You’ve picked a cruising destination, the perfect ship and you can practically feel the salty, cool air on your face. But before you secure your purchase, you ask yourself, when’s the best time to book a cruise? Book too early and you may miss a better deal. Book too late and you could lose out on your desired cabin or early bird discounts. Timing makes a difference, especially with AAA estimating cruise bookings rising 4.5 percent in 2025.
You don’t have to leave things to chance. Here are smart booking strategies experienced cruisers have used when choosing a cruise line for the best value. Let’s break down the best approach based on industry standards and how to best time out your dream cruise.
Booking in Advance (6–18 Months Out)
If you like to plan early for clarity and security, then this option is for you. Most experts agree that planning ahead is best if you're seeking the optimal balance of value and control. Many companies release route itineraries more than 12 months out, with some showing availability up to 18 months. However, the most desirable cabins, especially those in coveted destinations like Hawaii or the Mediterranean, may sell out more quickly. Booking six to 18 months ahead allows you to plan flights, choose excursions and set ship reservations without the rush.
Cruise lines often incentivize early planners with great bonuses, such as:
- Lower deposits
- Free or discounted cabin upgrades
- Early booking access to onboard activities and special events that require reservations
- Priority when selecting excursions or dining
- Onboard credits for specialty dining, spa sessions or Wi-Fi
Booking early means you can put your lifestyle first. For families, this means figuring out how to align with school schedules or considering where everyone will be in a year. For adult cruise line travelers, early bookings mean ample time to request vacation days and extra time to plan special events. Purchasing your cruise early also gives travelers ample time to take off work or cover at-home obligations such as pet care and home maintenance.
The Last-Minute Gamble (0–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A last-minute booking strategy is best for the flexible traveler. If you have a calendar with wide-open availability, can pack quickly or are open to different destinations, you can snag a high-value package. This is because cruise lines would rather have heads in beds over empty cabins, which you can use to your advantage.
Cruise lines may cut rates on unsold cabins as the departure date approaches, about a month or two before the sail date. This is best suited for the solo traveler, a retired couple or anyone with an open schedule. You may even score a balcony for the cost of an inside room. There will be tradeoffs. You may pay more for airfare, have fewer cabin options and, during popular cruise dates, you could have limited onboard reservation availability. You may have to roll with the punches, but with an open mind, it might pay off.
Seasonal Trends and Major Promotions
The best time to take a cruise extends beyond your sail date and depends on the time of the year. For example, the best time to cruise to Alaska is in May, with the season boasting some of the best prices. Shoulder seasons are a favorite for Mediterranean cruisers due to fewer spring and summer break crowds.
Keep an eye on any seasonal trends in the area you plan to cruise in. You can look into past sales trends to predict when a new one will pop up in the current year. You can also subscribe to promotional email lists for seasonal updates and discounts.
Wave Season
Wave season (January to March) is named for the post-holiday surge of bookings that roll in like a tide. Eager cruisers move on from the holiday frenzy towards vacation planning, which leads to high demand. Cruise lines compete for your attention with stand-out offers before spring break’s rush.
Expect reduced fares, onboard credits and free upgrades on itineraries booked during the winter months. Booking during wave season works best for advance planners, but last-minute deals are doable.
Shoulder Seasons
If you want great cruise rates without the crowds, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons. These dates are right on the “shoulder” of more popular travel times and allow you to enjoy better weather without peak crowds. Think of the spring and fall months, the timeframe between high and low season.
To take advantage of the shoulder season, consider taking a trip the week after Labor Day, when the weather is still warm but school is in session, resulting in fewer families onboard. While the prices may not be as low as off-peak or wave seasons, they are usually an excellent value, offering fantastic weather at a fraction of the high-season cruise rate.
Off-Peak and Peak Seasons
If you’re a flexible traveler who doesn’t mind variable weather conditions, off-peak cruising might be right for you. There’s relatively low booking demand in these months, so cruise brands offer competitive rates and complimentary amenities such as dining credits or WiFi. Cruising during the off-season tends to be calmer and slower-paced, with fewer crowds.
However, cruise lines may limit their routes at this time, so you may see less availability overall. Also, watch for hurricanes and storms, which are more common during off-peak dates and can lead to cancellations.
Popular destinations are most inviting during peak season, with sunny days and temperate weather. Think of winter in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean shoreline during summer. Demand is high during these months for a reason — ships and tour operators come alive and offer the biggest array of seasonal activities.
Peak season is ideal for those who enjoy seasonal activities such as snorkeling, whale watching or hiking during prime conditions. It’s also convenient for families coordinating cruises around school holidays and breaks. Booking early is crucial during peak season, as prices are typically significantly higher than at other times of the year.
Promo Events and Flash Sales
Some of the best short-notice great deals come around major retail shopping holidays, like Black Friday or Labor Day. A cruise line may even hit an anniversary milestone and share deep price cuts to help cruisers celebrate along with them. If you have been watching prices or signed up for deal alerts, you position yourself to act quickly when those flash offers go live.
Other Key Factors
Let’s dig even deeper into other factors that impact when you should book your flight:
Use a Travel Agent
Booking a cruise with a travel agent can unlock added perks and simplify the process. AAA Travel Agents can access deals and extras you won’t see online. You can rely on their pricing and regional expertise, saving time while finding the perfect fit. You’ll get customized cruise options catered to the experience you're seeking and no deep research is required.
Group Travel
If you're traveling with a larger group, don't wait until the last minute to book. Availability may be limited or you may be placed in cabins on opposite sides of the ship. Commit at least six months ahead and align your booking with Wave Season or a holiday sale.
Make sure to ask about group rates. If your party has enough cruisers, you could get a discount on cabins or other perks such as dining or bar credits.
Cruise Fare Trackers
Set fare alerts to monitor cruises for price drops or special offers to save time. Since the cheapest time to cruise may be hard to pinpoint, this lets you watch the pricing patterns and understand the price fluctuations.
A travel agent can track these for you and may also be aware of bundles and promotions that a third-party tracker may miss. So, consider enlisting support if you don’t see the deals you want online.
Cruise Line Trends
Cruise lines have their own promotional timelines, so it’s worth researching and seeing which ones have early bird rates and which ones have last-minute deals. While some companies offer fixed pricing, others have dynamic pricing, so prices adjust based on demand. Knowing these company-specific practices makes the booking process more predictable.
Destination
Where you choose to cruise also affects when you should book. Alaskan cruises are best booked early, so you can plan excursions before they sell out. But Caribbean itineraries and repositioning cruises may have more leeway. Do your research. You may be surprised by how much aligning your trip with these factors can add value to your booking.
FAQs
Have additional questions? We have the answers.
What is the cheapest month to book a cruise?
Typically, the cheapest time to book a cruise is January, February or September, because of lower demand. However, January and February are great months to explore Wave Season deals and offers.
Do cruise prices get cheaper closer to the date?
Sometimes. As a cruise date approaches, if a cruise line has unsold cabins, they may reduce the price to sell unsold cabins. However, last-minute deals often come with some trade-offs, such as limited cabin choices and higher airfares.
What day of the week do cruise prices drop?
Typically, Tuesday is a great time to check for price drops. Many cruise lines will update prices at the beginning of the week and deals will go live around this time. Make sure to set alerts to notify you of the best time to buy a cruise.
Book Your Next Cruise Trip Through AAA Travel
Finding the best time to book a cruise is an art rooted in predictable patterns. If you consider the above booking factors, you can snag a phenomenal deal.
Booking through AAA Travel makes everything easier. Our packages are designed to fit your unique travel style. Experienced agents help you avoid common mistakes and uncover amenities and perks that most customers don't know to ask for.
AAA memberships come with cruise-specific benefits like onboard credit or exclusive discounts. If you have been waiting for a sign to book that cruise, here it is. Start planning with our trusted agents today.