It’s almost time for cruise season!

With all of this excitement going on, it might make you wonder what the best way is to get a good deal on a cruise.

It may feel like summer is too far away to think about, but now is the best time to plan for those summer cruises! While we have already discussed when is the perfect time to book your cruise, we think now is a great time to discuss how to book it to get those best deals. While it might seem simple, you might not realize there is more than one way to book and a couple of different money-saving options to consider.

And, believe us, you want to get ahead of the game, because cruise prices are on the rise and you’ll want to lock in the lowest rate possible to save yourself some dough on your trip!

Book Your Cruise EARLY!

Now, this may go against that conventional knowledge that you can get a better rate closer to cruise time, but bear with us. If you book your cruise as soon as those dates become available, then you can always go back to your travel agent or the cruise line to apply any discounts that might be released later. This ensures that no matter what, you have the lowest price on your cruise possible.

What Is the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

Book 90 Days Out from Your Intended Cruise Dates

Wait, didn’t we just say to book as soon as possible? No, we aren’t messing with you. If you decide on a cruise after those cruise dates have been around a while, it might be best. Most cruise lines require that the cruise fare be paid in full 90 days before departure. And that means that at that 90-day mark, some passengers cancel their reservations rather than pay the full amount. So, watch the website around 90 days out from a cruise, and you may see the cruise line dropping prices on those now unsold cabins.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that those prime staterooms with luxurious verandas are super popular and book up fast! So, if you’re flexible with the room you want, this is the best bet for you to lock in that low price. But if luxury and the ideal stateroom are your vacation cruise goals, then you’ll want to lock those in as soon as you possibly can.

PHOTOS: Tour an Oceanview Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Wish Cruise Ship With Us!

Be Flexible with Your Cruise Port

Now, this doesn’t apply to every cruise, but sometimes, having flexibility with your port means you can save yourself a ton on airfare! If your goal is a nice Caribbean cruise, you can experience many of the same relaxing vacation vibes whether you cruise out of Miami, Galveston, or Port Canaveral.

So, take a look at all of the port options for your desired cruise destinations and you might just find that flying into an airport in a different city can save you some big bucks! (But don’t forget to factor in transportation to and from the port!) The money you save could help you pay for another excursion, specialty dining, or a spa treatment!

Cut Back on the Extras

The ship is a destination in and of itself. There are so many things to do and see on the ship, not to mention plenty of food and snacks, pretty much around the clock. It can be easy to slip into that “but I’m on vacation” mindset when you’re tempted to spend some extra on a fancy ice cream sundae, or a spa treatment, or a port adventure, but you don’t have to spend extra to still have a magical cruise!

Skip those specialty sundaes, and indulge in the free soft-serve ice cream, instead! Explore the port shops on your own instead of booking a tour, or stay on the boat and get some of the typically busy amenities all to yourself while your cruise mates leave the ship! And if you want a quiet romantic dinner, don’t worry about spending extra at the specialty dining restaurants, order room service (just remember to tip)!

Consider a Group Booking

Group bookings can wrack up massive discounts because they secure so many rooms. Even if you don’t want to participate in all of the group events and activities, you can still book through them and lock in that discount.

Yes, even you introverts out there who are cringing at your screens as you imagine group pajama night at one of the trivia events. You can rest easy knowing that you’ve saved yourself some dough without all of that organized togetherness. But there are plenty of friends nearby should you venture out in your jammies for some late-night antics, you do you!

Use A Travel Agent

Finally, the last way — and probably the best way — to book your next cruise is through a travel agent! Travel Agents like our friends at Small World Vacations can be an amazing tool when planning. When you book your vacation with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents help watch for any areas where you can save.

You can get started booking a cruise through Small World Vacations right here!

They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, and plans. They even offer you some awesome tips and tricks that will help during your cruise. This option operates as the most hands-off option and can be a great way to start your vacation planning.

All of these options offer different benefits for booking your cruise and saving some money. You can be as hands-on or hands-off as you want! We also have you covered here at DFB with all of our favorite cruise tips and tricks for you to check out.

Check out our ultimate guide to the Disney Cruise Line in 2023 here!