A cruise expert has revealed a key booking hack that can help holidaymakers ‘save hundreds of pounds’ while onboard the vessel, as well as sharing the best time to book the trip.

Cruises are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to escape the gloomy British weather, offering the option to explore various destinations during the voyage in an efficient, stress-free way. While the cost of a cruise varies depending on the duration and routes, they can be pricey, particularly when you add up any extras like dining packages and excursions.

However, in a bid to help travellers save extra cash during their next cruise, Sharon Hodkgiess, Sales Director of Cruise 118.com, has shared some easy ways passengers can save money onboard. And it’s all about preparing in advance.

The cruise expert exclusively told The Express: “Passengers can save hundreds of pounds onboard by planning ahead rather than waiting until they’re already sailing. Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive or bundled upgrades at a significantly lower cost when they are booked before departure, compared to purchasing the same items onboard.

“Pre-bookable extras such as drinks packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and onboard spending money can quickly add up. Booking these in advance not only helps travellers budget more effectively, but can also result in significant savings compared with onboard prices. I always advise booking these bundles at the time of booking your cruise, or as a minimum a couple of months before departure to keep costs down.

“It’s also worth working out whether a drinks package genuinely offers value. I often recommend estimating how much you’re likely to drink during your holiday before committing.”

Sharon also noted that booking a cruise in the first month of the year might be one of the best times. She explained: “Cruise lines frequently offer promotions on pre-cruise add-ons, particularly during peak sales periods such as January. Discounts of up to 40 per cent can be available on selected packages, but it’s important for travellers to check exactly what’s included and compare prices before booking to make sure the deal genuinely represents good value.

“For many guests, costs like drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi can add up quickly at sea, so locking these in at a lower rate before travel is one of the simplest ways to keep overall holiday spending under control.”

Expanding further on the prime time to book that luxurious cruise, Sharon shared: “The best cruise deals are usually available when itineraries first go on sale, which is why booking early often works out cheaper overall. This is when cruise lines release their lowest fares and strongest incentives, before prices rise as cabins sell out and demand increases. Booking ahead also gives travellers far more choice when it comes to cabins and itineraries.

“Planning in advance can also make cruises more affordable, as many cruise lines allow holidays to be secured with a low deposit and paid off through interest-free monthly instalments, reducing the upfront cost.

“The January sales are widely seen as the point when cruise deals really drop, with some of the biggest discounts of the year available across a wide range of sailings. While last-minute deals do occasionally appear, they’re unpredictable and usually come with limited choice, meaning booking early remains the most reliable way for travellers to secure the best price and overall experience. Despite this, if you do your research and have a specific idea of what cruise holiday you want, you are able to really secure yourself some great deals during this period.”

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