When is the best time to book a cruise?

Cruise prices can rise and fall throughout the year, so knowing when to book a cruise can make a big difference to what you pay.

Demand, new itinerary releases and sales periods all play a role. Here’s when fares are usually lowest and when you’ll find the best choice of cabins.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

The prime time for value and choice is usually one of two moments. The first is when a cruise line releases a new season of sailings, often 12 to 18 months out. Early-release pricing tends to be lower and the best cabins go quickly on popular itineraries.

The second is wave season between January and March when most cruise lines run their biggest sales of the year. “We will have some great offers through the Wave period, as always,” Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises told Sailawaze.

Cruise deals appear at other points in the year, too. Some lines run pre-wave sales in late autumn, with strong offers around Black Friday. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Sailawaze Black Friday remains one of their biggest moments of the year: “Throughout the year, Royal Caribbean runs special limited-time promotions and offers…One of the biggest events is our signature Black Friday Sale, but significant savings can also be found with other seasonal sales as well as our last-minute cruise deals.”

A fall in demand on specific sailings can also prompt mid-year promotions.

How far in advance should you book a cruise?

Cruise Nation’s Founder and Managing Director Phil Evans told Sailawaze that timing is everything. “There are two sweet spots when booking a cruise, ” he explained. “If you like to have the pick of the crop, booking as soon as itineraries launch means you’ll have all room categories to pick from and can secure early-bird extras like onboard credits. But if you are spontaneous and are flexible on travel dates and destinations, last-minute bookings can be real gems, offering great bargains.”

Royal Caribbean echoes the value of locking in early. “Planning ahead is a great way to nab big savings, as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance.”

Travel agents at Iglu Cruise agree: “If you book at least 12 months in advance, you’re likely to have an excellent choice of dates and cabins,” they explain. This matters most for peak-season Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises which remain the top choices for UK travellers for 2026, so fares rise as ships fill. “Family cabins and child places can sell out as far as 18 months ahead of departure, while those looking for solo cabins should aim to book 12 to 18 months in advance.”

Cruise blogger Cruise Mummy, real name Jenni Fielding, learned this lesson the hard way: “I once tried to book an inside cabin for four people with P&O Cruises the day after the itineraries were opened for bookings, and they were already sold out!” she told Sailawaze.

She went on: “For school holidays, Christmas and New Year, the best prices are almost always when itineraries are first released to book, which is around two years in advance.

“If you’re travelling with two people in a cabin and are flexible about dates, destinations and ships, then you can get some great deals when booking around 12 weeks in advance. That’s when people have to pay their balance, so some people will inevitably cancel, and cruise lines may then drop prices to fill remaining cabins.”

Booking six to nine months ahead works for quieter times of year or destinations with more capacity. Expedition cruises, world cruises, Japan sailings and bucket-list routes should be secured as early as possible, as cabins sell out fast.

– READ MORE: Where to cruise in world when – 

What month is the best month to book a cruise?

Wave season in January, February and March is the most reliable period for strong offers, added-value perks and reduced deposits. Cruise Mummy says the period from late December into early spring remains the most deal-heavy window. “From Boxing Day until mid-February can be a great time to book. In the industry it’s known as ‘Wave Season’ because of the wave of bookings that happens during this period. Cruise lines and travel agents want to maximise sales, so you’ll often find special offers such as free cabin upgrades and other added-value extras when you book.”

Don’t worry if you miss this window, though. Evans notes that although January and February remain strong, travellers are shifting their habits. “The tide is turning and travellers are getting savvier, booking whenever the price is right. May has actually been our strongest booking month so far in 2025.”

Late November and early December can also be a smart month to book, thanks to early-bird deals and Black Friday sales.

Is it cheaper to book a cruise in the off-season?

Often yes. Off-season and shoulder-season sailing dates are usually cheaper to book at any point of the year because demand is lower. For the Mediterranean this includes early spring and late autumn, while Caribbean prices fall outside the busiest winter and Easter periods. ABTA reports that September demand has been rising, making it less of a traditional low-season month.

– READ MORE: What to pack for a Caribbean cruise –

What’s the cheapest month to book a cruise?

January and February are typically the cheapest months to book because cruise lines compete for wave season sales. Deals can also appear in November but fewer promotions run in peak summer when many itineraries are already well sold.

What is the most expensive month to go on a cruise?

July and August usually command the highest prices for Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Alaska peaks during June and July. Christmas and New Year sailings are among the most expensive of the entire calendar as festive weeks sell out far in advance.

Do cruise lines lower prices on certain days of the week?

There’s no universal day when cruise lines reliably drop fares. Prices change according to demand, cabin inventory and promotions rather than the day of the week. Midweek dips can happen but aren’t consistent. Price alerts from cruise lines or travel agents are usually the best way to spot a drop (so remember to sign up to newsletters!).

– READ MORE: Best value long-haul destinations –

Should you book early or wait for a last-minute deal?

Early booking works best for popular places, school holiday sailings and new ships. You’ll secure the cabin grade you want and benefit from early-release pricing.

However, Evans says last-minute bookings can still pay off if you’ve got wriggle room. “If you are flexible on destination, dates and room type, then last-minute can be genius. Last-minute prices have been phenomenal this year with several sailings discounted to over 50 percent.”

Royal Caribbean agrees that spontaneity can pay off. “Booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield unexpected savings – but only if the itinerary you’re interested in isn’t sold out yet.”

Cruise Mummy says last-minute deals can work, but only with flexibility. “Booking last-minute can be wise during the off-peak season, especially for longer cruises of two weeks or more, as not everybody can take that much time off at short notice. This is also a time when solo supplements may be waived, which can make a huge difference to the overall price.”

She adds that the very cheapest deals often appear quietly and disappear fast. “I’ve managed to book some real bargains, such as £199 for a two-night cruise with Cunard and under £45 per night for family cruises with P&O Cruises in the school holidays. Travel agents don’t promote the super-cheap cruises, as they don’t get enough commission to make it worth their while. You’ll only find them on the cruise line websites, and they only appear for a few days before they’re snapped up.”

When do cruise prices drop?

Prices often fall during wave season as well as Black Friday and occasional mid-year sales. They may also drop when cruise lines adjust pricing for specific departures that are filling slowly. Repositioning cruises are an exception as they tend to be cheaper year-round.

Royal Caribbean says flexibility can unlock surprising value. The spokesperson shared: “If you’re not dead set on a certain date and destination, there is cruise gold to be had with last-minute cruise deals. Embrace the uncharted possibilities and you may discover new favourite ports and adventures.”

Best time to book by destination

Caribbean: Book early for winter, Christmas and Easter. Deals appear for late spring and early autumn.
Mediterranean: Early booking recommended for school holidays. Off-season cruises in March, April, October and November are usually lower in price.
Alaska: Book as early as possible for June and July. May and September sailings offer better value.

– READ MORE: Guide to the most affordable cruise cabins –

Should I book a cruise now?

Royal Caribbean’s answer is clear – yes! “The long and short of it is: Now!” said the spokesperson. [Future] itineraries are out, along with early-saver and last-minute cruise deals. Dive in, it’s time to score!”

So, if you’re eyeing a popular destination, travelling during school holidays or planning a bucket-list itinerary, booking now is usually the better choice. If your dates are flexible and you’re open to different destinations, it may be worth watching for upcoming sales.

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