Before you start reading the tips about getting cruise bargains, please bear in mind one important thing – with cruising you are going to be on board of a specific ship for the duration of your holiday. Things that you adore there, will be with you during the whole cruise; things that you hate on this ship, will also be with you during the whole cruise.
Ok, you passed this step and narrowed down the cruise liners. Now you need to look at what prices the cruise lines themselves are offering the holidays for. This will give you an idea of when you are facing a bargain.
Do not rely on the last minute bargains: they are few and far between on cruises. This is too risky, and the attempt to save money will leave you without the cruise.
The help of a specialist travel agent is a wise step to make. Contact agents and ask to be put on their mailing list. If you are interested in a specific line or destination make this known to them.
If you are going on a cruise with kids, remember that children pay full adult price on cruises if they are taking a full adult berth. But there are still some child-specific deals.
Cruise lines offer incentives to book for the following year when you are onboard. Typically you can expect to get a decent amount of money as onboard credit which will mean that you get the benefit of your early booking next year. That is why the loyalty programs is another place where you can save money on a cruise traveling.