Think of a cheap holiday and you’ll probably think of last-minute beach breaks or low-cost jaunts to Benidorm. A cruise probably won’t come into it. Renowned for their sumptuous all-inclusive dining options, luxury surroundings, professional entertainment and gorgeous destinations, cruise holidays are not normally associated with bargain breaks. But just like any package holiday there are various ways to bag a low-cost cruise and snap up a tempting deal - it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
Let’s say you fancy a relaxing Mediterranean cruise onboard the P&O Aurora. If you’ve got a specific date and itinerary in mind you’re best advised to book well in advance. This not only means you’ll be able to spread the cost and have longer to pay off the cost of your holiday, you’ll also benefit from early bird booking deals too. These vary and could be a tempting 10% or 20% discount on the overall cost of the holiday, or another type of incentive like a free cabin upgrade or cut-price excursions on land.
Another way to save money on a cruise is to book a late deal. Just like package holidays, cruise operators and travel agents will frequently slash the prices of their cruise holidays just before the ship sets sail. This is because it’s naturally more beneficial for the company to fill those last few cabins with paying customers - even if they’re paying significantly less than the advertised price - rather than letting them go empty. It’s a great way of saving money on a cruise and, providing you’re flexible enough to make compromises on limited availability, you could save a significant amount on the original cost of the holiday.
Whether you’re after P&O deals on Mediterranean cruises or discounts on lavish Caribbean itineraries, there’s a whole host of great deals out there - it’s just a matter of doing your homework and finding the right one for you.
