Cruising can be one of the most relaxing and fun vacation options for families, but if you’ve got a family of five like mine, the costs can add up quickly. We took our first cruise a couple of years ago, and it was such an incredible adventure. Our kids were hooked—they were already asking about our next cruise before we even docked! But with a larger family, finding a way to make these trips more affordable is key.
During our last trip, I overheard another passenger mentioning that they booked their cruise last minute through VacationsToGo, a discount website that offers significant savings—sometimes 50% to 90% off the standard prices. These deals are often for cruises booked within 90 days of departure, making them perfect for spontaneous travelers or families with flexible schedules.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about finding discounted cruises, including tips for using VacationsToGo, the pros and cons of last-minute bookings, and other strategies to save on your next cruise. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you plan your next adventure without breaking the bank.
What Is VacationsToGo?
VacationsToGo is an online travel agency that specializes in discounted cruises. They have been around since 1984 and have a reputation for offering significant savings on last-minute cruise bookings. Their “90-Day Ticker” lists cruises departing within the next 90 days, and it’s a great place to find deals that can be 50% to 90% off regular cruise fares.
- Website: www.vacationstogo.com
- Types of Cruises: They offer discounts on various types of cruises, including Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and family-friendly cruises.
- Who It’s For: Families or travelers with flexible schedules who can book trips on short notice.
Pro Tip: You can sign up for the VacationsToGo free email newsletter to receive alerts about new deals and flash sales. This way, you’ll be among the first to know about deeply discounted cruises.
How to Use VacationsToGo for Last-Minute Cruise Deals
If you’re interested in booking a cruise through VacationsToGo, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the best deals:
Step 1: Visit the 90-Day Ticker
The 90-Day Ticker is the key feature of VacationsToGo. This section of the website lists all cruises that are set to sail within the next 90 days. Because cruise lines want to fill up their ships, they often offer significant discounts on unsold cabins as the departure date gets closer.
- Go to the 90-Day Ticker: Navigate to the “90-Day Ticker” tab on their website.
- Filter Your Search: Use the filters to narrow down your search by departure port, destination, cruise line, and length of cruise. This is especially helpful if you have a specific region in mind, like the Caribbean or Alaska.
Step 2: Look for Deals on Family-Friendly Cabins
When searching for a cruise as a family of five, cabin space can be a challenge. Look for ships that offer family suites or adjoining cabins. VacationsToGo often lists the cabin type along with the price, so you can see if the deal fits your family’s needs.
- Family Cabins: Many cruise lines offer family suites that can accommodate up to six people, making it easier for larger families to stay together.
- Insider Tip: Check if the cruise line offers kids sail free promotions, which can sometimes be combined with last-minute deals to further reduce costs.
Step 3: Compare the Discounts
VacationsToGo makes it easy to see the discount percentage right next to the listed price. Compare different options to find the best balance between price and itinerary. Sometimes, a slightly higher fare might be worth it for a better cabin or a longer trip.
- Example: A 7-night Caribbean cruise might normally cost $1,000 per person, but with a 70% discount, you could snag a deal for $300 per person. For a family of five, that means a potential savings of $3,500!
The Pros and Cons of Last-Minute Cruise Bookings
Booking a cruise at the last minute can offer some incredible savings, but it’s not always the right choice for everyone. Here’s what you need to consider:
Pros:
- Deep Discounts: As mentioned, last-minute bookings can offer 50% to 90% off regular cruise fares.
- Spontaneity: If you love the idea of a spontaneous adventure, last-minute cruises can add an element of excitement to your travel plans.
- More Options During Off-Season: If you’re flexible about when you travel, you can find great last-minute deals during the off-season (like September or January), when there is less demand.
Cons:
- Limited Cabin Selection: Last-minute bookings often mean you get what’s left, which may not include the best cabins or suite options.
- Less Time to Plan: You’ll need to be ready to pack and go quickly, which can be tricky if you have a lot of logistics to coordinate with kids.
- Possible Higher Flight Costs: If you need to fly to your departure port, last-minute flights can be more expensive, which could offset the savings on the cruise fare.
Pro Tip: To avoid high airfare costs, look for last-minute cruises departing from ports within driving distance or book a flight using credit card points.
Other Ways to Save on Cruises for Families
While VacationsToGo is a great resource, there are other strategies that can help you save on cruises:
1. Book Through the Cruise Line’s Flash Sales
Many cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, hold flash sales throughout the year. These sales often include perks like free Wi-Fi, onboard credit, or kids sail free promotions.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts: Most cruise lines have newsletters that alert you to their sales.
- Best Times to Book: January through March, known as Wave Season, is when cruise lines often offer their best deals.
2. Use Credit Card Rewards for Discounts
If you have a travel rewards credit card, you might be able to use points or miles to cover the cost of your cruise or to get discounts on shore excursions, drinks packages, and specialty dining.
- Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture offer the ability to redeem points for travel purchases, including cruises.
- Pro Tip: Some credit cards also offer travel insurance as a perk, which can be handy when booking cruises.
3. Look for Group Rates
If you have a large family or want to travel with friends, many cruise lines offer group rates or special discounts when you book multiple cabins. These rates can save you money per person, and sometimes the group leader even gets their fare free.
- Ask for Group Perks: Group bookings might also include extras like a private cocktail party or group photo sessions on board.
Example: How We Saved on a Last-Minute Cruise Using VacationsToGo
Let me share a quick example of how VacationsToGo worked for us. We found a 7-night Caribbean cruise that was originally priced at $1,200 per person. By booking through the 90-Day Ticker, we snagged tickets for $450 per person—a 65% discount! We saved over $3,500 for our family of five.
With the money we saved on the cruise fare, we were able to splurge a little on shore excursions, like a snorkeling trip in Grand Cayman and a visit to the Mayan ruins in Cozumel. It turned out to be an unforgettable family vacation without the hefty price tag.
Conclusion: Cruise Smarter with These Discount Strategies
Cruising can be an amazing family vacation, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and quality time together. But the costs can add up quickly, especially for larger families. Using resources like VacationsToGo for last-minute bookings and taking advantage of flash sales and group discounts can make a big difference.
Whether you’re a planner or love to travel on a whim, there’s a way to make cruising affordable. The key is to stay flexible, do your research, and be ready to book when a great deal pops up. Before you know it, you’ll be sailing away on your next adventure without breaking your budget.
Ready to plan your next cruise? Check out VacationsToGo and see if there’s a last-minute deal that fits your family’s schedule!
