Twenty-seven per cent of cruisers are last-minute planners, booking within weeks of their trip, while 33 per cent book a few months out, according to a poll.
More than a third of respondents (40 per cent) are more organised and make reservations at least a year in advance, online guide Cruise Critic found.
“Those who can be flexible can find excellent last-minute deals, which could get you to your dream destination for a lot less,” said the website’s UK editor Adam Coulter.
“If you are a planner and like to book much earlier, you should look for added-value promotions.
“You may not find the very cheapest fares when a cruise first goes on sale, but you will often find incentives, such as upgrades, or kids-sail-free offers, that save you money overall.”
How to catch the perfect deal:
• For first-sailing announcements, book in advance
For those who are able to plan a year (or more) ahead, which accounts for 33 per cent of respondents, savings can be found when the cruise first goes on sale.
Cruise lines tend to offer a number of added-value promotions, which includes anything from drink packages to gratuity or airfare: all added costs that cruisers will usually end up paying anyway, and could save hundreds of euros.
Ideal for advanced planners
• Book anytime for off-season savings – but be flexible
Destinations have high and low seasons, with fares following suit.
By booking a cruise during a destination’s low season, cruisers may have the option to visit at a much lower cost and without the crowds.
Examples include Alaska in May and September, the Caribbean in late spring or winter (holiday weeks excluded) or the Mediterranean in the autumn.
Repositioning cruises also offer money-saving opportunities.
From September to November numerous ships cross from Europe to the US to follow the sun, while during the spring many travel back via the Azores and the Iberian Peninsula after spending the winter months in the Caribbean and South America.
These one-way voyages are often sold at a discount, as they are not part of regular sailing schedules.
Ideal for all types of planner, but only if you’re flexible
• Look for industry-wide sales in late September and January- March
Two of the biggest industry-wide cruise sales are held in late September and January-March. The industry’s national cruise week will be between September 27 and October 5 in the UK, with cruise lines and agents offering a wide range of promotions.
‘Wave Season’, beginning in January, is an annual period of three months where cruise lines offer special promotions during one of the more popular times for cruise shopping to begin.
Ideal for all types of planner
• Book a few months or weeks out for last-minute deals
For those who like to be spontaneous, bargains can be found on a sailings leaving within 90 days.
This is the deadline for those who book in advance to cancel without penalties so cabins often open up at the last minute.
However, don’t forget to factor in last-minute airfares, which may cancel out any savings, plus you may have a limited selection of cabin locations and dinner seats.
But, if you’re flexible, it’s a great way to save.
Ideal for last-minute/spontaneous planners