When to Book an Expedition Cruise to Get the Best Price
Expedition cruises are a bucket-list experience, often with hefty price tags. But savvy travelers know that timing is everything when it comes to getting the best deals, perks, and availability.
If you’re wondering when to book an expedition cruise to save money, this guide will break it down, covering early booking discounts, last-minute deals, seasonal pricing, and more.
1. Book 12-24 Months in Advance for the Best Availability & Early Discounts
Expedition cruises are not like mainstream cruises—they have smaller ships, limited cabins, and high demand, especially for popular destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos.
Why Booking Early Saves You Money:
✅ Early Bird Discounts – Many lines offer 10-25% off for early reservations.
✅ Best Cabin Selection – Suites & budget-friendly cabins sell out first.
✅ More Time to Watch for Price Drops – Some cruise lines allow price adjustments if rates drop.
✅ Flight & Hotel Savings – Booking early also means cheaper airfare & pre-cruise hotels.
Best for:
- Antarctica Cruises (peak season cabins sell out 1-2 years ahead).
- Galápagos Cruises (permits are limited, and small ships fill fast).
- Arctic Cruises (Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland have short seasons).
🚢 Pro Tip: If your ideal itinerary sells out, get on the waitlist—cancellations happen!
2. Watch for Wave Season Deals (January – March)
If you missed early booking discounts, don’t worry—Wave Season (Jan–March) is prime time for cruise deals.
What is Wave Season?
🌊 It’s the Black Friday of cruise bookings, when lines offer their best deals of the year.
What Kinds of Expedition Cruise Deals Are Offered?
✅ Discounted Fares – Save 10-30% off standard rates.
✅ Free Airfare – Some lines cover international flights (Antarctica, Arctic, or Galápagos).
✅ Onboard Credits – Up to $1,000 per cabin for excursions & drinks.
✅ Low Deposits – Sometimes as low as $250 per person (instead of $1,000+).
Best for:
- Luxury Lines like Silversea, Ponant, and Seabourn.
- Adventure-Focused Cruises like Quark & Lindblad.
🚢 Pro Tip: Sign up for cruise alerts from your preferred lines or work with a travel expert who tracks deals for you!
3. Score Last-Minute Deals (3-6 Months Before Departure)
If you have flexibility, waiting for last-minute expedition cruise deals can result in huge savings.
Why Last-Minute Fares Drop:
✅ Cruise lines want to fill remaining cabins to avoid empty sailings.
✅ Travel restrictions & cancellations open up spots.
✅ Solo travelers & groups drop out, leaving discounted berths.
How to Find Last-Minute Deals:
- Check flash sales from expedition cruise lines (Ponant, Quark, Hurtigruten).
- Follow travel agencies & cruise deal sites (many have exclusive discounts).
- Look for “repositioning cruises”—one-way itineraries often cost less.
🚢 Pro Tip: Last-minute deals are best for solo travelers (since single supplements are sometimes waived).
4. Travel During Shoulder Season for Lower Fares
Expedition cruises have high and low seasons, and sailing outside of peak months can save you thousands.
Best Shoulder Season Deals by Destination:
| Destination | Peak Season (Highest Prices) | Shoulder Season (Lower Prices) |
|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | December – February | October – November, March |
| Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland) | June – August | May, September |
| Galápagos | June – August, December – January | April – May, September – November |
| Alaska | June – August | May, September |
Why Shoulder Season Saves Money:
✅ Fares drop 20-40% compared to peak season.
✅ Fewer crowds & more intimate experiences.
✅ Wildlife sightings can be just as good (or better) in early/late season!).
🚢 Pro Tip: If you don’t mind cooler temps, sailing at the start or end of the season can be just as magical—without the premium prices.
5. Use Travel Points & Miles to Offset Costs
Even if you can’t find a discounted cruise fare, you can still save big by using travel rewards for flights, hotels, and onboard costs.
How to Save with Points & Miles:
✅ Book flights with airline miles (United, American, Delta, Alaska).
✅ Use hotel points for pre-cruise stays (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt).
✅ Pay with a travel rewards credit card (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) and redeem for statement credits.
🚢 Pro Tip: Some premium credit cards offer $200-$500 annual travel credits that can be used toward cruises.
Final Verdict: When’s the Best Time to Book?
It depends on your priorities:
| Booking Strategy | Best For | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 12-24 Months Early | Best availability, early discounts | 10-25% off |
| Wave Season (Jan-Mar) | Biggest cruise sales | Up to 30% off, free perks |
| Last-Minute (3-6 months out) | Flexible travelers | 40-50% off unsold cabins |
| Shoulder Season Travel | Lower fares & fewer crowds | 20-40% off peak pricing |
| Using Points & Miles | Flights, hotels, & cruise credits | Hundreds to thousands saved |
🚢 Final Tip: The best deals go fast—so whether you book early or late, having a trusted travel expert watching deals for you can help you lock in the best price before it’s gone.
Want help booking your dream expedition at the best price? Contact me for insider deals & exclusive perks! 🌍🚢
