1. Book early — but don't stop watching the price.
Popular sailings, especially suites and desirable cabins, can sell out or increase in price. Booking early gives you more choices, while continued price monitoring can help if the fare drops.

2. Be flexible with your travel dates.
Sailing one week earlier or later can make a surprisingly large difference. Shoulder season and off-peak sailings are often much less expensive.

3. Compare the total vacation cost, not just the cruise fare.
A cheaper cruise can become more expensive after airfare, hotels, transfers, gratuities, and other expenses are added.

4. Look at different cabin categories.
Don't automatically assume the cheapest cabin is the best deal. Sometimes moving from an inside cabin to an oceanview or balcony costs relatively little.

5. Consider less popular departure dates.
Cruises around holidays, school breaks, and major events generally command higher prices.

6. Check resident, military, senior, and other qualifying rates.
Depending on the cruise line and sailing, special rates may be available. Always ask your Cruise Planners advisor to check.

7. Compare promotions carefully.
"Free" drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, onboard credit, and reduced deposits can be valuable—but calculate the real value of the entire package rather than choosing based on the headline promotion.

8. Don't overlook repositioning cruises.
Transatlantic, transpacific, and other repositioning cruises can offer excellent value per night and sometimes include significantly more days at sea for the money.

9. Let a travel advisor monitor your reservation.
This is a big one. After booking, your advisor can monitor applicable promotions and determine whether a lower fare or better offer may be available under the cruise line's rules.

10. Don't wait until the last minute expecting a bargain.
Last-minute deals can happen, but they're unpredictable. You may end up with limited cabin choices, inconvenient flights, or a sailing that doesn't fit your schedule.