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Last-minute cruise packages – Benefits and tips

Last-minute cruise packages – Benefits and tips

If you can find one, last-minute cruise packages can be cheaper than regular bookings. Cruise packages are generally cheaper when booked 2 or 3 months before embarkment, and the fares tend to increase as the sailing day is closer. So, last-minute packages may be cheaper only if there has been an unexpected cancellation or if there are vacant cabins and the agencies want to sail with full occupancy. While big deals can be rare, here is what you can expect from last-minute cruise booking:

What are last-minute cruise packages?
A cruise closes the regular booking and cancellation window 60 to 90 days before embarkment. If a passenger wants to cancel their booking, they may be able to do so during this period with or without penalty, depending on the cruise policy. If they get cancellation requests, they look at bookings and vacant cabins and decide if they want to release last-minute package deals. The main goal here is to reduce vacancies and ensure sufficient onboard spending, as it is a major source of income for cruise lines. Cruise ships do not accept cash and link your cruise account to a credit or debit card. If too many rooms are empty, the cruise may not make as much money as initially expected via onboard spending. So, if they decide to open up last-minute cruise packages, slashing the fares can help them get assured bookings and reduce the loss to some extent.

Benefits
Last-minute cruise packages are ideal for those who want to travel on a cruise but have no definite destination or itinerary. It typically works for those who spontaneously decide on a vacation, check out the cruise website or a third-party booking platform, and find a last-minute deal. You may not have much choice on the routes or dates as only specific cruises may release last-minute packages. The booking can still be worth it, as you may find last-minute deals for as low as $400 a person. If you prefer a well-planned cruise with the routes and destination of your choice, with the best cabins and a convenient schedule, last-minute packages may not work for you.

How to find last-minute packages?
Cruise companies do not always offer such deals. Last-minute package deals are decided a couple of months before embarkment once the agencies close the booking and cancellation window. They will advertise it on their website, along with other cruise packages, so you can browse through leading cruise agency websites. You can also look up “online cruise deals” to find lists curated by travel websites to make your search easier. Some sites that list last-minute cruise packages are Vacationstogo, Cruiseline, Icruise, GotoSea, Cruise Critic, Cruiseline, Expedia, Priceline, Kayak, and Tripadvisor. You can also contact your local travel agent, who may have information about last-minute cruise packages and price drops.

Tips for finding last-minute cruise packages

  1. Look up cruises that embark within the next 90 days and check for bookings.
  2. Ships that sail in the spring or fall have fewer bookings and may offer great last-minute packages.
  3. You can get discounted rates early in the year. January to March is the wave season, making it a good time for upgrades, deals, and savings.
  4. Bookmark cruise line sites and spend time searching for last-minute packages regularly.
  5. Sign up on booking websites to receive alerts and notifications about price drops, discounts, and new last-minute packages.
  6. Consider making a list of cruise deal aggregator sites, and check them periodically for information about low-cost deals and offers.