Don't Miss Out: The 5 Best Times to Score a Cruise Deal

Cruise Critic shares tips for minimizing cost and maximizing value

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Jul 01, 2014, 05:30 ET

PENNINGTON, N.J., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For travelers looking to book a significant deal on a cruise vacation, timing is everything. Cruise Critic, the world's largest cruise website, shares five occasions when booking a cruise can yield big savings – including peak hurricane season, running from mid-August to mid-October.

"A great deal for a cruise fare can range anywhere from $50 to $100 per person, per day – sometimes even less," explains Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. "The good news is, there are a number of times each year when these deals are prevalent, making it relatively easy to secure good fares if you know when to book. Just be sure when searching for a bargain that you're searching for value over just price alone. Find a ship that not only fits your budget, but matches your travel style, too."

Hurricane Season: While Atlantic hurricane season typically stretches from June 1 – November 30, particularly good deals abound for sailings during its height (mid-August to mid-October). There are considerations to keep in mind – itineraries may change as ships re-navigate to avoid storms – but a majority of cruisers are unfazed by potential hurricane-related issues, with 73% reporting* to Cruise Critic that they would sail during hurricane season, or are already booked to this year.
A Year Out (or More): Travelers may just be setting out for this year's summer vacation, but it's not too soon to book next year's cruise. As sailings are announced – usually a year or more out – cruise lines tend to offer a number of added-value promotions. This includes anything from drink packages to gratuity or airfare – all added costs that cruisers will usually end up paying anyway, and could save hundreds of dollars.
Last-Minute: The final payment for a cruise is usually 90 days out. At that time, cabins that have not been paid in full may be released, giving cruise lines a better idea of the occupancy that they have left to fill – which often means deeply discounted fares for potential cruisers. A listing of such deals can be found on Cruise Critic under Last-Minute Cruises.
Off-Season: Each destination has its own high and low seasons – with cruise fares following suit. By booking a cruise during a destination's low-season, cruisers may have the option to visit their destination of choice at a much lower cost than offered during high-season – and without the crowds. Examples of low-seasons include Alaska in May and September, the Caribbean in late spring or winter (holiday weeks, excluded) or the Mediterranean in the fall.
Industry-Wide Sales: Two of the biggest industry-wide cruise sales are held in October and January-March. The cruise industry's national cruise week will be held October 6-13, 2014 in North America, with cruise lines and agents offering a wide range of promotions. "Wave Season," beginning in January, is an annual period of three months where cruise lines offer special promotions during one of the more popular times for cruise shopping to begin.

In addition to the scheduled occasions listed above, signing up for notifications from cruise lines, agents and industry sites can also highlight time-sensitive promotions offered throughout the year. Cruise Critic's Price Drop tool allows cruisers to search for deals by specific criteria, including cruise line, destination and departure port. Cruisers can also sign up for weekly Price Drop emails to be notified of sales that meet chosen criteria.

* Cruise Critic homepage poll (5/22/14)

About Cruise Critic
Cruise Critic® is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 100,000 cruise reviews and hosts the world's largest online cruise community where travelers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers. Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet, launched in October 1995 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 21 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com , www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 260 million unique monthly visitors*, and more than 125 million reviews and opinions covering more than 3.1 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions.

Cruise Critic and The Independent Traveler are either trademarks or registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Aubrey Manzo, Cruise Critic
[email protected]
609-730-9155 ext. 274

SOURCE Cruise Critic