Going on a cruise has never been more popular! In fact, 37.7 million people are estimated to have taken a cruise in 2025. The past two years have broken all booking records, and lines are clamoring to build new ships and expand their reach into new ports. Thinking of setting sail? Here’s how to save on a cruise and make sure your family enjoys the most fun at sea for the fewest (sand)dollars.
Control costs with savvy itinerary selection
“No other mode of travel offers the value of cruising,” promises Colleen McDaniel of the top-rated site Cruise Critic, which compares prices and amenities across hundreds of sailings. “There is simply so much more included compared to land-based trips—and I’ve done the math many times!”
To maximize your savings, pick an itinerary that’s exciting and relaxing, even if you don’t book any excursions, which can add hundreds per day. “This often means choosing a Caribbean or Bahamian route, where a stop to a private island or beach is often included in the price—and warm weather means it’s enjoyable to explore ports and relax on the ship for free.”
Stats back this up, with 43 percent of all cruise passengers in 2024 sailing to the Caribbean for its incomparable mix of value, climate and scenery. (Alaskan cruises are on the other end of the spectrum—pricey excursions are almost necessary to make the most of the experience.)
Score a bargain by sailing one-way
Have flexible dates? You may have the option of enjoying the ultimate steal in cruising: repositioning sailings. “When a ship needs to relocate from one region to another—say Florida to England or Vancouver, CA to San Diego, cruise lines offer one-way or ‘open-jaw’ itineraries. They tend to be longer than the average cruise, with a lot of time to explore the ship.
You’ll have to buy airfare to and from the different ports, but the steep per-day savings will generally make up for it. Plus, you get to see exciting locales not always visited on typical routes!”
Pro tip: If you’re planning to spend the night before your cruise in port (something McDaniel strongly recommends), look for hotels that offer free transfers and discounts for cruisers.
Avoid sticker shock with a ‘guaranteed cabin’
“First-time cruisers may be worried about booking an interior cabin—the least expensive category, but there are benefits to these locations beyond price,” promises McDaniel. “They’re generally quieter since they have cabins above and below them, rather than noisy pools and public decks.
In fact, the two ship categories that sell out first are the least-expensive interior cabins and the small number of pricey suites,” she reveals.
Pro tip: To save even more, sign up for emails from various cruise lines and keep an eye out for “guaranteed cabin” offers. “This means you can’t choose your specific cabin at the time of booking and will be assigned one as capacity needs shift.”
Enjoy luxury for less with customized perks
Deciding to book the least-expensive cabin category doesn’t mean you can’t experience luxury on your cruise, emphasizes McDaniel. “It’s actually a brilliant strategy: Save big on a room and then add an upgrade package specific to what makes you feel pampered.”
For example, many cruises offer a drinks package that lets you start your day with fancy coffee drinks and fresh juices, then sip specialty cocktails later in the day—while spa passes give you access to whirlpools, saunas, rainshowers, heated loungers and more.
Pro tip: Reserve these extras at the time of booking to save up to 30 percent.
Maximize discounts by booking during ‘wave season’
“Wave season” is the industry term for the period from January through March, shares McDaniel. “That’s when cruises are less expensive to book across the board. In recent years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have offered similar discounts for a shorter time.”
Also good to know: Unlike airlines, cruise lines offer generous cancellation policies to encourage passengers to book sailings as many as 18 months in advance. Booking far ahead is especially handy for planning family reunions and intergenerational trips (one third of cruise guests have three generations in their travel party).
Finance a future trip by visiting the ‘future cruise desk’
Repeat cruising can compound savings, which is one reason 82 percent of cruisers plan to cruise again. The best prices are generally booked right on board at the “future cruise desk” and can be cancelled, exchanged or even transferred to a travel agent once you’re on dry land.
A version of this feature originally appeared in the January 12, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine
