THE best time to book a cheap cruise deal is now according to an expert – and you're unlikely to find better deals at other times of the year.
Even better, big cruise companies will often throw in extra perks like free drinks packages, flights and money to spend on board as well.
That's the insider tip from Adam Coulter, UK managing editor of Cruise Critic.
Adam told to Sun Online Travel: "Known in the industry as Wave Season, January through March is the key period in the year when cruise lines and travel agencies put out extra-value cruise deals."
He explained: “January has traditionally been the key time to promote all types of holidays, as people like to have something to look forwards to post-Christmas and when the dreary cold winter weather is in full swing.
"Like other holiday sectors, cruise lines have chosen to create their own January sales campaigns, but run these for a longer three-month period – generally because a cruise holiday can often be a slightly more complicated booking – with many different types of options to decide on.
"It’s so known because it’s like a ‘wave’ of deals and bookings."
According to Adam, if you shop around, there are lots of discounts and freebies to be found, including "free or reduced price bookings, free drinks packages, prepaid service charges and generous free onboard credit, among other perks."
He added: "Some cruise lines have slashed 50 per cent off their cruises prices. Others are offering significantly reduced – or even free – flights; and some are offering more than £500 worth of free onboard credit per cabin."
So what are some of the best deals out there?
For families, Royal Caribbean offers some of the best value deals.
Right now, if you book a cruise for two, the second guest gets 60 per cent off their fare – and kids can travel for just £99.
That's on top of £125 off selected staterooms, with discounts available for journeys between 2020 and 2022.
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