Bookings in 2025: Welcome to the year of NO DEALS

• Strong forward bookings means it’s tough for those looking to grab a last-minute cruise deal in 2025.
• This year is a more difficult than any other for last-minute cruises, with prices jumping sharply.
• We show you how to can still get a sailing at a reasonable price.

Strong 2025 bookings are making this a difficult year to snag a last-minute deal. Low availability means those who are still looking to cruise this year may have to pay a premium.

Luxury and premium lines are all reporting a lack of inventory in the next 12 months – and that prices are the highest that have been seen in years. January has seen records across the board.

Sharon Summerhayes, owner of Deluxe Travel & Cruise, says that in past years we’d be seeing all sorts of great last-minute deals at the start of the year. But in 2025, it’s proving more difficult.

“It’s difficult to get a last-minute deal this year. In years past… we’ve see some fantastic last-minute deals, but this year, everything’s been full many months in advance. This year, 2025, is busier than usual.  We are still ‘revenge’ travelling post Covid, and exploring more than ever.”

Belle Goldie, owner of The Cruise and Travel Store, explains this further: “In Europe and close to home this year there’s less availability.

“High demand for these destinations can lead to reduced cabin availability and potentially higher prices, especially during peak travel seasons.”

Summerhayes says that instead of getting a bargain by coming into the market cashed up and ready to go, you’ll be paying a premium if you opt to go last minute in 2025. You could even be paying up to double if you have booked in advance.

“Most last-minute bookings in 2025, you’ll be paying a premium.  You could be paying double than if booking 12-18 months in advance.”

If you do want to go last-minute, the best idea is to turn to the experts, this is because cruise agents often have wholesale options stored away that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise.

“Always, always engage a cruise specialist agent.  You don’t know what you don’t know and can’t see what you can’t see – but we do!”

Summerhayes says she still has cruises in the peak Europe and Alaska season available wholesale that you wouldn’t be able to find online.

Other experts are saying the same.

CEO of Signature Travel Network Alex Sharpe told Travel Weekly: “Because the industry is so well-booked forward, the price has been really strong.”

Geoff Cox, vice president of sales and marketing at KHM Travel Group says that forward demand was so strong, that bookings are now drying up for agents with nothing left to snap up. He notes that high prices are driving this as well.

“Pricing is high. That’s the main driver for a slow start. Like everyone else, we came into 2025 with a ton already on the books .”

Cost of living contributing?

Here are Cruise Passenger we’ve had the most divergent views on how the cost of living crisis is affecting bookings. Some lines, particularly luxury, are asking: What crisis? We’re seeing strong bookings.

A Finder survey reveals that 17% of Australians have booked a holiday they couldn’t afford in the past 12 months, perhaps revealing a tricky crossroads between post-Covid ‘revenge travel’ and cost of living pressures.

Furthermore, 5% of Aussies went into debt just to take a trip, and another 5% had to borrow money for family or friends to travel.

Tips for last-minute cruises

Goldie, offers ten tips for booking a last-minute cruise.

“Booking a last-minute cruise can be a great way to save money, but it requires flexibility and strategy. Here are some top tips to help you find the best deals:”

Find her tips below.

1. Be Flexible with Dates & Destinations

• The best last-minute deals often appear for sailings departing within 30-60 days when cruise lines want to fill empty cabins.
• Be open to different departure ports and destinations to increase your chances of finding a bargain.
• Off-season or shoulder-season cruises (e.g., Caribbean in September, Alaska in May or September, Mediterranean in October) tend to have better last-minute deals.

2. Check for Discounts & Promotions

• Cruise Line Websites: Check their “last-minute deals” or “hot deals” sections.
• Cruise Agencies & Online Booking Sites: Travel agents often have exclusive discounts or perks.
• Resident, Military & Senior Discounts: Some cruise lines offer special fares based on location, military status, or age.

3. Be Open to Cabin Choices

• You may have limited cabin options (interior, obstructed view, or guarantee cabins), but these often come at the lowest prices.
• Some cruise lines offer “guarantee” cabins, where they assign you a cabin in the chosen category (or better) at a discount.

4. Consider Repositioning Cruises

• These one-way cruises (e.g., Europe to the Caribbean in fall or Alaska to Hawaii in September) are often cheaper but require one-way airfare.
• If you’re flexible with flights, these can be a great way to cruise at a lower cost.

5. Look for Bundled Packages

• Some cruise lines or travel agencies offer last-minute cruise + airfare deals, especially for Caribbean or Alaska sailings.
• Check if onboard perks (like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, or shore excursion credits) are included.

6. Be Ready to Book Immediately

• Last-minute deals sell out fast, so have your payment details ready when you find a good fare.
• Make sure your passport (if required) is valid, as some cruises won’t allow last-minute travelers without proper documentation.

7. Consider Drive-to Ports to Save on Airfare

• Last-minute airfare can be expensive, so look for cruises departing from ports within driving distance (e.g., Florida for the Caribbean, Los Angeles for Mexico, Seattle for Alaska).

8. Check Cancellation Policies

• Many last-minute fares are non-refundable, so ensure you’re committed before booking.
• Travel insurance is a good idea in case of emergencies.

9. Work with a Travel Agent

• A cruise-specialist travel agent can help find exclusive last-minute deals and handle all the logistics for you.
• They can also advise on hidden costs, best cabin choices, and perks like onboard credits.

10. Consider Older or Smaller Ships

• Newer ships tend to sell out quickly, but older or smaller ships often have more last-minute availability.
• These ships still offer great amenities but often at a lower price compared to their newer counterparts.
• Check cruise lines with large fleets (like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian) for last-minute sailings on their older ships.