How to Save on Cruise Travels

Contrary to what you may think, cruises can actually be quite affordable.

To help you navigate the best ways to save on cruise travels, we’ve mapped out some of the top booking methods, everything from timing your travels to paying with a travel credit card to using rebate programs like our very own FinlyBoost browser extension.

Stick around for plenty of tips on how to set sail and spend less.

Optimize Cruise Travels with FinlyBoost

Take your cruise travel payment one step further and book with FinlyBoost.

FinlyBoost is a browser extension that applies to our partner retailers. Once downloaded, the extension can be activated on a partnered travel site to earn shoppers additional cashback on their bookings.

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The most straight-forward Finly travel partner for booking cruises is Expedia Canada.

This partner allows you to book cruise travel directly through the Canadian platform and earn competitive cashback on your cruise booking.

To secure your cruise through Expedia Canada and earn cashback with FinlyBoost, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Expedia Canada official website (linked above).
2. Activate your cashback reward through the FinlyBoost pop-up in the top right-hand corner of the site.
3. Once FinlyBoost is activated, continue cruise shopping by selecting the “Cruises” option from the homepage menu. 
4. Supply the search filter with useful information like where you’d like to go, your expected travel time frame, and the desired length of your cruise. Afterwards, hit “Search.”
5. Browse the various offers provided by different cruise lines and choose an itinerary that works for you.
6. Fill in your guest information, preferred room category, and your stateroom selection, then proceed to checkout.

If you need to book a flight to reach the destination of your ship’s departure, read our How to Save on Flights blog post to keep the entire trip budget-friendly.

Time Your Travels

In terms of saving money, both the time you book your cruise and the travel dates you select matter.

Here’s a closer look at when to time your travels:

Book Early or Last Minute

As you might have guessed, booking your cruise early can put less pressure on your wallet. For one, many cruise lines offer early-bird deals to entice savvy travel planners. Booking early also gets you first pick of cabin types, destinations, and dining experiences.

Alternatively, if you happen to be more of a spontaneous traveller, booking last-minute comes with its own perks. For example, prices may drop as cruise lines become more desperate to fill empty cabins before departure. About three months before the cruise ship sets sail, pre-booked final payments are due and cruise lines become aware of how many cabins are unoccupied. During this time, offers are available to fill in any gaps. Keep in mind, however, that this booking method is risky – a last minute deal is never guaranteed and you’ll have to be less picky about the accommodations you'll receive. 

Book for the Off-Season

Shoulder seasons or off-seasons like spring and fall are typically less sought-after and therefore cruises during these times may cost less. The off-season will also likely depend on where your desired ship is docked and the ports it’s set to visit, so make sure you research each destination’s climate and holiday seasons. Consider avoiding popular travel times like summer vacation and spring break, this is when many tourists have the time to travel.

Be Flexible With Dates

If you can work remotely or you’ve saved up some vacation days, consider checking for cruise deals first. Afterwards, plan your trip around these budget-friendly time frames.

Opt for Affordable Accommodations

When making your booking, try to score the most affordable accommodations like the following:

Select an Older Ship 

While newer cruise ships may be tempting – decked-out with multiple modern amenities – sticking to an older ship is typically more cost-efficient.

If you’re worried about compromising on luxury, older ships are still upgraded to keep things interesting.

So, while older cruise ships might not be as fancy as the newer ones, they’re often available for a fraction of the price and can be just as much fun.

Consider an Inside Cabin

When booking your room aboard, consider opting for an inside cabin. 

While inside cabins often lack balconies or windows, they’re a low-cost alternative for those who simply need a place to sleep. After all, during your journey, there are endless places to explore while you're both on deck and docked on land.

Book Activities in Advance

Plan ahead and book any shore excursions, dining packages, and Wi-Fi plans prior to departure. Pre-booked packages will often cost you less in advance than they will on board.

Stay True to One Cruise Line

It pays to be loyal. 

If you’re not a first-time cruiser and you’re particularly fond of a specific cruise line, consider booking with that same cruise line consecutively and join their loyalty program.

Cruise line loyalty programs unlock fare discounts, upgrades, credits, and sometimes, free cruises. 

These loyalty programs tend to come with a cost, but some program fees can be offset after a single cruise – making it particularly beneficial for those who plan multiple trips annually.

Onboard a Travel Agent

Oftentimes, you can work with a travel agent to find the best deals on cruises. These knowledgeable experts have all the intel on the cruising industry and they might even be able to throw in some exclusive discounts and upgrades.

Instead of sifting through every travel booking site and making comparisons between cruise lines you might be unfamiliar with, you can outsource these tasks to receive a customized vacation package.

Pay with a Travel-Optimizing Credit Card

There are tons of credit cards geared towards travel.

These cards might come with loyalty programs that earn you rewards on travel, points that can be redeemed towards travel, extensive travel coverage, and travel-specific benefits. Depending on the card in question, these perks can be applied towards cruise travel.

Let’s shout out some of the top contenders that can cater to cross-oceanic journeys:

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card – a card that’s been voted Finly’s best travel credit card – earns cardholders impressive points per dollar spent on travel-related purchases, including cruises. Travel is also a top redemption category for this card, so you can use your Scene+ points to fund your next trip. 

Another option is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card that can also earn you generous Scene+ points on every dollar spent on Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia), which may include cruise bookings. Travel is also a top redemption category on this card, making your points applicable towards future bookings.

To earn bonus rewards on Scotiabank travel cards by booking through Expedia with Scene+, start your search here.

For the most premium travel credit card option, the American Express Platinum Card earns you decent points on eligible travel purchases (cruises included), plus access to a cruise privileges program that offers discounts and upgrades from partnered cruise lines.

To explore more travel-oriented credit cards that may complement your cruise travels, check out our Best Credit Card Finder tool.

Conclusion

Booking a cruise can be uncomplicated, convenient, and budget-conscious.

If you choose to plan your cruise yourself, make sure you book at the right time (either early or 90 days prior to departure), set your travel dates to off-season, pre-book your packages, and opt for cheaper accommodations (older ships and inside cabins).

To simplify the process, use a travel agent to craft a cruise that is tailored to you – one that may even come with unexpected perks.

No matter which way you plan, book through Expedia Canada to earn cashback from FinlyBoost and checkout using an applicable travel credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to book directly with the cruise line?

Whether or not it’s cheaper to book directly through your desired cruise line or a third-party booking platform all depends on the situation.

Sometimes, the cruise line might provide a deal with better value and benefits, but if you’re just looking to stick to your budget, then the third-party platform might be more affordable.

To find the best deal for your specific case, talk to an expert travel agent or compare options featured on both the cruise line directly and third-party platforms.

Is it better to book your next cruise while on your current cruise?

Many ships have a sales desk where you can put a deposit down on your next cruise.

By booking while on board, you can access exclusive discounts and credits to use towards your next trip.