• Schedule ahead of time to book a cheap cruise vacation.waiting cruise ship image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  Cruise ships hardly ever set sail with empty cabins, so you can find some type of deal throughout the year. Cruise companies promote deals and offer discounts for you to locate a cheap cruise. By carefully planning and doing research ahead of your trip, you can pick an inexpensive cruise vacation.
  
  

Consult a Travel Agent

• Consult a travel agent who specializes in cruises. Your cruise travel agent keeps track of locales that interest you and will call if a promotion is available. Travel agents typically are aware of deals and notify clients when a particular cruise ship is offering a deal.
  
  

Off-Season Deals

• Try to book your cruise during off-peak season. Off-peak season is when fewer people travel. You can find an inexpensive cruise deal during times of the year people are less likely to set sail.
  
  

Group Book

• If you have a group of people who want to take a cruise, it is possible to get a group rate. The group rate is less than a regular cruise rate. Some cruise companies do not advertise a group rate, so you may have to ask.
  
  

Last Minute

• If you are flexible with your cruise vacation, you can receive a cheaper cruise price by booking a last-minute deal. Last-minute discounts can offer some of the best prices as long as you are not picky. You will need to be flexible with dates, itinerary, entertainment and rooms.
  
  

Book Early

• Cruise companies typically offer a discount for cruise vacations booked weeks and months before your departure date. The closer you get to your departure date, the smaller the discount. When you book early, you are most likely able to receive the exact vacation date requested, desired entertainment packages, preferred rooms and match your planned itinerary.