Did you know that January-March is the cruise industry’s busiest booking period? During this time period, called the “wave period,” cruise lines make roughly 35 percent of their yearly sales. This means, cruise lines are willing to offer deep discounts and deals to cruisers to make sure they take full advantage of this busy season.
Some of the top winter cruise destinations include:
- Caribbean
- Mexican Riviera
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Hawaiian Islands
- Barbados
- Nile
The deepest discounts are offered on Caribbean winter cruises and Hawaiian Islands cruises. But all of the destinations listed above are offered at affordable prices during the winter months. If you want to enjoy the biggest discounts, stick to major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Holland America Line, to name a few. These cruise lines offer more departures, and larger ships, so there’s plenty of wiggle room for discounts.
To save even more in winter cruises, you can also book through a discount booking search engine. Although mot cruise lines offer hot deals if you book online directly through the cruise line, discount booking search engines might offer even cheaper tickets. So try:
Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com
Cruise411.com
Cruise.com
Sample Winter Cruise Deals
Royal Caribbean International has a number of cruises that depart from Florida ports starting at $80. These include 4- and 5-night Caribbean cruises. Cruisers will visit destinations such as George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.
Carnival Cruises has a number of special winter cruise deals to Baja Mexico. Cruises depart from Los Angeles on 3- and 4-day cruises. Ports of call include Ensenada, Mexico Catalina Island, CA. Cruises start at $239 for 3-day cruises and $249 for 4-day cruises.
Starting at around $92 a day, Holland America Line has a 14-day circle Hawaii cruise that departs from San Diego, CA. Ports of call include Hilo, Hawaii, US; Honolulu, Hawaii, US; Nawiliwili Kauai, Hawaii, US; Lahaina, Hawaii, US, and Ensenada, Mexico.
More Ways to Save on Winter Cruises
Besides booking with major cruise lines and booking through discount booking search engines, there are other ways to save on already low-priced winter cruises. You can book in advance to save or you can book last minute to save up to 75 percent off the regular cruise price. If you book with a group or family, you can save or if you are a senior you can save up to 20 percent or more.
A senior is defined as a person who is 55 or older. If you are a senior, in order take advantage of senior rates, all you have to do is book through a cruise travel specialist or book directly with the cruise line. Proof of age is required. Groups and families can also get the best deals if they book through a cruise travel specialist as well or contact a live cruise travel agent. A live person will always have the latest specials and promotions on available for you.