Yahoo Finance Don’t Book a Cruise on This Day of the Week
The cost of travel is as expensive as ever, but that doesn’t stop people from planning their dream getaways. And why should it when there are ways to save money and still go where you want?
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One option is to take a cruise. Many cruises offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, food, entertainment and, of course, transportation. Depending on where you live, you could end up in some really neat places — possibly for less money than if you were to fly.
With that in mind, there’s still the question of when to book a cruise, and how to maximize your savings without having to compromise quality or enjoyment. Here’s the word we got from travel experts.
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Avoid Friday Through Monday
The weekends and the days directly surrounding them — Fridays and Mondays — tend to be the worst time to book a cruise, so try to avoid these days if possible.
“Cruise prices can fluctuate widely, sometimes multiple times in the same day. I’ve seen prices drop just to go back up again an hour or so later,” said Tammy Silva, travel agent at Encompass Travel Agency. “There are worse days I’d say, those being Mondays and Fridays, simply because those are busier times for cruise lines and it can be harder to get the support you need.”
If you book a cruise Friday through Monday, you’re also missing out on any midweek promos the cruise line might put out. You may also face higher fares and higher demand over the weekends. With other people also booking around this time, the better cabins might also sell out more quickly.
As an added disadvantage, airfare tends to be more expensive around this time, too. So, if you need to fly to reach your destination, you’ll need to pay more for that.
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Also Avoid Peak Times — And Plan Your Trip Around Wave Season
“The worst days to book a cruise are typically during peak travel seasons, such as holidays or school breaks, when prices are at their highest due to increased demand,” said Victoria Lett, owner of Victoria’s Getaways travel agency.
You could save money by booking a cruise during the off-peak times or “wave season” instead.
“It’s advisable to book early, ideally during wave season (January to March), when cruise lines offer promotions and discounts,” said Lett. “Also, consider booking on weekdays rather than weekends, as prices tend to be lower due to less demand.”
Book Early or Ultra Last-Minute
Booking last-minute could result in higher prices and limited availability, which is why you should typically book as early as possible. However, if you’re strategic about it, you might score some surprising deals by booking a last-minute ticket.
“This works well for cruisers who are flexible (e.g. retired or digital workers) and ideally live close to a common departure port (e.g. in Florida). There are always cruises that don’t sell well and are discounted close to departure date,” said Kitty Maerz, travel blogger and cruise enthusiast at Kitty Meets World.
“Most guests can not take advantage of these ultra-low rates as they either don’t have the time off or expensive airfare would negate the savings,” Maerz continued. “But for those passengers who can book last minute and can get to the port without high costs, booking last minute is a wonderful way to save.”
Use a Travel Agent
One of the best ways to save money on your cruise and get the support you need is to use an experienced travel agent. This is especially a good idea if you’re traveling with a large group and need multiple cabins.
“Travel agents can get special rates and freebies for groups that you can’t find online. Most travel agents will also check the current prices of cruises regularly to ensure they’re getting the best deals for their clients,” said Silva. “I keep a spreadsheet of all my clients’ cruises and check their current rates almost daily.”
If the price for a specific cruise drops, your agent can — and should — jump on it and request the lower fare for you.
Take Advantage of Membership Discounts
If you’re a member of certain organizations, like AARP, you might be able to get a special price on your cruise.
“Members of organizations such as AAA or AARP may be eligible for special discounts,” said Lett. “Military can also get discounts on their cruise.”
Buy a Cruise Package
When you buy everything individually, you’re likely going to pay full price. But if you get a package deal, you could save money on the individual components of your trip.
“Some cruise lines offer packages that include airfare, hotel stays, or onboard credits, providing additional value. Let your travel agent book these add-ons through the cruise line if you’re planning on flying in the same day as the cruise,” said Lett.
You can also fly in the day before and book a hotel for the night. This will cost a little extra, but it can also cut down on any stress the day of the cruise.
Look Into Repositioning Cruises
“Repositioning cruises are generally much cheaper than regular cruises. They tend to be longer (and less travelers can take 10+ days off), in the off-season (e.g. transatlantic cruises usually happen in April or November), have many sea days (not to everyone’s taste), and do often require one-way flights that can be expensive,” said Maerz.
“However, for the right cruiser, repositioning cruises are a great deal with prices significantly lower than average,” she added.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Don’t Book a Cruise on This Day of the Week
