cabins free up)

Booking early gives you the best choice of cabins. Booking late can give you the lowest price — but only if you’re flexible. Family cabins and popular sailings sell out fast, so don’t wait if you have specific needs.

Also watch for “Wave Season” in January and February, a key time for deals. Just be aware that not every “sale” is actually a bargain. Stay sharp and compare prices.

10. Become a Loyal Customer

Most cruise lines have loyalty programmes that reward repeat guests, and the perks can be surprisingly valuable. Think priority boarding, free laundry, discounts on drinks, and even complimentary cabin upgrades once you reach higher tiers.

One major benefit of being a loyalty member? You’ll receive exclusive offers directly via email. I regularly get emails with discounted fares or extra onboard credit that aren’t advertised publicly. You usually have to enter your membership number when booking to unlock the deal, and they can be genuinely good, especially if you’re flexible with dates.

Some cruise lines also offer status matching, meaning if you hold elite status with one line (or even a hotel or airline), others may match it to win your business. MSC Cruises, for example, is well known for matching competitor statuses, which can fast-track you to perks like welcome drinks, cabin discounts, and priority embarkation.

Loyalty won’t always save you money on your first cruise, but stick with a line, and the rewards often pay off.

11. Track the Price After You Book

Here’s a money-saving tip most cruisers don’t know: even after you’ve booked your cruise, it pays to keep checking the price.

Let’s say you booked your cruise for $2,000. A few weeks later, you notice it’s dropped to $1,700. As long as you haven’t made your final payment yet, most cruise lines will honour the new, lower fare. Sometimes they’ll refund the difference directly, or they might offer it as onboard credit; either way, you’re saving money.

To take advantage of this, don’t rush to pay your cruise off in full. Leave a small balance and only settle it just before the final payment deadline. That way, if the price drops in the meantime, you can ask for a price adjustment.

Just make sure you don’t miss that final payment date; otherwise, you risk losing your booking entirely. But if you stay on top of it, this one strategy could save you hundreds without lifting a finger beyond checking the cruise line’s website now and again.

12. Watch for ‘Kids Sail Free’ Promotions

If you’re cruising with children, this one can make a serious dent in the overall cost, many cruise lines run ‘Kids Sail Free’ promotions, and the savings can be huge.

We’ve taken advantage of these offers ourselves, and they can easily knock several hundred pounds off the total price, especially if you’re booking for more than one child. Not every itinerary or ship includes the deal, but it’s worth keeping a close eye out, especially during big sales events like Wave Season or Black Friday.

And here’s a smart move: if you’ve already found the perfect cruise but the deal isn’t running right now, you can still book it, just don’t pay it off in full yet. If the promotion pops up before your final payment is due, you can call and ask for a price adjustment. Cruise lines that allow re-pricing (like Royal Caribbean and MSC) may apply the savings or offer onboard credit, so it pays to stay alert.

Final Thoughts

Cruising doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the few. With the right strategy, good timing, smart choices, and a bit of patience, you can enjoy amazing cruises for far less than most people pay.

I’ve cruised for less than the cost of a weekend in a budget hotel, and you can too. Whether you want a relaxing getaway or a full-on family adventure, there’s a deal out there if you know how to spot it.

Next time someone tells you cruising is too expensive, you’ll know better. And if you’ve read this far, congrats, you’re already ahead of the game.

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