You could book exactly the same cruise as someone else and pay hundreds of pounds more for it, simply because you looked in the wrong place.
Cruise prices and offers can vary depending on where you book and when you look, so I never rely on just one website or travel agent. Some of my favourite places to find deals aren’t the obvious ones either.
Here are 9 places and tricks I use to hunt down the best cruise deals before I book.
1. Sign Up to My Newsletter!
Every Thursday, I send out a newsletter to my email subscribers, which has my pick of the best cruise deals that I’ve found or been sent each week.
I get a lot of emails from cruise lines and other partners with their best deals, so I sift through those each week, but then I also spend time hunting out deals myself.
(And not just to put the email together… Sometimes I just like looking).
Then, every Thursday, I send my subscribers the best ones I’ve found, so you don’t have to spend hours hunting for deals yourself.
2. Join Travelzoo
Travelzoo is another place worth checking if you’re hunting for cruise deals. Its team searches for and negotiates travel offers, including plenty of cruises.
You can browse some deals on the Travelzoo website, but full access to its Club offers is reserved for members.
Membership currently costs £30 per year, although Travelzoo sometimes runs introductory offers, so check the latest price before joining.
If you travel regularly, it could be worth considering, particularly if one good cruise deal saves you more than the membership fee.
You can find out more about Travelzoo here.
3. Add Yourself to Cruise-Themed Facebook Groups
Facebook is full of communities of cruise lovers who are always sharing tips, tricks, and, yes, the latest deals.
These groups are great because you’re connecting with people who share your passion and who often have a wealth of experience.
Some members may even post deals they’ve found, along with advice on how to snag the best cabins or perks. Plus, if you’re new to cruising, it’s a fantastic way to learn from seasoned pros who are happy to share their wisdom.
Just type “cruise deals” or “cruise tips” into Facebook’s search bar, and you’ll find groups to join in no time.
It’s a good idea to join general cruise groups on Facebook, such as my Cruise Chat Facebook group, as well as groups dedicated to your favourite cruise line or ship.
You can also look for Facebook groups that match the way you like to cruise. The Solo Cruise Forum by Passion For Cruises is aimed at solo travellers, for example, and even hosts meet-ups in the UK.
For somewhere to ask your own cruise questions, you can also join the Cruise Mummy Community. It’s a space where you can get help planning your next cruise, while more experienced cruisers can share their knowledge and help others too.
4. Follow Cruise Lines on Social Media
Sometimes the best deals aren’t because someone has an insider tip or an exclusive special offer. Sometimes it’s as simple as a cruise line’s promotion being pretty good.
When a cruise line starts a promotion, they’ll usually shout about it on social media, so follow them to get ahead of the curve and find out as soon as something good launches.
It’s also a great way to stay updated on exciting new itineraries or special events onboard their ships.
5. Read Cruise Blogs for Insider Tips
There’s nothing quite like learning from someone who’s been there, done that, and got the nautical t-shirt.
Cruise blogs (like this one!) are packed with insider knowledge, including tips on how to save money, the best ways to use onboard credit, and secrets to making the most of your time on board.
You’ll also find reviews of cruise lines, ships, and destinations, helping you choose the best fit for your next adventure. Bonus: Many cruise bloggers also share deals they come across or are tipped off about!
I’m not one to hog all the attention, so check my guide on the best cruise blogs to see some other people you can follow!
6. Join Reddit Communities About Cruising
If you’re not already a Redditor, it’s worth creating an account just to access the cruise-related communities on the platform.
Subreddits like r/Cruise are filled with helpful discussions about everything from packing tips to where to find the best deals.
You’ll also find threads where cruisers share discount codes or alerts for price drops.
The platform is a treasure trove of information, and because it’s discussion-based, you can ask questions and get personalised advice from fellow cruise enthusiasts.
(Also, there is – without exception – always a funny thread on subreddits like r/Cruise to get lost in, whether it’s about weird complaints, mishaps onboard or something else!)
7. Check Travel Agencies
It might sound old-school, but travel agencies can still be a great source of cruise deals, especially if you attend their in-person events or sign up for their newsletters.
Many agencies have exclusive partnerships with cruise lines, meaning they can offer deals or perks like free upgrades or onboard credits that you won’t find anywhere else.
Pro tip: Look out for local agencies that specialise in cruises – they often have the best connections!
And don’t be afraid to pop into a physical travel agency to have a natter and find out more. Sure, they’ve probably put their best deals in the window to attract you in, but they might have something else to surprise you with.
Read more: The Best Way To Book A Cruise (Online, Phone or In-Person)
8. Watch Cruise YouTubers
If you prefer to build up a personal connection with the cruise experts, YouTube is your friend.
Cruise YouTubers often post vlogs of their trips, including detailed reviews of ships, itineraries, and onboard experiences.
They’ll frequently share tips on saving money, and sometimes they’re even offered deals to pass along to their viewers.
Plus, it’s a fun way to get excited about your upcoming trip by seeing what you can expect!
9. Consider Sale Seasons
At certain times of the year, you might get a better deal for a cruise. BUT I wouldn’t recommend always waiting for those periods, because you can miss out on itineraries that sell out quickly.
As a guide, the best deals can usually be had in January or around Black Friday. But there are often cruise lines with summer sales too.
Suggested read: These Are The Best Times Of Year For Cruise Discounts
Again, don’t hold off if you find a good cruise deal. It may not get any better during these windows, and you might just miss out on a great price.
However, definitely make sure you’re following all the rest of these tips around those key sale periods, because you might then find a deal that blows you away.
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
Final Word
Finding a great cruise deal isn’t just about waiting for a big sale. The more places you check, the better your chances of spotting a genuinely good price before it disappears.
Just remember that the cheapest fare isn’t always the best deal. Look at what’s included, compare your options and, if you find a cruise you’re happy with at a price you’re happy to pay, don’t wait too long hoping it’ll drop further.
I’ve got plenty more tips to help you save money on your next cruise, so take a look at these guides next.
Hi, Cruise Mummy, Can I have your recent article about Australian not being happy with the cruise ? I saw the title but couldn’t find the content. Can you mail it to me? Many Many Thanks.