Cruises are a great way to vacation, offering the chance to visit multiple destinations in one trip, while enjoying all the amenities of a luxury resort. However, cruises can also be expensive, especially if you’re booking at the last minute.
That’s where cruise booking websites come in. These websites offer a variety of tools and resources to help you find the best deals on cruises, from price comparison tools to exclusive discounts.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 15 best websites for booking cheap cruises. We’ll also provide some tips on how to find the best deals and book your dream cruise.
Best Websites for Booking Cheap Cruises
1. CruiseCritic
CruiseCritic is one of the most popular cruise booking websites, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of features and resources, including:
- A comprehensive cruise search engine
- User reviews of cruise lines and ships
- A forum where you can ask questions and get advice from other cruisers
- A variety of cruise deals and discounts
CruiseCritic is also a great website for beginners, as it offers a wealth of information about cruising, including tips on how to choose a cruise line and ship, what to pack, and what to expect on board.
2. CruiseDirect
CruiseDirect is another popular cruise booking website. It offers a similar set of features to CruiseCritic, including:
- A comprehensive cruise search engine
- User reviews of cruise lines and ships
- A blog with news and tips about cruising
- A variety of cruise deals and discounts
However, CruiseDirect also offers some unique features, such as a “Price Drop Guarantee” and a “Best Price Guarantee.” This means that if you book a cruise through CruiseDirect and then find the same cruise cheaper elsewhere, they will refund you the difference.
3. Priceline
Priceline is a well-known travel booking website that also offers cruises. Priceline is known for its “Name Your Own Price” feature, which allows you to bid on cruises and other travel deals.
To use the “Name Your Own Price” feature on Priceline, you’ll need to create an account and then enter your travel dates and preferences. You’ll then be able to bid on a cruise. If your bid is accepted, you’ll book the cruise at your bid price.
Priceline also offers a variety of other cruise deals, such as last-minute deals and discounts for booking multiple cruises.
4. CheapCaribbean.com
CheapCaribbean.com is a cruise booking website that specializes in Caribbean cruises. It offers a variety of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Discounts for groups
- Free onboard credit
CheapCaribbean.com also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for travelers who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
5. VacationsToGo
VacationsToGo is a travel booking website that offers a variety of cruise deals, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Discounts for groups
- Free onboard credit
VacationsToGo also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for travelers who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
6. Expedia
Expedia is a well-known travel booking website that also offers cruises. Expedia offers a wide range of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Discounts for groups
- Free onboard credit
Expedia also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for travelers who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
7. Travelocity
Travelocity is another well-known travel booking website that also offers cruises. Travelocity offers a wide range of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Discounts for groups
- Free onboard credit
Travelocity also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for travelers who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
8. Orbitz
Orbitz is a well-known travel booking website that also offers cruises. Orbitz offers a wide range of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Discounts for groups
- Free onboard credit
Orbitz also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for travelers who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
9. Kayak
Kayak is a travel search engine that allows you to compare prices for cruises from a variety of websites. This makes it a great way to find the best deal on a cruise.
To use Kayak, simply enter your travel dates and preferences and then click “Search.” Kayak will then show you a list of cruise deals from a variety of websites. You can then compare prices and features to find the best deal for you.
10. Google Flights
Google Flights is another great website for finding cruise deals. Google Flights allows you to compare prices for cruises from a variety of websites, as well as track prices over time.
To use Google Flights, simply enter your travel dates and preferences and then click “Search.” Google Flights will then show you a list of cruise deals from a variety of websites. You can then compare prices and features to find the best deal for you.
11. SetSail
SetSail is a cruise booking website that specializes in budget-friendly cruises. SetSail offers a variety of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Discounts for groups
- Free onboard credit
SetSail also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for travelers who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
12. Cruise Brothers
Cruise Brothers is a cruise booking website that specializes in group cruises. Cruise Brothers offers a variety of cruise deals and discounts for groups, including:
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Free onboard credit
- Exclusive group amenities
Cruise Brothers also offers a variety of other travel services, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. This makes it a good option for groups who are looking to book their entire vacation in one place.
13. Costco Travel
Costco Travel is a travel booking website that offers a variety of cruise deals and discounts to Costco members. Costco Travel offers a variety of cruise lines and destinations, as well as a variety of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Free onboard credit
- Exclusive Costco member benefits
14. AAA Travel
AAA Travel is a travel booking website that offers a variety of cruise deals and discounts to AAA members. AAA Travel offers a variety of cruise lines and destinations, as well as a variety of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Free onboard credit
- Exclusive AAA member benefits
15. Cruise Warehouse
Cruise Warehouse is a cruise booking website that offers a variety of cruise deals and discounts, including:
- Last-minute deals
- Discounts for booking multiple cruises
- Free onboard credit
- Exclusive Cruise Warehouse benefits
Tips for Booking Cheap Cruises
Here are some tips for booking cheap cruises:
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If you can travel during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October), you’ll likely find better deals on cruises.
- Book your cruise in advance. The earlier you book your cruise, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
- Consider booking a last-minute cruise. Cruise lines often offer discounts on last-minute cruises to fill up empty cabins.
- Look for cruise deals and discounts. Many cruise lines offer discounts for seniors, military members, and groups.
- Sign up for email alerts from cruise lines and cruise booking websites. This way, you’ll be notified of any new cruise deals or discounts.
Conclusion
Booking a cheap cruise is possible, but it takes some planning and flexibility. By following the tips above, you can find the best deals on cruises and save money on your next vacation.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for booking cheap cruises:
- Consider booking a cruise with a lesser-known cruise line. Lesser-known cruise lines often offer lower prices than the more popular cruise lines.
- Book a cruise that departs from a less popular port. Cruise lines often offer discounts on cruises that depart from less popular ports.
- Consider booking a cruise that is longer or shorter than the average cruise. Cruise lines often offer discounts on longer and shorter cruises.
- Look for cruises that are advertised as “family-friendly” or “all-inclusive.” These cruises often offer discounts for children and adults.
- Consider booking a cruise through a travel agent. Travel agents often have access to exclusive cruise deals and discounts.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals on cruises and saving money on your next vacation.
Most Asked FAQs about Booking Cheap Cruises
Q: What is the best time to book a cheap cruise?
A: The best time to book a cheap cruise is during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). This is when there are fewer cruisers and cruise lines are more likely to offer discounts. You can also find good deals on last-minute cruises, but be sure to book early enough to get the cabin you want.
Q: What are some ways to save money on a cruise?
A: There are many ways to save money on a cruise. Here are a few tips:
- Book your cruise in advance.
- Consider booking a last-minute cruise.
- Look for cruise deals and discounts.
- Sign up for email alerts from cruise lines and cruise booking websites.
- Consider booking a cruise with a lesser-known cruise line.
- Book a cruise that departs from a less popular port.
- Consider booking a cruise that is longer or shorter than the average cruise.
- Look for cruises that are advertised as “family-friendly” or “all-inclusive.”
- Consider booking a cruise through a travel agent.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when booking a cruise?
A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when booking a cruise:
- Not booking your cruise in advance.
- Not reading the fine print before booking.
- Not checking your cruise line’s cancellation policy.
- Not purchasing travel insurance.
- Not packing the right things for your cruise.
- Not budgeting for your cruise.
Q: What are some of the best cruise lines for budget-minded travelers?
A: Here are some of the best cruise lines for budget-minded travelers:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
Q: What are some tips for saving money on food and drinks on a cruise?
A: Here are some tips for saving money on food and drinks on a cruise:
- Eat at the buffet instead of the specialty restaurants.
- Drink water instead of soda or alcohol.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks on board.
- Take advantage of happy hour specials.
- Look for discounts on food and drinks packages.
Q: What are some tips for saving money on shore excursions?
A: Here are some tips for saving money on shore excursions:
- Book your shore excursions in advance.
- Look for discounts on shore excursions.
- Consider booking private shore excursions instead of group tours.
- Explore the port city on your own instead of taking a shore excursion.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can save money on your next cruise. With a little planning, you can have a wonderful and affordable cruise vacation.
