When it comes to sales, cruise lines offer so many deals it can make your head spin. In fact, it’s not uncommon for there to be different sales running at the same time, even on the same cruise line. In that case, you’ve got the task of figuring out which special is the best for you.
The good news is that cruise sales and deals are always being offered. That way, even if you miss one, there’s sure to be another around the corner. As well, in our experience most of these deals lead to similar prices. So a cruise line might offer 50% off a second guest… and then later have a different sale for $250 off your fare. The final price on both these sales often ends up within a few bucks of each other.
In other words, if these sales are no longer offered, don’t worry. You’ll still likely find a similar price for the same trip.
If you want more tips on getting a low price, read our 10 Rules to Getting the Best Deal on a Cruise.
In the meantime, here are the current deals being offered by cruise lines as of September 2018…
Carnival
As of the time of this writing, Carnival is offering several different perks for booking. First, VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) members — the cruise line’s loyalty program — are offered free room upgrades on booking. In addition, Carnival VIFP members are also eligible for up to $50 in onboard credit and deposits starting from $50.
If you are not yet a VIFP member, don’t fret. Signing up is free and you don’t even have to have taken a cruise yet.
Royal Caribbean
When it comes to the biggest ships, there’s no doubt that the worldwide leader is Royal Caribbean. Right now we’re seeing deals for 50% off the fare for a second guest and up to $200 off of winter cruises. As well, the cruise line continues with its popular “Kids Sail Free” campaign with more than 700 cruises offering this perk.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering a Labor Day Sale that allows you to choose from up to five free offers. Passengers can have their choice of:
- Free unlimited bar
- Free shore excursions
- Free specialty dining
- Free wi-fi
- Friends and family sail free
How many of the free offers you receive depends on the type of room you book. Studio and Inside cabins gets one perk for free. Oceanview, Balcony and Mini-Suite rooms get two free. Haven and Suite bookings get all five perks for free.
In addition, the cruise line has up to $500 in onboard spending available depending on which room you book.
Princess
Don’t like paying gratuities on a cruise? Then Princess has the sale for you. Right now they are running a “3 for Free” promotion. Here, everyone in a stateroom receives:
- Free stateroom location upgrade
- Free gratuities
- Free onboard spending money
The amount of spending money depends with the type of room you book and the length of your cruise. It can be as little as $50 (interior or oceanview cabin on a cruise between 6-9 days) and as much as $200 (balcony or higher on a cruise of 13+ days). A good thing about this offer is that the amount of money is per guest, not per stateroom.
Celebrity
Similar to Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity offers your choice of perks with its current sale. The “World is Open Sale” offers up your choice of two of the following items to be included in your cruise fare:
- Classic Beverage Package
- Unlimited wi-fi
- Prepaid tips
- $150 to spend on board
In addition, third and fourth guests sail for 50% off of their fares. If you book a suite on Celebrity, then you will receive all four perks and an upgraded drink package.
MSC Cruises
While MSC may not have as many ships and sailings as some larger competitors, it is growing with the recent launch of the MSC Seaside. The cruise line offers a “Drinks on Us” deal whereby bookings on the MSC Seaside, Divina or Meraviglia receive a beverage package with unlimited drinks from a selected menu of beers, house wines and house brands of vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey.
