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

9. Many deals on last-minute cruises happen during the shoulder season

Don’t expect to travel during the peak season. | jeffclow/iStock / Getty Images Plus

Looking for voyages scheduled for the beginning and end of the season is another smart way to search for deals, according to Shermans Cruise. You can sometimes find great deals on last-minute cruises during peak travel times, like Christmas or spring break. But Cruise Critic reports that you shouldn’t count on it. Instead, bargains are easier to come by during the shoulder season.  But don’t give up hope if you want that holiday itinerary or peak summer departure. Sometimes, those cruises don’t sell out as the cruise line expects them to, and you can find bargains.

Next: Think about choosing this type of itinerary.