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Last-Minute Cruises: Spark Your Spontaneity!
Booking a cruise can feel like a daunting task that often has to be planned well in advance. How about the individuals who are unsure of where to go, when the best time to book a cruise is, or simply do not have the time to book ahead? Factor in various cruise lines, ships, embarkation ports, itineraries and overall destinations to choose from, and it can all feel so overwhelming. While it’s true that booking a cruise well in advance allows travelers to secure their preferred choice of stateroom and/or dining time, waiting until later to book also has some of its own advantages.
Consider a last-minute cruise - Opens a dialog package to spark your spontaneity.
Booking a cruise can feel like a daunting task that often has to be planned well in advance. How about the individuals who are unsure of where to go, when the best time to book a cruise is, or simply do not have the time to book ahead? Factor in various cruise lines, ships, embarkation ports, itineraries and overall destinations to choose from, and it can all feel so overwhelming. While it’s true that booking a cruise well in advance allows travelers to secure their preferred choice of stateroom and/or dining time, waiting until later to book also has some of its own advantages.
Consider a last-minute cruise - Opens a dialog package to spark your spontaneity.
The Ruby Princess sailing the Mexican Riviera.
Why Wait to Book?
Cruises that have departure dates within the next 60 days – or 90 days for Alaska itineraries – are considered “last minute”. This is because it is the end of the window (for most, but not all cruise lines and itineraries) for travelers to cancel existing reservations without penalty. As a result, the fare may be reduced and you may find an exceptional deal, though there is no guarantee the pricing will drop. Finding a better deal on the cruise fare isn't the only reason to wait though; you may end up visiting an amazing destination you hadn't considered previously. Plus, if you book in the off-season, there may be more "elbow room" in the popular spaces onboard the ship.
Why Wait to Book?
Cruises that have departure dates within the next 60 days – or 90 days for Alaska itineraries – are considered “last minute”. This is because it is the end of the window (for most, but not all cruise lines and itineraries) for travelers to cancel existing reservations without penalty. As a result, the fare may be reduced and you may find an exceptional deal, though there is no guarantee the pricing will drop. Finding a better deal on the cruise fare isn't the only reason to wait though; you may end up visiting an amazing destination you hadn't considered previously. Plus, if you book in the off-season, there may be more "elbow room" in the popular spaces onboard the ship.
The Ruby Princess sailing the Mexican Riviera.
Explore breathtaking Alaska on a whim.
The last-minute cruise packages put together by Costco Travel are based on specific criteria to help you determine which cruise is best for you, and make the process of choosing your cruise easier. The three-to-seven-night itineraries featured are a great way to experience different cruise lines and ships, activities, destinations and more; without needing to take too much time off. They are also a welcome option for anyone who needs to get away for a bit, take a short break and recharge.
Destinations available for last-minute bookings include Mexico and the Caribbean, if you’re looking for a warm getaway. Alaska is available from mid-February to the end of August for those wanting to explore glaciers and catch some glimpses of wildlife. Only cruises departing from US ports – or Vancouver B.C. – are selected, eliminating the need to travel internationally before or after the sailing. Different Mexico, Caribbean and Alaska itineraries are reviewed carefully, as Costco Travel makes every effort to include a variety of itineraries with different ports of call or routes along the way. Many are also roundtrip!
Choose a Family Friendly or Sophisticated Cruise Line
Apart from luxury cruise lines or river cruises, most cruise lines that are available through Costco Travel can be booked at the last minute, depending on availability and dates offered. Here are some suggestions to help you narrow down your search and save time.
Sightsee from your balcony.
Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are ideal choices if you’re interested in a fun, upbeat and easy-going cruise ship. All of these ships are family friendly and offer an array of entertainment, dining, activities for all ages – some including water parks/slides, and more. Norwegian Cruise Line is especially great for first-time cruises as they offer a more casual, freestyle format.
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean® offer a more sophisticated, innovative experience onboard. Holland America, known for its enriching and various Alaska itineraries, offers gracious service and features museum-quality art throughout its ships, while Princess offers elevated-quality cruise and culinary experiences. Last, but certainly not least, Royal Caribbean helps you make the most of each moment, featuring awe-inspiring entertainment. Some itineraries also include visits to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are ideal choices if you’re interested in a fun, upbeat and easy-going cruise ship. All of these ships are family friendly and offer an array of entertainment, dining, activities for all ages – some including water parks/slides, and more. Norwegian Cruise Line is especially great for first-time cruises as they offer a more casual, freestyle format.
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean® offer a more sophisticated, innovative experience onboard. Holland America, known for its enriching and various Alaska itineraries, offers gracious service and features museum-quality art throughout its ships, while Princess offers elevated-quality cruise and culinary experiences. Last, but certainly not least, Royal Caribbean helps you make the most of each moment, featuring awe-inspiring entertainment. Some itineraries also include visits to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Sightsee from your balcony.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
Booking a cruise can feel like a daunting task that often has to be planned well in advance. How about the individuals who are unsure of where to go, when the best time to book a cruise is, or simply do not have the time to book ahead? Factor in various cruise lines, ships, embarkation ports, itineraries and overall destinations to choose from, and it can all feel so overwhelming. While it’s true that booking a cruise well in advance allows travelers to secure their preferred choice of stateroom and/or dining time, waiting until later to book also has some of its own advantages.
Consider a last-minute cruise - Opens a dialog package to spark your spontaneity.
Booking a cruise can feel like a daunting task that often has to be planned well in advance. How about the individuals who are unsure of where to go, when the best time to book a cruise is, or simply do not have the time to book ahead? Factor in various cruise lines, ships, embarkation ports, itineraries and overall destinations to choose from, and it can all feel so overwhelming. While it’s true that booking a cruise well in advance allows travelers to secure their preferred choice of stateroom and/or dining time, waiting until later to book also has some of its own advantages.
Consider a last-minute cruise - Opens a dialog package to spark your spontaneity.
The Ruby Princess sailing the Mexican Riviera.
Why Wait to Book?
Cruises that have departure dates within the next 60 days – or 90 days for Alaska itineraries – are considered “last minute”. This is because it is the end of the window (for most, but not all cruise lines and itineraries) for travelers to cancel existing reservations without penalty. As a result, the fare may be reduced and you may find an exceptional deal, though there is no guarantee the pricing will drop. Finding a better deal on the cruise fare isn't the only reason to wait though; you may end up visiting an amazing destination you hadn't considered previously. Plus, if you book in the off-season, there may be more "elbow room" in the popular spaces onboard the ship.
Why Wait to Book?
Cruises that have departure dates within the next 60 days – or 90 days for Alaska itineraries – are considered “last minute”. This is because it is the end of the window (for most, but not all cruise lines and itineraries) for travelers to cancel existing reservations without penalty. As a result, the fare may be reduced and you may find an exceptional deal, though there is no guarantee the pricing will drop. Finding a better deal on the cruise fare isn't the only reason to wait though; you may end up visiting an amazing destination you hadn't considered previously. Plus, if you book in the off-season, there may be more "elbow room" in the popular spaces onboard the ship.
The Ruby Princess sailing the Mexican Riviera.
Explore breathtaking Alaska on a whim.
The last-minute cruise packages put together by Costco Travel are based on specific criteria to help you determine which cruise is best for you, and make the process of choosing your cruise easier. The three-to-seven-night itineraries featured are a great way to experience different cruise lines and ships, activities, destinations and more; without needing to take too much time off. They are also a welcome option for anyone who needs to get away for a bit, take a short break and recharge.
Destinations available for last-minute bookings include Mexico and the Caribbean, if you’re looking for a warm getaway. Alaska is available from mid-February to the end of August for those wanting to explore glaciers and catch some glimpses of wildlife. Only cruises departing from US ports – or Vancouver B.C. – are selected, eliminating the need to travel internationally before or after the sailing. Different Mexico, Caribbean and Alaska itineraries are reviewed carefully, as Costco Travel makes every effort to include a variety of itineraries with different ports of call or routes along the way. Many are also roundtrip!
Choose a Family Friendly or Sophisticated Cruise Line
Apart from luxury cruise lines or river cruises, most cruise lines that are available through Costco Travel can be booked at the last minute, depending on availability and dates offered. Here are some suggestions to help you narrow down your search and save time.
Sightsee from your balcony.
Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are ideal choices if you’re interested in a fun, upbeat and easy-going cruise ship. All of these ships are family friendly and offer an array of entertainment, dining, activities for all ages – some including water parks/slides, and more. Norwegian Cruise Line is especially great for first-time cruises as they offer a more casual, freestyle format.
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean® offer a more sophisticated, innovative experience onboard. Holland America, known for its enriching and various Alaska itineraries, offers gracious service and features museum-quality art throughout its ships, while Princess offers elevated-quality cruise and culinary experiences. Last, but certainly not least, Royal Caribbean helps you make the most of each moment, featuring awe-inspiring entertainment. Some itineraries also include visits to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are ideal choices if you’re interested in a fun, upbeat and easy-going cruise ship. All of these ships are family friendly and offer an array of entertainment, dining, activities for all ages – some including water parks/slides, and more. Norwegian Cruise Line is especially great for first-time cruises as they offer a more casual, freestyle format.
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean® offer a more sophisticated, innovative experience onboard. Holland America, known for its enriching and various Alaska itineraries, offers gracious service and features museum-quality art throughout its ships, while Princess offers elevated-quality cruise and culinary experiences. Last, but certainly not least, Royal Caribbean helps you make the most of each moment, featuring awe-inspiring entertainment. Some itineraries also include visits to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Sightsee from your balcony.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Lauren Held, Merchandising Content Specialist at Costco Travel, with nearly 7 years of experience in the travel industry.