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Cruisers can choose from hundreds of different promotions, which, while exciting, can also be overwhelming.
Meet the Expert
Rob Clabbers is aTravel + LeisureA-list travel advisorwho specializes in cruises.
He is the founder ofQ Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency.
Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Mary Curry is aT+L A-list travel advisorwho specializes in small ships.
Ashton Palmer is aT+L A-list travel advisorwho specializes in expedition sailings.
Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Take advantage of wave season.
Mark Katzman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises
Wave season runs from January through March.
Its well worth booking your cruise in these months.
Use a travel advisor.
Travel during the shoulder or low seasons.
Many cruise lines offer lower fares before or after the high seasons.
While the weather may not be at its peak, neither are the crowds, Clabbers says.
Bonus: airfares may be lower, too.
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Be flexible.
Ironically enough, being flexible sometimes means relinquishing some of your flexibility.
Book early.
According to Curry, this is especially true onsmall-ship sailings.
Or book a last-minute cruise.
Cruise prices can sometimes get cheaper closer to the date, so it can pay to book late.
Stick with one company.
Just as airlines and hotels offertravel rewards programsand perks to loyal customers, most cruise lines do, too.
Loyalty can pay off, Clabbers says.
Many cruise lines offer some discounts or credits to spend on board or other benefits for their returning passengers.
Plus, these programs are typically free to join, so you have nothing to lose by signing up.
Mark Katzman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises
Cruise with friends or family.
Cruise with your nearest and dearest and get rewarded for it, too.
According to Palmer, cruise lines are often willing to extend a discount for groups of six or more.
For example,Royal Caribbean,Virgin Voyages, andPrincess Cruisesoffer group discounts.
Consider repositioning cruises.
Budget-conscious travelers should consider arepositioning cruise.
As such, youll be spending the bulk of your vacation on board.
Bundle up.
Guests sailing with luxury line Silversea also have the option to add flights by booking itsDoor-to-Door all-inclusive package.
You may also be able to find and book reduced-cost flights directly through the cruise lines.
Similarly, some lines, includingRegent Seven Seas Cruises, offer a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for certain classes.
