The Best Cruise Booking Sites
Cruise booking sites compare sailings across lines and often add onboard credit, drinks packages or cabin upgrades. Booking direct with the cruise line gives you the most say over cabins, while agencies are best for deals and price matching. Check what is included: drinks, tips and Wi-Fi can add a lot to the fare.
Where is the best place to book a cruise?
You can book directly with a cruise line or through a cruise agency. Booking direct with Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian gives you the most control over cabin choice and dining. Agencies such as Vacations To Go, CruiseDirect and Cruise.com often match the cruise line's fare and add perks on top: onboard credit, prepaid tips or a drinks package. CruiseCompete lets several agencies bid on the same sailing, and Cruise Critic has ship reviews and forums to help you choose.
Which cruise line is best?
Each line has a distinct style. Royal Caribbean has the biggest ships with water parks, surf simulators and Broadway shows. Carnival is the most budget-friendly and casual. Norwegian offers freestyle cruising with no fixed dining times. Princess is known for Alaska and longer voyages. MSC has modern ships and low fares, especially in the Mediterranean. Viking runs adults-only river and ocean cruises focused on culture, and Disney Cruise Line is built around families.
When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?
Cruise fares are lowest either well in advance, when lines release new itineraries with early-booking offers, or close to departure, when unsold cabins are discounted. Wave season, January to March, brings the year's biggest promotions. Shoulder seasons for each region, and repositioning cruises when ships move between regions, can be remarkably cheap per night.
What is included in a cruise fare?
Your cabin, most meals in the main restaurants, entertainment and the pool are included. Drinks other than basics, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and daily gratuities usually cost extra and can add a third or more to the fare. Compare offers that include drinks or tips, and check port taxes, which are often listed separately.
Tips for first-time cruisers
- Pick the ship as carefully as the itinerary; the ship is your hotel.
- Book shore excursions with local operators for lower prices, but leave time to get back aboard.
- Choose a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck if you worry about seasickness.
- Arrive in the departure port the day before.