When to Book an Expedition Cruise to Get the Best Price
Expedition cruises take travelers to remote, breathtaking destinations—Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, and beyond. But with luxury and adventure comes a higher price tag.
The good news? If you book strategically, you can save thousands on your expedition cruise while still getting the experience of a lifetime.
🚢 In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best time to book for the lowest prices
✅ When to find early-bird deals vs. last-minute discounts
✅ How to score exclusive perks like free airfare or onboard credit
✅ The best cruise lines for budget-conscious expedition travelers
1. When Is the Best Time to Book an Expedition Cruise?
Expedition cruise pricing fluctuates based on demand, availability, and how far in advance you book.
⏳ Best Time to Book:
🔹 12-24 months in advance → Early-bird deals & best cabin selection
🔹 3-6 months before departure → Some last-minute deals on remaining inventory
🔹 Black Friday & Wave Season (Jan-March) → Special discounts & perks
Early-Bird Discounts (12-24 Months in Advance) – Best for Choice & Perks
🟢 Why book early?
✅ Best selection of cabins (balcony suites, solo cabins sell out fast)
✅ Early-booking discounts (up to 30% off)
✅ Free airfare or hotel nights on select sailings
✅ Flexible payment plans
🚢 Best Expedition Lines for Early-Bird Discounts:
- Silversea Expeditions – Often includes free flights & hotel stays
- Ponant – Discounts up to 30% for early bookings
- Scenic Eclipse – Luxury perks like butler service & fine dining
💡 Pro Tip: Some luxury lines increase prices as departure dates get closer, so locking in early can save you thousands.
Last-Minute Deals (3-6 Months Before Departure) – Best for Flexible Travelers
🚨 When last-minute deals happen:
✅ If cabins don’t sell out, prices drop
✅ Antarctica & Arctic cruises sometimes have last-minute fares
✅ Luxury lines rarely discount but may offer perks (like onboard credit)
🚢 Best Expedition Lines for Last-Minute Deals:
- Quark Expeditions – Sometimes offers discounted polar sailings
- Aurora Expeditions – Deals on adventure-focused trips
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic – Rare but possible if a departure isn’t full
💡 Warning: Last-minute deals don’t always happen. If the ship sells out, you could miss your dream cruise.
2. When Do Expedition Cruises Go on Sale?
While expedition cruise deals aren’t as common as mainstream cruise sales, some key booking periods offer discounts and perks.
| Time of Year | What’s On Sale? | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Season (Jan-March) | Discounts, free airfare, onboard credit | Travelers booking a year out |
| Black Friday & Cyber Monday | Flash sales on select cruises | Flexible travelers |
| Spring & Fall (Shoulder Season Sales) | Lower fares on early or late-season sailings | Arctic & Antarctica cruisers |
| Hurricane Season (Sept-Oct) | Discounts on warm-weather expedition cruises | Galápagos, Caribbean, Amazon |
🌍 Best time to book Antarctica & Arctic Cruises: Wave Season (Jan-March) or Spring Sales (April-May).
🐧 Best time to book the Galápagos: Hurricane season (Sept-Oct) for lower fares.
3. How to Get the Best Expedition Cruise Deals
Booking at the right time is only part of the strategy. Here are expert tips to get the best price:
1. Book Through a Travel Expert Specializing in Expedition Cruises
A great travel advisor can:
✔ Find exclusive deals not advertised online
✔ Bundle perks like free airfare or hotel stays
✔ Help you avoid hidden fees and choose the best cabin
✔ Offer insider tips on when to book
📩 Work with a Travel Expert Now
2. Consider Repositioning Cruises for Cheaper Rates
🚢 Some expedition ships relocate between seasons. These “repositioning cruises” can be cheaper than regular itineraries.
💰 Example:
- Antarctica repositioning cruises (March-April) may include Patagonia & Chilean fjords at a lower rate.
- Arctic to Europe transitions in September can be a deal compared to peak summer.
3. Travel During the Shoulder Season
If you’re flexible, booking outside peak season can save you 20-40% off standard fares.
🌍 Best Shoulder Season Deals:
- Antarctica: November & March (cooler but fewer crowds)
- Arctic: May-June & September (more wildlife, fewer tourists)
- Galápagos: September-October (fewer boats, lower prices)
4. Look for Airfare & Perk-Inclusive Deals
Some cruise lines offer free or discounted airfare—especially for Antarctica.
🚢 Best Lines for Free Airfare:
- Silversea (Business class on select routes)
- Ponant (Often includes round-trip flights)
- Scenic Eclipse (Luxury perks like private charters)
💡 Pro Tip: Even if the cruise price is higher, factoring in free flights can save you thousands.
4. Which Expedition Cruise Lines Offer the Best Value?
Not all expedition cruise lines price the same. Some include everything (luxury), while others are pay-as-you-go.
Luxury Expedition Cruises (All-Inclusive) – Best for Hassle-Free Travel
💎 All-inclusive perks → Excursions, food, drinks, sometimes flights.
✔ Silversea Expeditions – Ultra-luxury with included excursions.
✔ Scenic Eclipse – Submarine & helicopter rides included.
✔ Ponant – French luxury & all-inclusive perks.
💡 Best for: Travelers who want to pay upfront and not worry about extra costs.
Adventure Expedition Cruises (More Affordable) – Best for Budget Travelers
💰 Lower base price but fewer included extras.
✔ Hurtigruten Expeditions – Eco-conscious & budget-friendly.
✔ Lindblad Expeditions – Educational, small-ship travel.
✔ Quark Expeditions – Pay-as-you-go adventure excursions.
💡 Best for: Travelers who don’t mind paying extra for excursions & drinks.
Final Thoughts: When Should You Book Your Expedition Cruise?
🛳 Book 12-24 months in advance for the best rates & perks.
🛳 Watch for Wave Season & Black Friday deals for added discounts.
🛳 Be flexible with travel dates & cabin choices to maximize savings.
🛳 Work with a travel expert to find exclusive promotions.
🚢 Ready to Book Your Expedition Cruise?
Let’s find the perfect cruise at the best price—so you can explore the world’s most remote destinations in style!