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This list of best cruise deals 2019 is undoubtedly the most comprehensive on the web. Have you been dreaming of taking an all inclusive cruise this year but didn’t know how to afford it? I have more than a dozen tips to help, from finding last minute cruise deals to getting free cruise amenities once on board!
Best Cruise Deals 2019
Cruising is one of the best vacation values around if for no other reason than you know going into your vacation exactly how much it costs (assuming you don’t go crazy shopping or in the spa!); your food, lodging and onboard activities are included in one price.
That being said, there are ways to save even more on your next cruise vacation:
- Book Cruises Last Minute
If you have a flexible work and family schedule and are within driving distance to one of the many ports available to cruise lines now, you can score a great deal. We literally saved thousands of dollars on a Disney Cruise last year by doing just this. - Book a Cruise in the Off-Season
When comparing cruises between the off-season (like this time in February or late January) to the holiday seasons, you’ll pay close to half the price! - Don’t be picky about your room – or (see #4)…
* Book a room with restrictions. This could mean a lot of things, like not finding out which cabin you’ll have until you get on board. On a Disney Cruise, we’ve used codes like (IGT, OGT, VGT)
* Truth be told, you don’t need to spend a lot of time in your room (think sleeping and showering). If you’ve dreamed of going on a cruise but didn’t think you could afford it, find the itinerary you want and opt for the lowest level room. That being said… - Splurge for a nicer room on a value cruise line (like Carnival)
We’ve loved the times we’ve had a balcony on a cruise. Since many cruise lines now offer free room service, it can be heavenly having breakfast brought to your room and enjoying it on the balcony. If you have kids with you as well, this extra space can be crucial. - Take advantage of credit card offers
Right now you can take 50% off your deposit on a Disney Cruise. With a Disney Credit card, you can also get 0% APR on your cruise vacation & earn a $250 statement credit for a limited time. - Book through a membership club
Using a travel agent through membership clubs like AAA or Costco may not save you money on the cruise fare, but it typically adds a lot of value. For instance, I’ve seen them offer everything from Costco cash cards to spend in the warehouse to giving you hundreds of dollars to spend once on board. - Follow Cruise Lines on Social Media
You’d be surprised at the special offers cruises like to reward their loyal followers with. I’ve seen everything from free airfare to free drink packages while on board. - Wait to Book Extras Until On-Board
Once on board, cruises will discount their spa services and excursions if they’re not filled up. We’ve seen 2-for-1 deals on excursions. I’ve even gotten my haircut for less than I have at home, especially with the deals they offer the day you board the ship! - Book Your Next Cruise While Still On-Board
While some of the best cruise deals are found last minute, the same can also be said if you are one of the first to book. Point #7 helps with booking early, but you’ll also find fabulous deals for future cruises while still on the ship! - Find a Local
When we used to live in Florida, we loved taking advantage of Florida resident rates on the different cruise lines (which also fell in-line with last minute deals). Even if you’re not a local, you may be able to take advantage of this deal if you travel with someone who is (think grandparents who live in Florida or California); they would just have to book the room for you in their name and travel with you. - Kids Sail Free
While kids are normally cheaper anyway, some cruise lines offer “Kids Sail Free” deals, like Royal Caribbean who is currently offering this deal on over 300 sailings! - Travel as part of an event
You can find cruises for everything these days! One example is the FamilyLife Marriage Cruise we’ve been on five times. With your favorite artists and authors, trips like these not only offer great prices, you also get great entertainment and education included in the price! - Sign up for their Reward Programs
Much like any other frequent traveler program, you’ll be the first to receive news of new offers and deals, plus earn special treats on board and even early-boarding privileges - Mention your affinity group
Find special savings if you’re a senior citizen or member of the military.
Book now through CruiseDirect.com
Specific Cruise Line Deals
Here are the best deals specific to each individual cruise line as of the writing of this article:
- Royal Caribbean
- $50 off with promo code DEAL, 60% off 2nd guest, $100 to spend at sea
- Carnival
- 2-for-1 deposits + $50 onboard credit and free room upgrades when you book select cruises now through 2021
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- $50 deposits, 3rd & 4th roommates sail free on select cruises, past guests get $100 to spend on board. PLUS, guests that book balcony (and above) rooms get “6 free”:
- wifi
- unlimited open bar
- free shore excursions
- free specialty dining
- friends and family sail free
- roundtrip airfare
- $50 deposits, 3rd & 4th roommates sail free on select cruises, past guests get $100 to spend on board. PLUS, guests that book balcony (and above) rooms get “6 free”:
- Celebrity Cruises
- Save up to $300, plus free drinks & wifi
- Disney Cruise Line
- 50% off deposit on 25% off for Florida and Canadian residents on select cruises
- Princess Cruises
- European cruises with $900 onboard credit, free specialty dining and free gratuities
Even if you use just one of these best cruise deals 2019, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next all inclusive cruise vacation.
Watch my segment from Talk of the Town on how to find the best cruise deals:
