STEP-BY-STEP CRUISE BOOKING GUIDE

Booking a cruise is much more complex than booking a flight. You'll need to choose a cruise line, cabin category, and itinerary, as well as travel dates and destinations. Here are a few tips for getting a great deal on a sailing vacation.

Step 1: Book early. The farther in advance you purchase your cruise, the more choices you'll have for cabin type and location, dinner seating, and itinerary. Many lines also offer their best fares to early bookers. Prices go up as cabins sell out.

Step 2: Book late. If you're less picky, consider a last-minute cruise. Cruise lines will discount cruises that haven't filled up a few months prior to departure. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals if you have a flexible schedule.

Step 3: Cruise in the shoulder season. Fares are always cheaper outside of peak season, such as May and September for Alaska cruises and fall for Caribbean trips.

Step 4: Try a repositioning cruise. Seasonal one-way sailings often combine low per-night rates with unique itineraries. Look for transatlantic, Panama Canal, and Pacific Coast cruises in the spring and fall.