Is 2023 a good year to cruise?


Is 2023 a good year to cruise? With 2023 poised to be a big year for both new and frequent cruisers — thanks in part to an abundance of new ships and itineraries — Travel + Leisure has hand-selected 16 different types of adventures to consider in the year ahead.


What is the top cruise line in 2023?

Cruise Line Rankings
  • #1. Virgin Voyages.
  • #2. Carnival Cruise Line.
  • #3. Celebrity Cruises.


Is it better to book your next cruise onboard?

Booking Your Next Cruise Onboard Saves Time and Money Remember, once you are off the ship, the offer will no longer be available. With the reduced deposit, extra shipboard credit, and flexible change policy, it's really a no-brainer to place a future cruise deposit, and look forward to your next exciting voyage!


What are the most crowded cruise months?

Most people travel during the summer months (June through August), making those voyages pricier, but you'll find deals on spring and fall departures (April through early June and September through November, respectively).


How many days is best for a cruise?

If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.


How far out should you book a cruise?

Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.


What is the most expensive month to go on a cruise?

The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.


Is it better to be closer to the front or back of a cruise ship?

Aft of the ship The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.


Do cruise prices drop last minute?

You may find cheaper cruise fares if you're able to book a last-minute cruise departing in the spring or fall when most families with children in school can't travel. As such, cruise lines typically have more availability and lower pricing during these times.


How to get good rates for cruises?

Keep these 13 tips in mind when you're planning for your next voyage.
  1. Be flexible with when and where you cruise. ...
  2. Shop around and compare. ...
  3. Book a cruise with free extras. ...
  4. Look for “kids cruise free” deals. ...
  5. Look into cruise loyalty programs. ...
  6. Pay for your cruise with credit card rewards.


What is the best location to book on a cruise?

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.


What is a good amount of money to take on a cruise?

So how much money do you need? The answer to this question varies a lot by person, their travel habits, spending preferences, length of the cruise and destination. Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.


Is it cheaper to book a cruise while on a ship?

The price of a cruise is the same whether you book onboard or at home, but Royal Caribbean will give you extra onboard credit for booking onboard. It's a bonus on top of other promotions the cruise line has, and is one of the best ways to rack up onboard credit.


Are cruises more expensive in 2023?

Cruise Fare Increases In 2023, the cheapest you can get an ocean view balcony is around $3,900. That's an increase of over 77%. Even if you plan a cruise for 2024, the cheapest you can get for a similar cabin is around $3,100, which is close to a 41% increase.


Why are 2023 cruises so expensive?

While the cruise lines have been sailing around 60-80% capacity in 2022, some are predicting they will reach 100%+ occupancy by the middle of this year. So, with more individuals wanting to cruise, this means higher cruise fares. We are already feeling these effects when trying to plan trips for the year ahead.


What day is the cheapest day to book a cruise?

Vacations can be expensive, so naturally, whenever there's a study that suggests ways to travel cheaper, it's worth digging into. According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise.


How far out should you book a cruise for best price?

Booking a cruise one to two years in advance is not practical for many families, so a great time to book a cruise is between six and 12 months before sailing. In addition to the lower prices, booking well in-advance of a cruise assures you of the ship and stateroom you want to reserve.


Do cruises get cheaper closer to departure?

If a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. But if a cruise's departure date is fast approaching and the ship is only partially booked, prices will drop, and complimentary add-ons will increase, resulting in some happy customers.


Are cruise ships sailing at full capacity 2023?

For 2023, the passenger capacity is forecast to grow another 18 percent, with the full fleet sailing, plus new ships entering service, offset by the retirement of older ships and some brands that ceased service during the pandemic.


What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.