Future cruise deposits program

To save money and earn rewards, the best time to buy a cruise may be while you are enjoying your cruise on board. During your upcoming Princess cruise vacation, take advantage of our Future Cruise Deposits program. Depending on the duration and stateroom you choose, you can receive up to $300 of onboard spending money for use on a future cruise. 

Best of all, you don’t even have to know where you want to go! Simply book within two years, and enjoy using your spending money on anything from spa treatments to specialty dining. 

Visit the Future Cruise Office on your ship to make a fully refundable $100 deposit, and dream away.

Destinations and booking windows

Your destination is the first thing to consider when deciding on the best time to book a cruise. Typically, global voyages — like our World Cruises — are longer in duration. Guests usually plan over a year in advance for these itineraries so they can carve out time in their schedules and typically there are offers associated when these cruises are released for sale, so make sure to take advantage of those when available

On the other hand, those traveling on short domestic trips — like our West Coast Getaways — may only book a few weeks beforehand. The following timelines give a general idea on booking recommendations for each of our destinations: 

• One year in advance: Voyages that offer fewer sailing dates should be booked the furthest in advance. Generally, these include global routes like World Cruises, Tahiti & South Pacific, South America & Antarctica, the Panama Canal and Canada & New England. 
• Six to 12 months before: For trips with departure abroad, booking at least six months in advance often means you can take advantage of cheaper fares for flights. Think Europe, Asia, Japan and Australia & New Zealand itineraries. We also recommend booking six to 12 months in advance for our Alaska voyages. Although the Great Land is one of our most popular destinations, it’s only sailable from May through September. 
• Less than six months before: For short domestic trips, enjoy easy last-minute bookings with convenient departures from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale and even New York for Canada & New England Getaways. Besides sailings from the Empire State, these departure ports can take you to Mexico, the Caribbean and California & Pacific.

Year-Long promotions

You know a good bargain when you see one. That’s why we always deliver the best cruise deals and promotions to help you save money while traveling the world. Make sure you sign up to receive our emails so you don't miss out on exciting deals ranging from free onboard spending money and crew appreciation paid on your behalf to major savings on cruise fares. Deals vary by month and destination, so keep an eye out.

Check Cruise Deals regularly to see our latest offers and promotions.

Booking for the holidays

Between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, the end of the year is one of the most popular travel seasons. So when is the best time to book a cruise for the holidays? You should try to schedule as far in advance as possible, especially if you want a certain voyage at a particular time. Most of our cruises can be booked through the next calendar year. This means you don’t have to wait to reserve your spot on some of our most sought-after itineraries.

Seasonal considerations

When planning your cruise, the season can impact both pricing and availability. Each season offers different advantages depending on your destination and personal preferences. 

For example, springtime cruises are a sweet spot for many travelers. As the weather warms up, destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean offer the perfect opportunity to shake off the winter blues. Of course, Princess sails the Caribbean year-round, so there’s never a bad time to book a cruise there.

Here are some seasonal influences to keep in mind when planning your cruise: 

• Summer: This is the peak season for many cruise destinations, especially in Europe and Alaska. The long days and warm weather are ideal for exploring, but be prepared for busier ships. 
• Fall: A fall cruise is a great option if you want a quieter, more affordable trip. The autumn months often come with lower prices and fewer crowds, especially after the start of the school year. New England and Canada are particularly stunning in the fall, with bright foliage and crisp air.
• Winter: Winter cruises can be an excellent way to escape from cold weather. Popular destinations include the Caribbean, South America and Southeast Asia, where you can enjoy sunny skies and warm temperatures. 

Choosing the best season for your cruise will ultimately depend on your preferences for weather conditions and crowd tolerance. For those who enjoy bustling environments and don’t mind paying a premium, summer and holiday seasons are perfect. If you prefer a more relaxed and cost-effective journey, spring or fall could be your ideal cruise time.

Booking for the holidays

Between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, the end of the year is one of the most popular travel seasons. So when is the best time to book a cruise for the holidays? You should try to schedule as far in advance as possible, especially if you want a certain voyage at a particular time. Most of our cruises can be booked through the next calendar year. This means you don’t have to wait to reserve your spot on some of our most sought-after itineraries.

Understanding factors that influence prices

Cruise prices typically fluctuate based on factors like season, demand, destinations and cabin types. For example, high-demand seasons often correlate with higher prices, while shoulder seasons may have lower rates. Popular destinations can also drive up prices, especially during peak travel times. 

Any changes in these factors can lead to price fluctuations — even on a daily basis. To anticipate and plan around these fluctuations, check on our site regularly to monitor the trends and find the right fit for your needs.

What is wave season?

Wave season spans from January through March, and it is often considered the best time to book a cruise. During this period, cruise lines offer incredible promotions to fill remaining slots for the year. Some common promotions include free upgrades, reduced fares and even onboard credit.

These deals and discounts provide excellent value for travelers who want to get the most out of every experience. If you’re looking to secure a great deal, consider booking during wave season for savings and added perks on your cruise.

Tips and strategies

Finding the best cruise deals often requires a bit of strategy, but we have some tips to help you out: 

• Set up price alerts to be notified if prices drop, or regularly check our cruise deals.
• If you have flexible dates, look for last-minute cruise deals when we lower prices to fill cabins. Just remember that your room options may be limited depending on what’s available. 
• Travel during shoulder seasons, just before and after peak times. These cruises often have lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Working with a your travel agent can also help you uncover hidden deals. 
• Consider subscribing to our newsletters to stay informed about the latest promotions and sales. 
• Explore cruises that start in your desired departure port but end in another for additional flexibility. Princess provides EZAir service so you can find the best flights back before or after your cruise.

Last but not least, our best cruise price guarantee ensures that if you find a lower identical cruise fare on Princess.com before your final payment, we’ll match 120% of the difference. Please note that the fare must include the same ship, sail dates, stateroom category, number of guests and cruise fare type as your original booking.

The best day to book a cruise

You may have heard that there’s a specific day of the week to get the best prices and wondered which day is the best time to book a cruise. However, the prices don’t change on a fixed schedule. You can keep an eye out for promotions on holidays like Black Friday and Labor Day for extra deals, but the best day to book is the day you find what you want.

When to use last-minute deals

Wondering if cruise prices go down closer to their departure date? Often, they do! Last-minute cruise deals are offers made to fill any remaining cabins as the departure date approaches. 

If you have flexibility with your travel dates and destinations, these last-minute options can be incredible bargains — but there are some risks with this approach. While the savings can be high, availability might be limited and you may not get your preferred cabin type or itinerary. 

For the more spontaneous travelers, the high reward of last-minute deals often outweighs the risk. If you’re ready to pack and go, these deals can be an exciting and cost-effective way to embark on a cruise adventure.

Early booking advantages

While last-minute deals can be tempting, there are plenty of benefits to booking in advance as well. Early booking allows you to secure your preferred cabin types, so you get the exact accommodations you want. You’ll also have better access to popular excursions and activities since they tend to fill up quickly. 

Planning your itinerary early gives you more time to arrange travel details and accommodations before you set sail. This can make for a smoother, more enjoyable trip. Plus, early bird discounts may reduce your overall cost. 

To take full advantage of early booking benefits, start by researching your desired destinations. Give yourself time to compare the many options and find the cruise that meets your preferences. By booking early, you can enjoy lower prices, better availability and a wider range of choices. 

Still unsure when to book a cruise? In general, the earlier the better. For help planning your trip, call 1.800.PRINCESS or contact a local travel advisor who can help determine your perfect timeline and find you the best rates for your next cruise vacation. Book your next cruise with Princess.