When it comes to finding a low-cost cruise holiday or last minute cruise deals, there are many different ways to grab a bargain. One method in particular that’s still popular with holidaymakers, and one that continues to provide low-cost escapes for the budget-minded, is to search for last minute cruise holidays. Just like package holidays, last minute cruises are designed to help tour operators sell off those last few remaining cabins, which is usually the preferable option rather than letting the cabin go empty.
Last Minute Cruise Deals
Splendour of the Seas | (cc) Photo By kellinahandbasket
With a last minute cruise, tour operators will select specific holidays that might not be selling well and reduce the prices by varying degrees in order to encourage customers to book. It doesn’t work with all cruise holidays and some discounts aren’t always worth the risk. For instance, you might find that a specific holiday you’ve been watching is only reduced by a small amount, and there is no availability on your preferred dates. Or you might find that you wait so long to snap up a bargain that your holiday eventually sells out, minus any discounts.
When it comes to booking a last minute cruise, it’s a waiting game and sometimes an anxious one at that. But the rewards can be substantial, especially if you save a large amount on the price of your holiday. After all, it could mean the difference between settling on a so-so itinerary you can only just afford, or upgrading (with a huge discount) to a holiday that’s nigh-on perfect.
The best way to search for last minute cruises, or any cruise deal for that matter, is to use a travel agent like Cruise Thomas Cook: www.thomascook.com/cruise/last-minute-cruises. This way you’ll get to search across all the major tour operators rather than just one, and you can use the booking system to compare itineraries and prices too. It’s a handy way to find a great deal and you’ll also get to browse a much wider range of itineraries. Who knows, you might even find a better holiday at a lower price – and a new favorite at that!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored guest post.
My name is Salika Jay, and I'd like to welcome you to my travel blog! Ever since I was a kid, I loved traveling the world. I started this blog to share my journeys around the world and everything travel.
Great idea for a stress free family vacation!
Well, I also recommend checking out the relocation cruises. When they move ship from port to port, then they tend to offer a number of cheaper tickets! Of course, the journeys are generally less exciting with less stops as well, but certainly cheaper!
Thanks for the cruise tip Spider! It is useful to find a cheaper cruise deal.
Would love to take advantage of some last minute cruises. It’s too bad I’m too busy nowadays for that, though. Maybe someday.
Freya Renders recently posted..Capture the Colour 2013 Competition
This would have been a great time otherwise :)
I don’t think a last minute deal would work for me unless I had more time off. It would be too much of a problem to try to see what happens at the last minute with vacation days. it easy for me to be unplanned when I’m already in a location though. Good idea though overall. I’ve never thought of myself as a cruise person, but perhaps someday.
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I think last minute cruise deals are good for people who decide to take a cruise last minute. Savings can be rewarding but it’s a gamble at the same time.
Cruise holidays don’t really appeal to me, but I see their point in covering a great many sights and cities in a short span of time.
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True, not everyone likes to go on a cruise.
I have been on several cruises but have never done a last minute one. Due to my work schedule and kids’ school schedule, it’s just not feasible for us right now. Great ideas here though.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..The King of the California Missions: Mission San Luis Rey
I guess it’s not always possible to wait until last minute. It’s probably good for people who decide to go last minute.
These last minute deals is what my friend has been trying to perfect. Cause she was able to get a 30% discount off of a last minute cruise deal, but was just an accident. I’ll recommend her this Cruise Thomas Cook, maybe it could make a difference. heehee
30% discount is great for a cruise holiday. Thanks for sharing it, Rachel!
Raymond took the words right out of my mouth! Cruising is definitely on my ‘to do’ list!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Where to Stay on Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia
Hope you’ll find a good cruise deal when the time comes :)
This is a great post, Salika! My co-workers have said the same thing about last minute deals. I’m going to check out the Cruise Thomas Cook link now. Thank you! :)
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Hope you find a good cruise deal there, Mike :)
You will be surprised Salika, to hear that I arrange holiday for others but never been on a cruise. It is something I would really love to do. Thank you for mentioning it.
Raymond Waruhari recently posted..African Safari 101: All You Need To Know Before Going To Africa
Hopefully you’ll get to go on a cruise one day soon :) Thanks for stopping by, Raymond!