When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise? 8 Things to Consider When Booking a Cruise

Eager to set sail without going out of budget? Pinpointing the absolute best time to book a cruise is like chasing a shifting tide, heavily influenced by the ebb and flow of demand. While there's no magic formula, a few key considerations can significantly increase your chances of snagging a great deal.

Think about popular destinations and their peak seasons. In Southeast Asia, this can mean avoiding the monsoon season and for destinations farther afield, summer (between May and September) is very likely your best bet. Unsurprisingly, cruise fares tend to reach their highest points during these periods. 

The good news is that other times of the year often present golden opportunities for savvy cruisers to secure more affordable fares. The real trick lies in understanding when and where to book to unlock those bargain prices.

>> MORE: SingSaver’s guide to the best travel credit cards in Singapore

1. Wave season

Want to ride a wave of cruise savings? Keep an eye out for ‘wave season’, which typically runs from January to March. This is when many cruise lines unveil their most enticing offers for the year ahead.

During this prime booking period, you can benefit from great perks like cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, delightful welcome gifts and onboard spending money.

While wave season is a well-known time to book, it's wise to stay alert throughout the year. Cruise lines constantly adjust their prices based on how quickly cabins are being snapped up, so a great deal could surface at any time!

>> MORE: 20 essential solo travel tips

2. Timing: the best day of the week or month to book a cruise

Beyond the wave season buzz, there are no specific best days to book a cruise. However, if you intend to travel during the school holidays in March, June or December, you would be well advised to book your cruise 6 to 12 months in advance. 

Other than that, your best bet is to keep a close eye on the sailings that have caught your interest – you just may notice the prices start to fluctuate as cabins get booked or if there happens to be any cancellations. This informal price tracking can be your secret weapon in finding that sweet spot for your budget.

That said, mark your calendars for holiday promotions and flash deals, especially around National Day and Black Friday. This is when cruise lines often unleash a range of impressive deals that offer substantial savings in the upcoming year! You may also find great promotional deals at travel fairs such as NATAS.

>> MORE: Should I buy cruise insurance? A guide for Singaporeans

3. How to track cruise fares

Want to snag the best cruise deal? Here's how to keep tabs on those fares:

First off, consider subscribing to newsletters such as Cruise Critic and Cruise Direct – a discount could drop into your inbox any moment and you want to be the first to know. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for deals offered by platforms like Direct Ferries and travel agencies like Chan Brothers, where early-bird packages may be up for grabs.

Another thing to note is that price drops can and do happen from time to time. Booking early and checking for price adjustments just may help you get the best deals. Providers such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises may offer price protection policies, whether you book straight through them or a reputable travel agent. If the price goes down for the same cabin and fare before you have paid in full or the guarantee period ends, you could get that lower price.

However, as with most things, there's usually some fine print. So, before you lock in a price, make sure to read the details carefully and don't hesitate to ask questions when booking. Keep in mind that getting the lower rate may even involve cancelling your current booking and making a new one, and that some cruise lines may only offer the price difference as onboard credit. 

>> MORE: 5 ways to score discounts on your next cruise

4. Last-minute bookings

Wondering if a last-minute booking will work in your favour? While it’s possible to book a cruise just 1 to 2 months in advance of the sailing date, be prepared for your options to be severely limited. In particular, cruises sailing from Singapore to nearby destinations such as Phuket or Penang are most likely to offer such deals due to their shorter durations and more frequent sailing times.

Besides that, it’s important to note that some popular cruises may never go on sale. If a sailing is already in high demand, cruise lines don't have any reason to lower the price. However, as the departure date gets closer, cruises that still have open spots might see price drops, but this is never a sure thing.

Just remember that if you book a cruise after the final payment date, you will need to pay the full amount right away. This is different from booking early, where you may have the option to pay in installments. So, if you are not ready for a large, immediate payment, those last-minute deals might not be so convenient financially.

If you have your eye on a specific type of cabin, especially a suite, keep in mind that these are often the first to be booked because there aren't as many of them. It's best not to wait until the last minute for premium cabins, as they can sell out as much as a year in advance.

>> MORE: 8 tips for booking online trips cheaper from Singapore

5. General demand

If you are eyeing a popular cruise, such as one that sets sail during the school holidays or a public holiday long weekend, booking early is your best bet. Since prices are driven by supply and demand, these sought-after cruises aren't likely to see discounts due to high interest. This is especially true for family-friendly options, themed cruises and new ship launches, for instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships.

To snag the best price and have the most cabin options, book as soon as reservations open, which is typically 18 to 24 months before the cruise sets sail. However, if you are looking to travel during off-peak season, you will likely find deals appearing throughout the booking period since there are more options available.

>> MORE: 20 best travel hacks to save your money

6. Date flexibility

Families with children and groups of friends can find it particularly tricky choosing the right time to cruise. Work and school schedules often narrow down the available departure dates to just one or two specific sailings, given that cruises operate on fixed schedules. Generally, if you can afford to be flexible with travel dates and sailing times, you will be able to unlock better prices.

Consider travelling during the shoulder season (April to May and September to early November) as these cruises usually attract a smaller crowd. On top of that, if you are open to a weekday departure, you may just find a great deal waiting to be snagged!

>> MORE: Family holiday destinations for a short getaway

7. Earning or redeeming miles and rewards on cruises

Cruise lines frequently team up with travel agencies and airlines, providing incentives like miles and points for bookings made through them. Additionally, various websites enable travelers to earn or use their existing miles and points for cruise vacations. For example, if you book through Pelago for KrisFlyer members, you may be able to redeem your points on cruise packages.

While not all cruise lines are tied to mileage programmes, some offer flight and/or hotel packages to help you maximise your points usage. Others may offer loyalty perks to attract and incentivise repeat cruisers. If you intend to redeem points to offset the total price you pay, it’s important to note that the optimal time to book a cruise using rewards mirrors the best time to book with cash..

>> MORE: A guide to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles redemption

8. Credit card deals

If you are like most Singaporeans, chances are you have more than one credit card. When deciding on which one to use for your travel expenses, consider travel credit cards that offer perks, such as DBS Altitude or Citi PremierMiles. You may also wish to make your booking on exclusive platforms such as HSBC TravelOne or AMEX Platinum’s travel concierge.

Additional tip: Check out the weather conditions in your intended destination

When deciding on the best time of year to embark on a cruise, it’s crucial to check out the weather conditions in your intended destination. If you intend to travel within Southeast Asia, such as to Langkawi or Penang, you will find November to March the best time for doing so. Heading for more exotic shores? In general, you would be best embarking on a Mediterranean or Alaskan cruise in the summer months of May to September. 

Regardless of your specific destination, always remember to do some research on the weather before selecting your itinerary!

Deciding the best time to book a cruise

Finding the ideal time to book a cruise involves weighing several factors. Ultimately, booking early guarantees you the specific itinerary, cabin and dates you are after. Booking directly with the cruise line can sometimes allow you to request a credit if the price drops for the same fare type before you have paid in full. There are also travel credit cards that can help you to maximise your existing rewards and allow you to earn points on travel expenses. 

While committing to a particular trip so far in advance can be challenging, keeping an eye out for deals can definitely pay off.

How to maximise your rewards

Looking for a travel credit card that will reap the most benefits for you? Take a look at the best travel credit cards in Singapore:

• Earn extra miles on overseas spend: DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

• No foreign transaction fees in June, July, November and December: Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card

• Earn miles for bookings via Expedia and Agoda: UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

• Credit miles directly to KrisFlyer account: American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

• Convert miles to any frequent flyer programmes: Citi PremierMiles Card