Why You Should Book Your Next Cruise Early

• Maximum Choice: Booking early guarantees you the best selection of cabins (suites, accessible rooms, mid-ship) and preferred itineraries before they sell out.

• Exclusive Value: Early bookers are often rewarded with tempting perks like complimentary onboard credit, generous discounts, and exclusive money-off savings.

• Stress-Free Planning: Securing your trip far in advance allows you to spread the cost with low deposits and flexible payments, giving you ample time to plan excursions and relax.

Everything You Need to Know About Being an Early Booker

Booking a cruise early or holding out for a last-minute bargain is a constant dilemma for many cruise lovers. While the thrill of a last-minute deal can be tempting, booking early often comes with its own set of unbeatable perks.

In recent years, cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises, have been rewarding early bookers with enticing incentives, from generous discounts and all-important onboard spend.

On top of that, booking in advance gives you the best choice of cabins and itineraries, so whether you want a sought-after suite, a family cabin in the school holidays, or the perfect balcony stateroom, you’re far more likely to secure it.

You’ll also have plenty of time to spread the cost with manageable payments, plan your excursions in advance, and look forward to your cruise without the stress of last-minute availability worries.

In this guide, we’ll explore why booking your cruise early could be the smartest move for your next adventure at sea.

How Early Can I Book a Cruise?

The first thing you’ll need to decide is just how far in advance you want to secure your cruise. For the keenest planners, the earliest you can usually book up to 18 months before departure. 

How Do I Book a Cruise Early?

The first thing to do is to compare what is on offer from all the different cruise lines - this is the point where you’ll need to decide what is most important to you.

Are you looking to try a new ship that’s just been launched? You’ll need to check where it’s going to see what you like the look of.

Are you looking to go to a particular destination? Make sure you shop around amongst all the different cruise lines to see who’s offering the best itinerary and deal!

Main Benefits of Booking a Cruise Early

1. Choice Of Cabin

When you book early, you can get pretty much your pick of the ship. Want a balcony cabin so you can sip your morning coffee with a sea view? Done. Prefer an aft suite so you can watch the ship’s wake in total peace? Easy. 

Even those prime mid-ship cabins (perfect for smooth sailing) are all yours for the choosing. Wait too long, and you might be left with whatever’s left – which is fine, but why settle when you can have your dream spot?

2. Exclusive Offers

Cruise lines love early bookers. That’s why they often roll out the red carpet with incredible perks for those who choose to book early, such as onboard credit and exclusive money-off savings. 

These bonuses aren’t usually around for long, so by booking early, you’re not just securing your trip… you’re getting more for your money.

3. Accessibility

 If you or someone you’re travelling with has accessibility needs, early booking is hugely beneficial. When you book early, you’ll have your choice of accessible cabins, plus time to make sure every detail – from shore excursions to ship facilities – is exactly right. 

It’s the stress-free way to make sure your cruise is comfortable from start to finish.

4. Plenty Of Time To Pack & Plan

Booking early means the countdown to your cruise becomes part of the fun. You’ve got months to plan shore excursions, read up on ports, and put together the ultimate holiday wardrobe. 

5. Spread The Cost

With low deposits and flexible payment plans, booking early lets you spread the cost over several months. It’s like having a holiday savings plan, except instead of a piggy bank, you’ve got a guaranteed ticket to paradise.

6. And, Relax

The best part? Once it’s booked, you can sit back, relax, and bask in that glorious “it’s in the diary” feeling. While everyone else is still deciding what to do next year, you’ll be smugly counting down the days until you’re sipping cocktails at sea.

How To Guarantee Yourself The Best Deals

Booking a cruise isn’t just about picking a ship and a date; it’s about finding the right holiday to match your style, budget, and wishlist. That’s where our Cruise.co.uk consultants really make the difference. With years of first-hand experience and access to exclusive offers, they know how to match you with the best deal available.

From advising on the best cabins to suit your needs, to explaining drinks packages, excursions, and onboard extras, our consultants take the guesswork out of booking. They’ll compare options across multiple cruise lines, highlight hidden gems, and make sure you’re getting the very best value for your money.

By booking with a Cruise.co.uk consultant, you can relax knowing every detail is taken care of, and all that’s left to do is count down the days until you cruise! 

Frequently Asked Questions: Booking Your Cruise Early

1. How far in advance do I need to book a cruise?

You can typically book a cruise up to 18 months before the departure date, which is the best time to secure the top cabins and deals.

2. Is it cheaper to book a cruise last-minute?

While last-minute deals can sometimes offer a low price, they come with a very limited choice of cabins and itineraries. Early booking often secures greater overall value through exclusive perks like free onboard credit.

3. What is "onboard credit" and why is it a benefit for early bookers?

Onboard credit (OBC) is money given by the cruise line to be spent on the ship (e.g. on drinks, speciality dining, spa treatments, etc). Early bookers often receive a generous amount of OBC as an incentive.

4. What is the biggest advantage of booking early?

The biggest advantage is the choice of cabin. You can choose your exact preferred stateroom location, such as a mid-ship balcony or a specific suite, which sells out fast.

5. How much is the deposit for an early cruise booking?

Deposits for early bookings are typically low, allowing you to secure your booking and spread the rest of the cost over a long period.

6. When is the final balance usually due for an early booking?

The final balance is usually due around 90-120 days (3-4 months) before your departure date. This lengthy period makes flexible payment planning a major perk of booking early.

7. Can I still book specific shore excursions if I wait until the last minute?

No. Popular shore excursions, especially those with limited capacity, often sell out well in advance. Booking early gives you time to research and secure your preferred tours.

8. Is booking early important for family cruises?

Yes, it is crucial. Large family cabins, connecting rooms, and cruises during peak school holiday periods have the highest demand and sell out fastest.

9. What if the price drops after I book early?

Many cruise lines and travel agents offer a price promise or rate-protection policy. It is important to ask your consultant if they will adjust your price or offer a refund if the fare drops before the final payment date.

10. Is it better to book directly with the cruise line or a consultant/agent?

A cruise consultant or agent (like Cruise.co.uk!) often has access to exclusive deals, group rates, and added incentives that are not available directly from the cruise line.