Cruise Sales, Decoded
Every kind of cruise sale, what it really gives you and how to read the fine print.
Price This Sale for MeCruise Sales, Decoded
Cruise sales never really stop. Every week some line is advertising a percentage off, a second guest at a discount, kids sailing free, free drinks, onboard credit or a reduced deposit. The headlines are loud; what each sale actually gives you is in the details. Cruise Sales explains every common type of sale, how to compare them fairly and where the fine print hides.
We do not list prices or live offers here — those change by the hour. For current deals, see WaveSeason.com during the big early-year promotions and live fares and discounts on Cruising for Less all year. What you will find here is the knowledge to tell a good sale from a loud one.
Cruise promotion types
Fare cuts, added value, reduced deposits and more, explained.
Promotion types →
Three Ways a Cruise Sale Can Save You Money
- A lower fare. A straight percentage off, or a discount for the second, third or fourth guest in the cabin.
- More included. The fare stays similar but you get drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excursions credit or onboard credit added.
- Better terms. A reduced or refundable deposit, or price protection, which saves cash flow or risk rather than money.
Most cruise sales mix two of the three. To compare them, put a value on what is added, and only count it if you would have paid for it anyway.
When the Biggest Cruise Sales Run
A handful of sale periods recur every year: the early-year promotions the industry calls Wave Season, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers in late November, lines’ own anniversary or birthday sales, and summer and flash sales. Our best cruise sales of the year page explains what each usually brings, and when cruise lines have sales covers how promotions rotate between those peaks.
Who This Site Is For
If you already know which cruise you want, use this site to judge the offer in front of you. If you are flexible, use it to recognize a genuinely good sale when it appears. Families should also read Cruising Kids on kids-sail-free offers, and travelers who qualify for military, senior or resident rates should see Cruise Discounters, since those discounts sometimes beat a public sale.
We Price the Sale for You
Send us the sale you have seen, or just your dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise price the same cabin with and without the offer, check what else you qualify for, and tell you honestly which combination costs least. Advisors can also add their own amenities to many bookings. To hear about new cruise sales first, join the Mister Cruise cruise-offers newsletter.
Cruise Sales is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Cruise Sales Questions
Are cruise sales real savings?
Often, but not always. A sale may cut the fare, add value such as onboard credit or drinks, or lower the deposit. Compare the total cost of the same cabin on the same sailing with and without the offer.
Can I get a sale price after I have booked?
Sometimes. Depending on the line and whether you have made final payment, a booking can occasionally be repriced to a new offer. Ask before final payment.
Where do I see current cruise sales?
WaveSeason.com and Cruising for Less list current offers, and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can price any sale for your dates.
Is This Sale Any Good?
Tell us the offer and the cruise. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price it every way and send free quotes.
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