How to get the best deal on Princess Cruises?

Booking a cruise at the lowest possible price isn't just about finding a discounted fare. The best deal on Princess Cruises comes from combining promotions, flexible travel dates, onboard credits, loyalty benefits, and smart booking strategies. Whether you're planning your first voyage or you're a returning guest, understanding how cruise pricing works can help you maximize value without sacrificing your vacation experience.

Princess Cruises frequently offers seasonal promotions, bundled packages, and limited-time discounts throughout the year. However, knowing when to book and what perks to prioritize often matters more than simply chasing the lowest advertised fare.

This guide explains proven strategies to help you secure the best Princess Cruises deal while avoiding common booking mistakes.

Why Princess Cruises Prices Change

Cruise fares are dynamic, meaning they fluctuate based on several factors, including:

• Cabin availability

• Sailing date

• Destination demand

• Ship occupancy

• Promotional campaigns

• Holiday travel periods

Unlike airline tickets, cruise pricing often includes additional incentives such as:

• Complimentary beverage packages

• Wi-Fi

• Specialty dining credits

• Onboard spending money

• Shore excursion discounts

Sometimes a slightly higher fare with included perks offers significantly better overall value than the cheapest cabin.

Best Ways to Get the Best Deal on Princess Cruises

1. Book During Major Cruise Promotions

Princess Cruises regularly launches promotional events throughout the year.

Popular sale periods include:

• Wave Season (January through March)

• Memorial Day sales

• Fourth of July promotions

• Labor Day offers

• Black Friday

• Cyber Monday

• Holiday promotions

These promotions may include:

• Reduced deposits

• Cabin upgrades

• Free room location upgrades

• Onboard credits

• Beverage packages

• Kids Sail Free offers on select itineraries

Booking during these events often provides the greatest savings.

2. Book Early for Popular Itineraries

If you're planning:

• Alaska

• Europe

• Japan

• Australia

• Holiday cruises

booking 8–18 months in advance usually provides:

• Lower introductory fares

• Better cabin selection

• Greater availability of balcony rooms

• Access to early booking promotions

High-demand sailings rarely become cheaper close to departure.

3. Stay Flexible With Travel Dates

Flexibility can produce substantial savings.

Prices often vary depending on:

Travel TimeTypical Pricing

Summer HolidaysHighest

Christmas & New YearHighest

Spring BreakHigh

Shoulder SeasonLower

Off-Peak MonthsLowest

Traveling one or two weeks earlier or later can reduce the cruise fare considerably.

4. Compare Multiple Cabin Categories

Many travelers immediately book an interior cabin assuming it's the cheapest option.

However, promotional pricing sometimes narrows the difference between:

• Interior cabins

• Oceanview cabins

• Balcony cabins

For only a modest increase, upgrading to a balcony may deliver far greater value.

Always compare every available cabin category before making your decision.

5. Watch for Included Packages

Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages can significantly increase overall value.

These bundles may include:

• Wi-Fi

• Drinks

• Crew appreciation

• Casual dining

• Premium desserts

• Fitness classes

• Photo packages

If you plan to purchase these separately, the bundled pricing is often much more economical.

Princess Cruise Booking Strategies Compared

StrategySavings PotentialBest For

Early BookingHighPopular itineraries

Last-Minute BookingModerateFlexible travelers

Wave Season SalesVery HighMost travelers

Shoulder Season TravelHighBudget-conscious guests

Bundle PackagesHighTravelers using onboard amenities

Loyalty PromotionsModerateRepeat cruisers

Book Directly or Through a Travel Advisor?

Both methods have advantages.

Booking Directly

Benefits include:

• Direct customer service

• Easier reservation management

• Access to official promotions

• Simplified itinerary changes

Many travelers also use the princess.com login portal to monitor reservations, review promotions, and manage cruise details after booking.

Booking Through a Cruise Specialist

An experienced travel advisor may offer:

• Extra onboard credit

• Group pricing

• Exclusive agency promotions

• Personalized recommendations

• Assistance before and after booking

Comparing both options helps ensure you're receiving the strongest overall offer.

Join the Captain's Circle Loyalty Program

Princess Cruises rewards repeat guests through its loyalty program.

Benefits may include:

• Exclusive promotions

• Priority boarding

• Complimentary internet minutes

• Preferred pricing opportunities

• Member-only savings

If you plan multiple cruises, joining the program can generate long-term value.

Monitor Price Changes

After booking, continue watching fares.

If your booking qualifies under Princess Cruises' pricing policies, you may be able to:

• Upgrade your cabin

• Receive promotional benefits

• Adjust your reservation before final payment

Always review the applicable fare terms since eligibility varies by promotion.

Consider Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises occur when ships move between seasonal destinations.

Examples include:

• Alaska to California

• Europe to the Caribbean

• Australia to Asia

These sailings often feature:

• Lower daily fares

• More sea days

• Unique itineraries

They can be excellent choices for travelers prioritizing value over port-intensive schedules.

Choose Less Popular Departure Ports

Flights and cruise pricing both affect your vacation budget.

Sometimes sailing from an alternative port results in lower total costs.

Examples include:

• San Francisco instead of Los Angeles

• Galveston instead of Miami

• Southampton instead of London-area departures

Compare total vacation expenses rather than cruise fare alone.

Book During Shoulder Seasons

Some destinations offer nearly identical experiences at significantly lower prices.

Examples include:

Alaska

• May

• September

Caribbean

• Late April

• Early December

Europe

• April

• October

These months often feature:

• Smaller crowds

• Competitive pricing

• Pleasant weather

• Better cabin availability

Avoid Common Booking Mistakes

Many travelers accidentally increase their cruise costs.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Booking without comparing promotions

• Ignoring bundled packages

• Waiting too long for popular sailings

• Choosing flights before selecting a cruise

• Forgetting loyalty discounts

• Not comparing multiple cabin categories

• Missing final payment deadlines

Small planning decisions can save hundreds of dollars.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Princess Cruise Deal

Step 1

Decide your destination and preferred travel season.

Step 2

Set a realistic total vacation budget.

Step 3

Compare multiple sailing dates.

Step 4

Review current Princess Cruises promotions.

Step 5

Compare bundled packages against standalone purchases.

Step 6

Check pricing across different cabin categories.

Step 7

Compare direct booking with travel advisor offers.

Step 8

Book when pricing aligns with your budget instead of waiting indefinitely for a lower fare.

Extra Money-Saving Tips

• Travel during shoulder seasons.

• Be flexible with departure dates.

• Monitor seasonal promotions.

• Join the loyalty program before booking.

• Consider repositioning cruises.

• Compare total vacation costs instead of cruise fare alone.

• Look for onboard credit offers.

• Review cancellation and fare adjustment policies before payment.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How far in advance should I book a Princess Cruise?

For popular destinations, booking 8–18 months ahead often provides the best combination of pricing, cabin selection, and promotional offers.

Is it cheaper to book last minute?

Sometimes, but only if cabins remain unsold. Last-minute deals are generally best for travelers with flexible schedules and cabin preferences.

What is Wave Season?

Wave Season typically runs from January through March and is considered one of the best times to find cruise promotions, including reduced deposits, onboard credits, and package offers.

Are balcony cabins worth the extra cost?

During promotional periods, the price difference between interior and balcony cabins can be relatively small, making a balcony a worthwhile upgrade for many travelers.

Do travel advisors offer better cruise deals?

In some cases, yes. Travel advisors may provide exclusive onboard credits, group pricing, or additional perks that are not always available through standard public promotions.

Can cruise prices drop after I book?

They can. Depending on your fare type and booking terms, you may qualify for pricing adjustments or promotional upgrades before the final payment date.

Should I buy Princess Plus or Princess Premier?

If you expect to purchase beverages, Wi-Fi, casual dining, or other onboard extras, these bundled packages may provide better value than buying each service separately.

Are repositioning cruises a good value?

Yes. These cruises often offer lower daily fares and longer itineraries, making them attractive for travelers seeking maximum value.

Can loyalty members receive additional discounts?

Captain's Circle members may gain access to exclusive promotions, early offers, and other benefits depending on their membership level.

How can I compare deals effectively?

Compare the total vacation cost rather than the advertised cruise fare. Include gratuities, airfare, beverages, internet access, excursions, dining packages, and onboard credits to determine the true value of each offer.