If you’re dreaming of traveling the world by sea, dipping your feet in turquoise waters, balcony views, and all-you-can-eat buffets, one question always floats to the top: “When’s the best time to book a cruise?” You're most likely planning a last-minute getaway or mapping out your dream voyage for next year, knowing when to book can mean the difference between scoring a sweet deal or overpaying for the same exact cabin. The Golden Rule: Book Early or Book Late Most of the best cruise deals fall into two categories: Book Early (6–18 Months Out) If you want: The best choice of cabins (especially balconies and suites) Ideal itineraries during peak seasons Perks like free drink packages, Wi-Fi, or onboard credit Then, booking early is the way to go. Cruise lines reward early planners, especially for popular sailings like Alaska, Europe, or holiday cruises. Pro Tip: River cruises, such as Viking, often open bookings 1–2 years in advance and do sell out. Early bird wins here, big time. Book Late (Last 60 Days) On the flip side, if your schedule is flexible and you're not picky about cabin type, you can sometimes score deep discounts 1–2 months before sailing. But beware: airfare might be higher, and choices are limited. When Cruise Lines Offer the Best Deals Time of Year Why It’s Hot Wave Season (Jan–Mar) Biggest sales of the year — free upgrades, low deposits, and bonus perks Fall Sales (Sept–Oct) Slower season = better pricing and promos Black Friday & Cyber Monday Flash sales + extra onboard credit Post-Holiday Deals (Dec 26–31) Cruise lines pushing last-minute fills and early 2026 launches Booking Tips by Destination Caribbean: Book early for spring break & holidays; last-minute for September (hurricane season = deals) Alaska: Book 9–18 months out for summer sailings Europe & Mediterranean: Early booking gives better pricing and airfare options River Cruises: Book at least a year out. Especially for Viking or AmaWaterways My Cruise Booking Tips Use a Travel Advisor (like me!) You’ll often get extra perks, better pricing, and personal service at no extra cost. Set a Fare Watch I track price drops for my clients, even after they book. Avoid Peak School Holidays—if Possible Prices skyrocket during spring break, summer, and Christmas cruises. Book Group Cruises Early Want to cruise with friends or family? Lock it in early for the best rates and cabin choices. Be Flexible With Your Dates A one-week shift can save you hundreds. Ready to Cruise Smarter? At Set Sail & Anchor Vacations, I help cruisers find the best itineraries, exclusive perks, and stress-free planning. I’ll make sure you get the most value for your vacation dollars. Let’s plan your cruise together. Contact me today for custom quotes and free planning help. FAQs About Booking Cruises Q: Is it cheaper to book a cruise early or last minute? A: Usually early. You’ll get more perks and better cabin options. Last-minute deals can be cheaper but come with trade-offs. Q: What’s wave season? A: January through March. It’s when cruise lines offer the year’s biggest promotions. Q: How far in advance should I book a Viking river cruise? A: Ideally, 12–18 months out. Viking ships are smaller and fill quickly. Q: Can I rebook if the price drops? A: In many cases, yes! I monitor fares and can adjust bookings if a promo appears.

Thinking about a Viking river cruise but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. From itineraries to staterooms, planning can feel overwhelming, but that’s where I come in. Why Viking? What Makes It Special Elegant longships All-inclusive value Cultural, destination-focused experiences Popular with mature, well-traveled guests Where Can You Cruise with Viking? Rhine River (Amsterdam to Basel) Danube River (Budapest to Vienna/Passau) Seine, Rhône, and Douro Rivers Christmas Markets Grand European Tour (15 days!) When Is the Best Time to Go? Spring and Fall = fewer crowds Summer = best weather (but busiest) December = Christmas Market cruises Choosing the Right Itinerary First-timers: Rhine or Danube Wine lovers: Bordeaux or Douro Art/history buffs: Seine or Eastern Danube What’s Included With Viking? Shore excursions in every port Beer, wine & soft drinks with meals Wi-Fi, cultural enrichment programs No kids, no casinos = peaceful experience How I Help Clients Plan the Perfect Viking Cruise Compare itineraries based on interests Cabin recommendations (mid-ship? balcony?) Booking bonuses & potential savings Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays Airfare packages or upgrades Common Questions I Get Asked Often: Is Viking worth the price? Yes, Viking is worth the investment if you're looking for a refined, enriching, and low-stress way to experience Europe. While it's not the cheapest option, Viking includes a lot in its upfront fare: Guided excursions in every port, Beer, wine, and soft drinks with meals, Free Wi-Fi, no nickel-and-diming for extras, and a p eaceful, adults-only environment (no kids, casinos, or loud nightlife). Plus, you’re traveling with like-minded guests who value culture, history, and comfort. For many of my clients, Viking offers a premium experience without feeling over-the-top. How early should I book? Ideally, 9–18 months in advance. Viking cruises are incredibly popular, especially for peak seasons (spring/fall and Christmas Markets), and cabins often sell out early, especially balcony staterooms and suites. Early booking not only gives you the best cabin selection and pricing, but also access to: Early booking discounts, Airfare promotions, & e xclusive travel advisor perks (like I can help you with!) Booking early also gives you time to add pre- or post-cruise stays in cities like Amsterdam, Prague, or Budapest, another Viking favorite. Can I cruise solo or with a group? Yes to both! Solo Travelers: Viking is a wonderful option for solo cruisers who want to explore Europe comfortably. While they don’t offer true “solo cabins,” I help solo clients find the best value and avoid high single supplements when possible. Groups: Viking is fantastic for couples traveling together, friend groups, or even multigenerational adults. If you’re traveling with 5+ cabins, there may be group perks or discounts I can unlock for you. No matter how you cruise, I’ll make sure your experience is smooth and rewarding. What’s the dress code onboard? Viking’s dress code is elegant, casual, and relaxed. Daytime: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes for shore excursions. Evening (dinner): Dressy casual, think collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, or dresses. No need for jackets, ties, or formal gowns. No formal nights: Viking focuses on a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, and you’ll feel comfortable without needing to “dress up.” Pro tip: Pack layers for cooler evenings or early spring/ fall sailings! Ready to explore Europe with Viking, but want expert help? I make planning easy and personal, at no extra cost to you.

Thinking about grabbing the drink package for your cruise? You’re not alone, and it’s one of the most popular (and sometimes confusing!) choices cruisers face before they sail. And whether you’re a casual cocktail sipper or a poolside piña colada pro, knowing if the drink package is actually worth it can help you cruise smarter and save money. Here’s the real scoop on what’s included, how much they cost, and how to know if a beverage package makes sense for you. What Is a Cruise Drink Package? Most major cruise lines offer drink packages that bundle alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for one flat daily rate. Depending on the cruise line, you can choose between basic soda packages, coffee packages, or fully-loaded alcohol packages that include cocktails, wine, beer, and premium spirits. But here's the thing: prices vary. A drink package might run anywhere from $30 to $138 per day, depending on the cruise line and which tier you choose. Is the Drink Package Worth It? The answer? It depends on how much you plan to drink. Let’s say you order: 1 specialty coffee in the morning ($4–$6) 1 fresh juice or smoothie ($5–$7) 2 cocktails by the pool ($10–$14 each) 2 glasses of wine with dinner ($8–$12 each) You’re already looking at $50–$70/day. So yes, if that sounds like you, the drink package can be a great deal, especially if you enjoy trying new cocktails without worrying about sticker shock. Don’t drink alcohol? Most cruise lines offer non-alcoholic packages with soda, mocktails, coffee, bottled water, and smoothies, and those can still be a great value. Know Before You Buy: What to Look For Before you decide, keep these things in mind: Not all drinks are included. Bottles of wine, drinks in souvenir glasses, minibar items, and room service drinks are often excluded. Drink limits exist. Some cruise lines cap drinks at 15 per day (alcoholic), but non-alcoholic beverages are usually unlimited. Per cabin rules. Some lines require everyone in your stateroom to buy the package if one person does, including kids. Package tiers matter. Make sure the drinks you enjoy fall under the pricing cap of the package you choose (some only cover up to $10–$12 per drink). Price Comparison: 2025–2026 Cruise Drink Packages Cruise Line Daily Price Range Includes Alcohol? Royal Caribbean $63–$115 Yes Carnival $82–$88 Yes Norwegian (NCL) $109–$138 Yes Celebrity $89–$109 Yes (often included in promos) Princess $65–$85 Yes MSC Cruises $42–$85 Yes Holland America $66 Yes P&O Cruises $75 Yes Fred. Olsen $30 Yes Virgin Voyages No drink package (gratuities & basics included) Disney Cruise Line No drink package Prices may change and vary by ship or itinerary, and if you're working with me, I can help you spot discounts before you sail. Insider Tip: Watch for “Free Drinks” Promos Cruise lines like Norwegian, Celebrity, and Princess often run promos where drink packages are “included.” While the cruise fare is typically higher, these deals can offer great value when bundled with Wi-Fi or shore excursion credits. Just make sure to compare pricing with and without the package. “Free” isn’t always free, but it can be a great deal with the right sailing. Bringing Your Own Drinks Yes, you can bring some drinks onboard — but it depends on the cruise line. Most allow 1–2 bottles of wine per stateroom, but hard liquor is often a no-go. Trying to sneak alcohol? Not worth the risk — it can be confiscated, and worst case, you could be denied boarding. The Bottom Line Cruise drink packages can be worth it, especially if: You like to drink daily (even a few) You enjoy specialty coffees, fresh juice, or mocktails You don’t want to worry about the final bar tab You want to treat yourself without thinking twice But it’s not for everyone. If you’re spending most days ashore, or you prefer just a glass of wine at dinner, paying as you go might be the better move. Need Help Choosing the Right Package? If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, MSC, Celebrity, NCL, Virgin, Viking, or anyone else, I’ve got you. I’ll walk you through the options and help you book a cruise that fits your budget and your lifestyle.