Want to take a last-minute cruise? If you have the flexibility to leave with just a few days of notice, then you can see the world while saving money with last-minute cruise fares. Cruise lines offer these deeply discounted fares because their ships must sail regardless of whether they're full. The more passengers onboard, the more profit the cruise line makes. You can save even more money by booking all-inclusive cruises at last-minute rates. Feel like being opportunistic and booking an unforgettable cruise at an unbeatable rate? If so, read on and learn more about how you can find and take advantage of last-minute cruise deals.
Most cruise fares do not include gratuity for the ship's crew, so this is something you'll need to plan on adding separately.
Most last-minute cruises can be insured against cancellations, but check with your travel insurance provider for details. This information will come from your provider, not the cruise line.
Yes, just because you bought a last-minute cruise fare doesn't mean you can't book excursions! However, you might want to contact the cruise line ahead of time and make sure there's still room on any high-profile or limited-space excursions that you'd want to take.
Cruises to certain regions only depart from specific ports, and traveling to those ports can be expensive -- especially on short notice. However, most airlines offer cheaper tickets for travelers who are willing to be flexible with layovers and flight changes. You might also need to travel at late-night or early morning hours to keep costs down.
Make sure your passport is up to date if you plan on booking a last-minute cruise outside the United States -- and this is pretty much every major cruise outside of Alaska and Hawaii.
Check out travel websites such as Expedia and Travelocity. These often list many of the best cruise deals from various cruise lines, which can save you time when trying to compare all the different options.
What kinds of rooms are available for this last-minute cruise? Many of the rooms available at these prices are interior rooms that don't have ocean views. Be aware of this as you're searching for deals.
Most major cruise lines offer last-minute cruise deals, and the only way to know whose deals are best is to regularly check around for outstanding prices. You can sign up for email lists with each cruise line to get updates on the best last-minute cruise fares.