cheap cruises

There are several ways to get cheap cruises, or at least save money on regular price.

Some of the ways to get below the regular prices include choosing last minute offers, booking early for a cruise, looking up special limited time-offers, and going on special cruises (such as "repositioning cruises", where the cruise lines change the ships to cruise other areas in the world).

As for last minute deals, some companies define these as those departing in 30 days or less, while others define it as 14 days or less.

A good rule of thumb, however, is that the closer it is to the date of departure from 14 or 30 days, the better deal you're likely to get.

The last minute deals are offered to the day of the departure, with savings on regular price as much as 70%.

For last minute offers, the last time I checked, a 3-day Bahamas tour (departing from Miami), for example, on Carnival Fascination had last-minute rates from $269 (these prices are valid for only very short time-frames).

Similarly, if you book early with one of the cruise lines, you normally get discounted rates.

Limited Time Offers

Sometimes, cruise lines promote selected routes or cruises with selected ships with limited time promotions.

These promotions can be cash-back deals, shipboard credits, or two-for-one deals, for example.

Of these promotional offers, shipboard credit normally appears on guest's account aboard the ship.

Generally, it cannot be used for gratuities or casino credit, nor can it be redeemed for cash. Also, it has no cash value and is not transferable.

The rules on shipboard credit differ from company to company, so always check with you cruise line for the details.

Repositioning Cruises

Finally, repositioning cruises are offered by many cruise lines.

At certain times throughout the year, the ships of the cruise lines crisscross the globe on their way to new lands and new routes.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line calls these cruises one of a kind itineraries, Repositioning Cruises or Exotic Odysseys.

For many cruise lines, these are unique voyages that generally last longer than 7 days, but you can normally get great rates on these voyages.

These repositioning cruises are offered at least by:

Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Oceania
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Radisson Seven Seas