Here’s the thing—my boyfriend and I have been looking for more affordable vacations lately, and cruises? They’re definitely on our radar. I mean, we went to an all-inclusive resort for the first time two years ago for a family wedding, and ever since, he’s been talking about it non-stop. To be fair, it was really nice. All you can eat, all you can drink, and a lovely pool to float in. So, naturally, we started looking at more all-inclusive style vacations.

Here’s the rub: while all-inclusive resorts are wonderful, they’re also really expensive. And that got me thinking… what about cruises? I haven’t stepped foot on a cruise ship in 12 years—since the day I disembarked as a crew member for the last time, but I do remember them being a pretty solid vacation option. Plus, I know there are some great deals on cruises out there. The food is covered, there’s plenty of entertainment, and if we just budget a bit for shore excursions and drinks onboard (and let’s be real, neither of us are heavy drinkers), we’d probably be good to go.

So, if you’re also in the market for a budget-friendly vacation that doesn’t require a second mortgage, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way that’ll help you find the cheapest cruise prices. Because let’s be honest, we all want to cruise the high seas without having to sell our organs to afford it.

1. Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Everyone says, “Book early to get the best price!” Well, yes and no. Booking early can often score you a good deal, but not always. If you book way too early, you might miss out on all the deals that pop up closer to departure. The sweet spot is usually around 6-9 months before you set sail. That’s when prices are more reasonable, but the cabins aren’t completely sold out yet.

But don’t get too comfortable—don’t wait until the last minute either. Unless you’re lucky (and I wouldn’t bet on it), waiting till the last second will probably leave you with a very expensive cabin that you can’t afford—or worse, no cabin at all.

2. Be Flexible With Your Dates

If you’ve got a flexible schedule, this is your secret weapon to cheaper cruises. Steer clear of peak seasons like school holidays and spring break. Sure, the kids are out of school, but that also means prices are through the roof.

Instead, try booking during the off-season, like late winter or early fall. Everyone else will be too busy with work or dealing with the aftermath of holiday family gatherings, so you’ll have way more options at lower prices. Plus, less crowds mean more space on the ship and fewer lines at the buffet. Win-win!

3. Use Price Comparison Websites (But Don’t Fall for the “Too Good to Be True” Deals)

I love a good deal, and price comparison websites like Kayak, CruiseCritic, or CheapCaribbean are great for comparing cruise prices. But here’s the thing—don’t get suckered by prices that seem too good to be true. Some of these sites will flash a deal that looks like a bargain, but when you check the fine print, there are usually hidden fees. Taxes, gratuities, port fees—these things add up fast.

So, use comparison sites, but always check the final price breakdown. You don’t want to be hit with an unpleasant surprise right before you click “Book Now.”

4. Consider Inside Cabins (If You Don’t Need a View of the Ocean)

I get it. The idea of a balcony cabin with a stunning ocean view sounds amazing. But if you’re like me and you’re only going to use the cabin to sleep, an inside cabin might be the way to go. They’re usually a fraction of the price of the fancier rooms, and let’s be real, you’re probably going to be too busy at the bar (or the buffet, in my case) to care about the view.

I mean, who needs to see the ocean when you’re busy watching a musical or diving into that third helping of pasta? Priorities, right?

5. Best Budget Cruise Lines to Consider

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to pricing. Some are known for their budget-friendly options, and if you’re looking for an affordable cruise, these are the ones to check out:

• Carnival Cruise Line: Known for their fun atmosphere, Carnival cruises offer some of the best deals for budget-conscious travelers. If you’re okay with a more relaxed vibe, this is a great option.
• Royal Caribbean: While their newer ships can be on the pricier side, Royal Caribbean still offers some fantastic deals, especially if you book early or go for shorter sailings.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian’s “Free at Sea” promotions are hard to beat. They offer affordable cruises, particularly if you’re looking for shorter sailings. Plus, they cater to solo travelers, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking to travel alone.
• MSC Cruises: While relatively new to the U.S. market, MSC offers incredible value, especially for Mediterranean and Caribbean routes. They’re known for affordable pricing, even on their newer ships.

6. The Cheapest Itineraries You Can Book

The length and destination of your cruise will impact how much you’ll pay. If you’re looking to save, stick to these budget-friendly options, though it also depends on where you’re flying in from. Sometimes the flight can cost more than the cruise:

• Shorter Cruises (3-4 Days): You don’t need a 7-day cruise to have a good time. Shorter cruises tend to be much cheaper, and you can still enjoy all the perks.
• Caribbean & Bahamas Cruises: These routes are typically cheaper, especially if you’re booking during the off-season. Less in-demand islands like Nassau or Cozumel can offer great deals.
• Mexico: Mexico is a solid cruise destination for budget-conscious travelers. Sailings to ports like Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta are usually more affordable than other Caribbean options.

7. Repositioning Cruises: The Hidden Gem of Cheap Cruising

Here’s a fun little secret—repositioning cruises. These are one-way cruises that happen when ships need to move from one region to another. For example, a ship might sail from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean for the summer season.

Repositioning cruises are often much cheaper because they’re longer and there’s less demand for one-way tickets. It’s like finding a hidden gem—perfect for travelers who are flexible and looking for a deal.

8. Sign Up for Email Alerts

Cruise lines love sending out deals, so sign up for their newsletters! Sure, your inbox might get a little cluttered, but you could score some major savings on flash sales, last-minute deals, and promotions. It’s basically like getting the VIP treatment from the cruise world.

9. Use a Friend’s Family and Friends Fare (If You Can Be Flexible)

If you happen to have a friend who works for a cruise line, you’re in luck! They may be able to hook you up with family and friends fares, which offer steep discounts on regular cruise prices. However, there’s a catch—these deals are often confirmed at the last minute, so flexibility is key. If you can hold out until the final confirmation and are okay with potentially waiting for a bit of uncertainty, this could be your golden ticket to a serious savings.

Finding cheap cruises is a bit like playing a game of strategy. You have to time it right, know where to look, and be flexible with your plans. But with these tips, you’ll be booking your next cruise without breaking the bank.

Where would you like to cruise?