Top tips in booking your cruise at the right time.

1 Do I book Early?

Most cruise lines open reservations on their sailings up to 18 months to two years before the departure date, which means you can book your trip well in advance. If you know exactly where and when you want to go, this can often be the best choice, as it gives you the most options on everything from itineraries to dates to cabin categories.

The wave season — the most popular booking period — traditionally ran between January and March and used to be the busiest time to book as everyone’s focus was to look forward to after the Winter Months.

I personally don’t think there is as much of a season as there once was as Cruise Line prices and offers seem to remain fluid and can constantly change prices and availability to suit their needs.

In addition, the cruise lines often add incentives to book soon after sailings are announced  so they can fill up their ships. “Cruise lines offer the best deals upfront to get an early start on their itineraries, and sometimes couple those great prices with value-adds, such as onboard credit and Drinks Packages. Additionally, booking early can sometimes help you get the best airfare and hotel rates, too, especially during peak season.

2. Recognize that different regions have different lead times. 

Popular but remote destinations and areas with a limited cruise season — such as Alaska, where ships don’t sail in wintertime — tend to fill up fast. A general rule is the farther away the destination, the further out you should book, because more planning is required, from airfare to hotel reservations.

A Mediterranean Itinerary that is running fortnightly throughout the Summer Season is going to have far more availability than a Twice a year itinerary so book wisely.

Other cruises where it’s a good idea to book at least six months in advance are summertime river cruises, which often sell out for the season before spring, and launches of new ships, which have the latest features and tend to fill up quickly.

3 Use flexibility to your advantage

If you’re not tied to a set date or School Holidays and can be flexible, it could mean big savings. Sometimes booking a cruise a week earlier or a week later can often get you a promotional fare or discount.

Being flexible is the best way because every sailing varies by ship and sailing date, so check a few dates before and after you want to travel You might end up seeing a difference of hundreds of pounds in price for a sailing even just a few days later or earlier.

Flights can also make a difference so it is always better to ask.

If you are restricted to set Dates and School holidays, then Book at least 12 months in advance. The larger Cabins can sell out in Peak Months and also Children’s age groups are sometimes worth checking too.

4. Think way ahead if booking with a group

For large groups, it is always best to book as far in advance as possible. But keep in mind that you can only reserve your flights 11 months or 330 days ahead. Booking early will also help large groups ensure they get onto a ship with dining rooms that can accommodate them.

5 Late Deals?

If price is the most important factor to you, booking 45 to 90 days before a sailing can get you deeply discounted fares. Cruise lines will be looking to fill empty cabins once early bookers have paid their full fares and they have an idea of how many cabins have been filled. However, even these fares may not be as low as the initial early booking price.

The downside is that you may not be able to choose your cabin class or location, as many rock-bottom fares are linked to so-called “guaranteed” cabins, which are not specified when you book.

If you do decide to go on a cruise last-minute, note that the money you save might be lost when you book your last-minute flight. Many guests who wait until the last minute to book discounted cruises