Nothing beats a holiday – apart from a holiday you snapped up at a fraction of the price.
Stay savvy about bagging the right cruise deal and you might find yourself exploring the world for far less than you’d expect.
From southern European sunshine to Caribbean beaches, winter is prime deal-seeking season – and with everything from meals to entertainment included, cruises can be brilliant value if you know where to look.
Our cruise expert tips will help you nab the best prices – plus we’ve got some of the standout deals available right now.
Start early (or very late)
The best-value cabins on the most popular sailings often sell speedily, so booking early can pay off, literally.
You’ll get the widest choice of itineraries, cabin categories and dining times – and many lines offer low or even refundable deposits if you’re feeling nervy.
Phil Evans, managing director at Cruise Nation, advises: ‘As the holiday season draws nearer, prices can quickly go up as demand peaks.
Nothing beats a holiday – apart from a holiday you snapped up at a fraction of the price
‘While you can get some last-minute deals, it’s much better to be prepared and get ahead instead.’
At the other end of the spectrum, flexibility can secure jammy savings too.
Many cruise lines release last-minute sailings at heavily reduced rates, especially outside summer, so make the most of the winter season and shop around.
Hunt in the right seasons
The cruise industry’s biggest annual sales – known as ‘Wave Season’ – run from January to March, and should be added to your calendar pronto.
This is when lines throw in extras such as free drinks, flight discounts and onboard credit, and travel agents might include incentives like complimentary luxury hampers.
November’s Black Friday deals can be just as generous, often comprising cabin upgrades or bonus perks.
Outside the sales windows, shoulder season travel is another cost-cutter. May to June and September to October usually bring lower fares and fewer crowds while still offering sunshine, especially around the Mediterranean.
Families with pre-schoolers can also save by sailing in September rather than during the school holidays.
Stay savvy about bagging the right cruise deal and you might find yourself exploring the world for far less than you’d expect
Be flexible with destinations
Swapping hotspots for under-the-radar ports can slash the pound signs. The Med and Adriatic, for instance, are quieter and cheaper in winter, with cooler weather that’s just dandy for sightseeing.
Repositioning cruises – where ships relocate between regions – are another clever hack, often costing far less per night than regular sailings.
These generally have fewer ports and more sea days, so you can enjoy the ship itself.
For ultra-budget breaks, sample a short cruise around the British Isles. A three- or four-night sailing can give you a taste of life as a salty sailor without committing to a full week.
Consider what’s included
Look at what’s wrapped into the fare. All-inclusive cruises, where meals, drinks, tips and Wi-Fi are bundled in, can be better value than lower upfront prices that add lots of extras later.
Alternatively, consider booking your drinks packages in advance if you think you might be indulging in a few tipples. Yes, there might be some maths involved but your wallet will thank you later.
The cruise industry’s biggest annual sales – known as ‘Wave Season’ – run from January to March, and should be added to your calendar pronto
Solo or family? There are deals for you too
If you’re voyaging on your tod, scout for lines waiving single supplements. Dave Mills, chief commercial officer at Iglu Cruise, says: ‘Cruise lines are actively catering more for single guests, and solo guests are forming a growing percentage onboard.’
Multi-generational cruisers should book well in advance as peak-season cabins and family suites go swiftly.
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The best deals tend to disappear faster than an embarkation day cocktail – so you need to hear about them first.
Be the early (sea) bird and sign up to cruise line and travel agent newsletters; bargains will land straight in your inbox, sometimes with exclusive early-access codes.
Top tip: many let you set preferences for destinations or durations so you only see the offers that suit you.
The best deals tend to disappear faster than an embarkation day cocktail – so you need to hear about them first
Cruise deals to book now
P&O Cruises is running four-night Amsterdam escapes from just £411pp, with up to £70 off selected bookings using online code SAIL70 via Bolsover Cruise Cub
BOOK IT: Ventura sails round-trip from Southampton on 1 December 2025; bolsovercruiseclub.com
Marella Cruises has all-inclusive Aegean sailings including flights, luggage, tips and transfers from just £1,126pp.
BOOK IT: Marella Discovery 2 departs Limassol, Cyprus on 22 October 2025; tui.co.uk/cruise
Ambassador Cruise Line is offering up to £1,000 onboard credit per cabin on selected 2026 sailings, with deposits from just £99pp via Iglu Cruise
BOOK IT: A 16-night Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands Odyssey round-trip from Tilbury on Ambience departs 11 October 2025; iglucruise.com
Celebrity Cruises has released 30% off 2026 European sailings, plus up to £400 off flights and up to $500 onboard credit. Book by 22 September to get an extra £50 off select Mediterranean cruises.
BOOK IT: celebritycruises.com
P&O Cruises is running four-night Amsterdam escapes from just £411pp, with up to £70 off selected bookings using online code SAIL70 via Bolsover Cruise Cub
Travelmarvel is giving up to 30% off European river cruises with a free drinks package.
BOOK IT: An eight-day Highlights of the Danube cruise from Munich to Budapest now starts from £2,195pp; travelmarvel.co.uk
Hurtigruten has launched a new Nordic tours collection and is offering up to £200pp off if you book by 31 October.
BOOK IT: The 10-day Discover Norway with Summer Arctic Cabin Adventure starts in Oslo and ends in Bergen; hurtigruten.co.uk
AmaWaterways is including up to two free hotel nights plus meals and transfers on select Christmas cruises, with savings of up to £1,900 per couple.
BOOK IT: A seven-night Best of Holland and Belgium cruise departing 25 December 2025 now costs from £3,164pp including flights; amawaterways.co.uk
Marella Cruises has all-inclusive Aegean sailings including flights, luggage, tips and transfers from just £1,126pp
Windstar Cruises is throwing in a free all-inclusive upgrade – covering drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities worth $99 (£73) per guest per night – on select voyages worldwide if booked by 30 September.
BOOK IT: windstarcruises.com
Ponant is waiving single supplements on more than 160 expedition cruises worldwide, letting solo travellers book double cabins for the standard fare.
BOOK IT: uk.ponant.com
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