The Best Time to Buy a Cruise Ticket for the Lowest Possible Price

Your discounted cruise vacation awaits.

Getting the best price for cruise tickets is not that difficult. It takes a bit of planning and knowing how to avoid the peak seasons when most cruises fill up fast.

Advance Notice

Mediterranean Sea cruises are popular, plan early for the best prices.

The best time to book any cruise and get the best prices is to do so between six months and a year before departure date, especially for popular cruises such as ones going to the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Bahamas.

Off-Season

You could be enjoying yourself on deck -- at a discount -- if you plan properly.

Also called shoulder seasons, these occur from October to mid-December, after the holidays in January and from March to May. If you plan for these dates, you can book cruises as close as four to eight weeks before departure date.

Wave Season

In January, February and even March, the travel industry offers the best cruise deals. Booking during these months and planning departures dates for the off season should merit the best overall deals. Some agencies include free amenities and special offers then.

Resources

• Cruisemates: When Should I Book a Cruise