The Ultimate Guide to Securing the Best Deals on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Securing a good deal on your Royal Caribbean cruise is more about shrewd planning and understanding the industry's strategies than just hoping for a lucky strike. Here, we delve into the best methods to find and make the most of the best offers available.

Strategies for Finding Great Deals

There is more than one way to find the best deals on Royal Caribbean cruises. Let's explore some effective methods that can help you save a significant amount without compromising on the quality of your vacation.

Check Their Website for Sales

One of the easiest ways to find a deal is to directly visit Royal Caribbean's official website. They often have ongoing promotions, discounts, and special offers prominently displayed.

Example: Check out their homepage or the deals section for current promotional offers and discounts.

Ask a Travel Agent

Travel agents are like travel enthusiasts, and they often stay updated on exclusive promotions that can be shared with their clients. They can inform you about any ongoing or upcoming promotions that might not be advertised publicly.

Note: Not all travel agents have access to exclusive deals, so it's crucial to choose one that specializes in cruise travel and has a good track record.

Be a Loyal Crown Anchor Member

Royal Caribbean rewards its loyal cruisers with discounts and perks. The more you cruise, the more rewards you can earn. Make sure to sign up for their Crown Anchor loyalty program to unlock these benefits.

Example: To find out more about the Crown Anchor program, visit the Royal Caribbean loyalty webpage.

Consider Moving to a State with Better Rates

Some states in the U.S. offer tax incentives for cruises originating within their borders. If you can relocate temporarily to one of these states, you might save on taxes, which can be a significant portion of your overall cruise cost.

Example: Some U.S. states like Florida, New Jersey, and Alaska offer tax rebates or exemptions for cruises departing from within their communities.

General Tips for Saving on Cruises

Aside from finding specific deals, there are several general strategies that can help you save on Royal Caribbean cruises. Let's explore these in more detail.

Avoid Peak Seasons

Summertime, Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break are peak seasons for cruises. Prices tend to be higher as the demand is at its peak. Instead, plan your cruise during fall, winter, or early spring when prices are significantly lower.

Tip: Consider repositioning cruises, which are often offered during these off-peak times.

Select Longer Cruises for Better Efficiency

Longer cruises are more cost-effective because your fixed overhead costs (like flights and port charges) are spread over more cruise days. If you weigh the value, longer cruises can be more economical.

Example: A 14-day cruise offers more time on the water compared to a 7-day cruise, spreading your fixed costs over a longer duration.

Choose Budget-Friendly Cabins

You'll likely spend more time enjoying the ship and its activities than in your cabin. Therefore, it's often not worth splurging on an expensive cabin. Cheaper or outside cabins, though small, are usually more than sufficient.

Note: Cabin features like bunk beds and seating areas can provide adequate space and privacy.

Book Early or Last-Minute

Many people who book cruises put down deposits but don't follow through. As a result, cruise lines often offer released cabins at substantial discounts in the last 60–90 days before sailing, sometimes even earlier.

Tip: Keep an eye on last-minute deals, which can be a great way to save.

Take Advantage of Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises, where you board at one port and disembark at another, often offer better deals. These cruises follow a different itinerary, so marketing costs are lower, and thus the prices are attractive.

Example: An 11-day cruise from Europe to the United States can offer fantastic deals due to the reduced ports of call and lower port costs.

Additional Savings with VacationsToGo

A website like VacationsToGo can be incredibly useful for finding good deals on Royal Caribbean cruises. This site allows you to compare hundreds of potential sailings over a period of a year or two, sorted by the price per night.

Step 1: Change the status column to “price per night” and click the column heading to sort the results.

Step 2: Explore the options and find cruises that meet your specific needs.

Example: Check out the repositioning cruises for the fall, where you can find deals as low as $30-$40 per night per person. Here are a few examples:

Cruise #19256: 14-day cruise from Tarragona to Tampa, Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas, with a price of $68 per night, offering a significant discount of 30% off the list price of $1305. Cruise #37972: 15-day cruise from Rome to Galveston, Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, with a price of $74 per night, providing a 30% discount off the list price of $450. Cruise #14171: 14-day cruise from Rome to Miami, Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas, with a price of $60 per night, offering a 35% discount off the list price of $503. Cruise #22285: 11-day cruise from Barcelona to Bayonne, Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, with a price of $77 per night, offering a 40% discount off the list price of $448.

These cruises offer great value, especially when you consider the additional perks such as meals, activities, and shows. For most travelers, this price per night is significantly less than what you'd pay for a comparably engaging shore-based vacation.

Final Thought: By following these tips and leveraging tools like VacationsToGo, you can secure fantastic deals and enjoy an unforgettable Royal Caribbean cruise at a price that fits your budget.

Bon Voyage!