15 Things You Need to Know About Last-Minute Cruises, Revealed

4. You have to know what you want

Figure out what you want. | comstock/iStock/Getty Images

Bargains on last-minute cruises are great — unless they don’t get you what you really want. As Cruise Critic explains, you should “read each offer carefully because it will specify exactly what your purchase entitles you to.” When you read the fine print, take a close look at what kind of cabin you’ll get. “An inside cabin is no bargain if you suffer from claustrophobia,” Cruise Critic note. “Outside cabins on sale may have obstructed views. Some last minute deals are for guarantee cabins, for which you cannot request a cabin number or location.” Know what you want and don’t settle for the wrong deal.

Next: Figure out where you can compromise, too.