As the weather gets colder, the nights draw in and Christmas is rapidly approaching, it’s tempting to escape the onset of the British winter for some holiday fun in the sun. Cruises are a popular choice, but finding the best deal can be trickier than you might expect. With that in mind, here are our top tips for booking a great cruise whilst making sure you don’t break the bank.

1. Be flexible with dates – You might have a particular window in your festive calendar that you’d like to fill with a few days of fun in the sun but the more flexible you can be, the easier you’ll find it to secure a great deal. Even shifting your travel dates forward or back by a week can save you a worthwhile sum. Have a look at the date you fly out too, as this can also save you money – Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to travel on, so fly on one of those if you can.
2. Have a look at currency rates – Make sure you keep an eye on what the latest exchange rates are before you book. Even a small fluctuation in the markets could help you make a small – or even a large – saving.
3. Don’t disregard the deals – Deals can be a great way to grab a wonderful bargain when shopping for a cruise, especially if you’re looking to book at the last minute. If an operator has limited stock they need to sell before a particular date they’ll often list this at remarkably low prices, allowing you to swoop in and bag your cruise at a knockdown price.
4. If you can, book in advance – Whilst you can spot a last-minute bargain, the best way to ensure you see the best prices is to book as early as possible. The cruise industry often offers its very best deals to those who book months or even a whole year in advance, so planning ahead can ensure you don’t pay over the odds for your holiday.