Cruise Bargains and Resale
Bargain hunting that does not put your vacation at risk.
Get Free Cruise QuotesReal Cruise Bargains, Without the Flea Market Risk
A flea market is a place for bargains, and cruise travelers love a deal. But when it comes to the cruise itself, the best bargains come from the lines and from licensed agencies, not from secondhand sellers.
Seasonal promotions
The biggest sales of the year usually run from January to March. Wave Season gathers the current offers.
Discounts you qualify for
Past-guest, resident, military, senior and group rates can stack with some promotions. Cruising for Less explains them.
Last-minute sailings
Lines sometimes reduce fares on unsold cabins close to departure. Last Minute Cruising explains when that works.
Shoulder seasons
The weeks just before and after peak periods often bring lower fares with almost the same weather.
Buying a Booking Secondhand
People sometimes try to sell a cruise they can no longer take. Whether that is possible depends on the line and the fare type. Some lines allow a name change for a fee until a set date; others do not, and some fares are not transferable. Money changing hands between strangers before the line approves the change is where problems start. Our sister site Cruise Classifieds goes through how name changes and transfers work and the scams to avoid. If you need to cancel, travel insurance may be the better route: see Cruise & Travel Insurance.
Where the Flea Market Mindset Works
- Gear and clothing, as on our must-haves page.
- Guidebooks and maps for your ports, which are easy to find used.
- Memorabilia from the ship you are about to sail on, a fun way to learn her story.
- Trading travel stories and tips with other cruisers before you go.
Above all, never send money to a stranger for a cruise booking you cannot see in your own name on the cruise line’s website or app.
For the cruise itself, a quote from a licensed advisor is the safest bargain: you get the fare, the terms and someone to call if plans change.
Bargain and Resale Questions
Can I sell or transfer my cruise booking to someone else?
Sometimes. Many lines allow a name change for a fee up to a deadline before sailing, while others restrict changes, and nonrefundable fares may not be transferable at all. The rules are line by line; our sister site Cruise Classifieds explains them, and your booking terms are the final word.
Are cruise tickets sold by strangers online safe to buy?
Be very careful. A cruise booking is tied to the guest names on it, and buying one from a stranger leaves you exposed if the transfer is refused or the booking is canceled. Book through the line or a licensed travel agency.
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