How to Find Cheap Cruise Deals From $30/day

It's not a fantasy: cheap cruises starting from just $30 per day are real and available to savvy travellers who know where to look. While many people assume cruising is a luxury reserved for the wealthy, the truth is that cruise lines regularly offer incredible deals that make sailing the seas surprisingly affordable.

This comprehensive guide pulls back the curtain on insider secrets about how to find cheap cruise deals, which cruise lines consistently offer the best rates, and exactly when to book for maximum savings. The strategies shared here have helped thousands of travellers experience dream vacations at a fraction of the expected cost.

Keep reading - the money you save will be worth every minute.

Who Has the Cheapest Cruise Rates?

When it comes to finding the absolute cheapest cruises on the market, not all cruise lines are created equal. Let’s compare.

MSC Cruises often emerges as the budget-friendly champion, particularly for Mediterranean cruises and Caribbean cruise itineraries. Their aggressive pricing strategy frequently results in base fares starting under $50 per day, especially for their older ships sailing from popular ports like Southampton.

Carnival Cruise Line stands as another consistent source of cheap cruise deals, earning its reputation as the "Fun Ship" line that doesn't break the bank. Their older but well-maintained vessels often sail at incredibly competitive rates, particularly for shorter Caribbean itineraries.

Royal Caribbean follows a similar pattern, offering particularly attractive rates on their Vision and Radiance-class ships while maintaining high service standards.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) takes a slightly different approach to providing value. While their base fares might not always be the lowest, their "Free at Sea" promotions often include valuable perks like drinks packages, specialty dining, and shore excursions that can make the total vacation cost highly competitive.

The landscape of cruise booking has evolved significantly in recent years. While traditional travel agents remain a valuable resource for finding cheap cruises, online travel agencies, such as Iglu, have emerged as powerful players in the market. These platforms aggregate offers from multiple cruise lines, creating a competitive environment that benefits budget-conscious travellers. However, booking directly with cruise lines can sometimes yield surprising benefits, particularly for past guests or during special promotional periods.

What is the Cheapest Month to Go on a Cruise?

Timing plays a crucial role in finding cheap cruise deals, and understanding seasonal patterns can lead to significant savings. Here's a detailed breakdown of the best times to sail by region:

Caribbean:

• September through early November - hurricane season rates can be 50% lower, plus ships often adjust routes to avoid storms
• Early December - perfect weather but cheaper as most people are preparing for holidays
• January - except New Year's week; great deals as people recover from holiday spending

Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Mediterranean:

• March and November - shoulder season with mild weather and fewer tourists
• Winter months - limited itineraries but drastically reduced rates and quieter ports
• Early April - before Easter when weather is improving but summer crowds haven't arrived

Alaska:

• May - season opening with cheaper rates but still good wildlife viewing
• September - end of season with fall colours and possible Northern Lights sightings
• First week of June - before peak season pricing but with warming temperatures

Northern Europe:

• April and October - fjords and Baltic cities are less crowded with mild temperatures
• Late March - early spring savings with possibility of seeing Northern Lights
• September - autumn colours in Norwegian fjords with reduced fares

Asia:

• May-June - shoulder season between peak dry and monsoon seasons
• October-November - end of monsoon season with pleasant temperatures and lower rates
• January-February - except Chinese New Year; cool temperatures but clear skies

South Pacific:

• November-December - before holiday rush; great weather with occasional rain showers
• Late January-February - between major holidays with perfect tropical weather
• March - before Easter crowds with ideal swimming conditions

Australia/New Zealand:

• May-June - start of winter with cooler temperatures but substantial savings
• October - spring shoulder season with comfortable temperatures and wildlife activity
• Early December - before school holidays begin, with warming temperatures

Beyond these general guidelines, repositioning cruises offer some of the best values in cruising. These unique sailings occur when cruise lines move their ships between seasonal destinations, often resulting in transcontinental or transatlantic journeys at deeply discounted rates. For example, a ship moving from the Eastern Caribbean to the Mediterranean might offer a two-week sailing with stops along the Amalfi coast for less than a standard seven-day cruise.

The school calendar creates predictable pricing patterns that savvy travellers can exploit. Cruise fares typically spike during spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays when families can travel together. By targetting off-peak periods, clever travellers can often score identical itineraries at substantial discounts.

How to Get a Lower Price on Cruise Deals

Securing the lowest possible price on a cruise requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond simply booking during off-peak seasons. One of the most effective strategies involves travelling with companions. Cruise lines price their cabins based on double occupancy, but adding third and fourth passengers to a room often costs significantly less per person. This makes travelling with friends or family members an excellent way to reduce the per-person cost of your cruise holiday. 

The timing of your booking also plays a crucial role in securing the best deal. Wave Season, which runs from January through March, traditionally offers some of the year's best booking incentives. During this period, cruise lines compete fiercely for reservations, offering enhanced perks, reduced deposits, and special rates to entice early bookings for the upcoming year.

For those with flexible schedules, last-minute cruise deals can offer extraordinary savings. Cruise lines prefer sailing with full ships and often slash prices in the final weeks before departure to fill remaining cabins. However, this strategy requires both flexibility and quick decision-making, as the best deals often disappear quickly.

Cabin selection represents another significant opportunity for savings. Inside cabins typically cost 30-50% less than ocean-view or balcony accommodations while still providing access to all the ship's amenities. Guaranteed room categories, where you let the cruise line assign your specific cabin, often come with additional discounts and the possibility of free upgrades. Strategic location choices, such as selecting mid-ship cabins on lower decks, can also provide better value while potentially providing a more comfortable sailing experience.

How to Get a Better Cruise Rate

Beyond basic pricing strategies, numerous programs and promotions can help secure better value for your cruise holiday. Cruise line loyalty programs offer one of the most straightforward paths to better rates and perks. These programs typically provide immediate benefits even after just one sailing, with perks increasing as you accumulate more cruise days.

Group booking advantages extend beyond traditional large groups. Many cruise lines consider eight cabins as a group, offering special rates and perks even if the cabins aren't all physically adjacent. This makes coordinating with friends, family, or even online travel communities an attractive option for securing better rates.

Military personnel, seniors, and residents of specific states or regions often qualify for special discount programs. These discounts might seem modest at first glance but can be combined with other promotions for significant savings. Additionally, many agencies offer programs where kids cruise free with full-fare adults, though availability is typically limited per sailing.

Past guest offers provide another avenue for savings, even for those who've only sailed once. Cruise lines regularly reach out to past guests with exclusive rates and perks not available to the general public. Combining these offers with credit card reward programs can further boost savings through onboard credits or fare reductions.

Smart Booking Strategies

The choice of departure port can significantly impact the overall cost of your cruise vacation. No-fly cruises from ports like Southampton offer significant savings by eliminating the need for expensive flights. However, smart travellers should always compare the total cost of fly-cruise packages against booking flights and cruises separately, as bundled deals sometimes offer better value despite higher initial prices.

Package comparisons require careful consideration of personal travel habits. Drinks packages, for instance, might seem expensive at first glance but can provide substantial savings for those who enjoy several beverages throughout the day. Similarly, pre-booking shore excursions often come with early booking discounts that can add up quickly across multiple ports of call.

Internet packages and specialty dining plans deserve similar scrutiny. While staying connected at sea or enjoying specialty restaurants can enhance your cruise experience, these extras should be considered based on your specific needs and usage patterns rather than being spontaneously added to your booking.

Hidden Savings Opportunities

Even after securing a great rate on your cruise, countless opportunities exist to enhance your vacation value. Social media platforms have become valuable resources for exclusive offers and flash sales. Following cruise lines and travel agencies on Facebook and Twitter can alert you to short-lived deals that others might miss.

Casino programs represent an often-overlooked source of cruise savings. Even occasional gamblers can benefit from joining these programs, as they frequently offer reduced rates, onboard credit, and other perks for members. Additionally, many cruise lines offer special rates to guests who book their next cruise while still onboard, often requiring only a minimal deposit that can be applied to any future sailing.

Making Your Cruise Deal Even Better

The art of maximizing cruise value extends beyond the initial booking. Working with experienced travel agents often leads to better perks and amenities, as they can leverage their relationships with cruise lines to secure additional benefits for their clients. Many agents have access to exclusive promotions and can offer insights into upcoming sales or price drops.

Onboard credit opportunities abound for those who know where to look. From credit card rewards programs to booking incentives, these credits can significantly reduce the cost of onboard purchases, shore excursions, or specialty dining. Savvy travellers also watch for upgrade opportunities, particularly on less crowded sailings where suite upgrades might be available at attractive prices.

The Search Begins for Your Next Cruise Deal

Finding cheap cruise deals requires patience, flexibility, and a strategic approach to booking. The best rates often appear during promotional periods or last-minute sales, but waiting too long can also mean missing out on popular itineraries or preferred cabin locations. Success comes from balancing these factors while remaining ready to act quickly when the right deal appears.

Remember that the cheapest advertised rates usually apply to inside cabins during off-peak seasons. While these can offer incredible value, it's important to consider your comfort preferences and the purpose of your vacation when selecting a sailing. A slightly higher fare might provide better value if it includes perks or amenities that you would otherwise purchase separately.

Armed with these strategies and insights, you're well-equipped to find cruise deals that make sailing the seas an affordable reality. The perfect cheap cruise deal is out there with your name on it - it's just a matter of knowing where and when to look.

Remember: The best deals often disappear quickly, so when you spot an offer that matches your criteria and budget, be prepared to book.

Happy cruising!