You’ve seen the videos of people relaxing on the top deck of an Oasis-class ship, eating gourmet meals, watching Broadway shows, sliding down the Ultimate Abyss, and waking up to ocean views. It looks incredible. But one question immediately hits you:
Which is the cheapest month to take a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Because let’s admit it: cruises are amazing, but prices can swing wildly. One month a balcony cabin is affordable, and the next it’s twice the price. The timing of your cruise can literally save you hundreds, sometimes thousands.
If you want the same ship, same itinerary, same ports, and same dining — but at the lowest possible cost — timing is your strongest advantage. And in this guide, you’re going to learn exactly when to book, which months offer the best bargains, why prices drop, how to track deals, and how to grab the lowest fare before it disappears.
Let’s dive deep into the truth, backed by patterns and real-world experience.
If you want the cheapest time to cruise, here’s the straightforward truth:
The cheapest month to take a Royal Caribbean cruise is September.
But that’s not the entire story. Close behind September are:
January
February
Early May
Late August
Early December
These months consistently offer the lowest fares because they fall into periods known as value seasons — times when most travelers are either busy with life, avoiding hurricane season, or recovering from holiday expenses.
Let’s break down why these months are cheap, how the pricing fluctuates, and which month is best for your travel style.
Understanding the patterns helps you take advantage confidently.
1. September — The absolute cheapest month
Why?
It’s peak hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Kids are back in school.
Families rarely travel.
Demand is at the lowest of the year.
Royal Caribbean drops prices significantly to fill ships.
Perfect for you if:
You want the lowest fares of the entire year.
You’re flexible and don’t mind monitoring weather.
You want quiet ships with fewer children onboard.
2. January — The post-holiday price crash
After the Christmas and New Year rush, demand collapses.People are back to work or school, bank accounts are recovering, and vacations slow down.
Perfect for you if:
You want peaceful sailing
You prefer cooler weather in Caribbean ports
You love super-low cabin upgrades
3. February — Still cheap, but slightly higher than January
A great value month before spring break crowds hit in March.
Best part?Weather improves significantly in the Caribbean, but prices stay low.
4. Late August — The start of the value wave
Families finish summer break early, so demand begins dropping.
5. Early December — The hidden value gem
The first two weeks of December offer outstanding deals.Ships empty out after Thanksgiving and before Christmas travel surges.
Use this guide to secure the lowest rate possible for your sailing.
If your priority is purely saving money, choose one of these:
Absolute cheapest months:
September
January
Very cheap months:
February
Early December
Late August
Early May
Avoid these expensive months:
Mid-June to mid-August
March (spring break)
Late December (Christmas and New Year)
Holiday weekends
Thanksgiving week
Not all cruise routes drop in price evenly.
Cheapest itineraries typically include:
Caribbean cruises
Bahamas cruises
Mexican Riviera
Short 3–4 night cruises
Older ships (Vision, Radiance, Voyager class)
Alaska (peak season pricing)
Europe summer
Asia holiday periods
New ships (Icon class, Oasis class during peak)
If you combine a cheap month with a cheap itinerary, you maximize savings.
Certain homeports usually have cheaper sailings because of high supply:
Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Port Canaveral
Tampa
Galveston
Ports with fewer ships sailing typically cost more.
Here’s the truth:
There are two magic moments to get the lowest fare.
1. Book 8–14 months ahead
Perfect for cheap months like September and January
You get first pick of cabins
Early-bird promotions apply
Lowest deposit options
2. Last-minute deals (30–60 days before sailing)
Royal Caribbean discounts unsold cabins.Huge savings, but limited cabin choice.
For the cheapest possible cruise:
Best value cabins:
Interior
Oceanview
Guarantee cabins (you don’t choose your room)
More expensive cabins:
Balcony
Suites
New ship cabins
Family-sized staterooms
Central Park or Boardwalk view cabins (on Oasis class)
If budget is the priority, choose interior or guarantee.
Royal Caribbean often allows price adjustments before final payment.
If the fare drops:
Call customer service
Request a re-price
Or receive onboard credit
This can save hundreds more, even after you’ve booked.
To keep your cruise cheap:
Skip drink packages (unless you drink more than 6–7 drinks per day)
Avoid overpriced excursions
Don’t buy Wi-Fi unless needed
Eat in included dining venues
Cheap-month sailings sell out quickly when people realize how low they are.
If you find:
A ship you want
A cabin type you like
A date in a cheap month
Book or hold it immediately. Royal Caribbean allows 24- to 48-hour holds on many sailings.
January
Cheap, low demand, great weather.One of the best months overall.
February
Still cheap; slightly more romantic and popular for couples.
March–April
Expensive due to spring break.
May (Early May only)
Affordable shoulder season.
June–August
Summer vacation = peak pricing.
Late August
Prices begin dropping again.
September
Lowest fares of the year.
October
Still cheap, slightly higher than September.
November
Early November is affordable; Thanksgiving week is pricey.
Early December
One of the best months for value and weather.
Late December
One of the most expensive months.
1. Book during off-peak weekdays
Cruise fares sometimes drop mid-week, especially Tuesday or Wednesday.
2. Avoid school breaks
Major cost increases happen when families travel.
3. Use price alerts
Monitor fares so you can catch drops immediately.
4. Choose older ships
Older classes offer the same Royal Caribbean experience at lower cost.
5. Be flexible with dates
Adjusting your sailing by even one week can reduce the price drastically.
6. Sail during shoulder seasons
Cheap and less crowded.
7. Select shorter cruises
3- or 4-night sailings are usually lowest.
8. Compare multiple departure ports
Sometimes driving to another port saves hundreds.
9. Travel in hurricane season carefully
It’s cheap — but buy insurance for peace of mind.
10. Always compare cabin types
Occasionally, balconies drop into cheap territory.
1. Save hundreds on cabin fares
Sometimes the same cruise is 40–50 percent cheaper.
2. Ship is less crowded
Smoother dining, fewer kids, easier elevator access.
3. Upgrades become affordable
RoyalUp bids during cheap months often succeed.
4. Add-ons drop in price too
Drink packages, Wi-Fi, and excursions may be discounted.
5. Perfect for relaxing travel
Peaceful pools, lower crowds, shorter lines.
6. Higher value per dollar
You enjoy the same ship and food as people who paid much more.
Problem 1: Confusing price swings
Solution: Rely on seasonal patterns — September and January rarely fail.
Problem 2: FOMO from promotional sales
Solution: Most "sales" happen year-round. Focus on timing, not marketing.
Problem 3: Fear of hurricane season
Solution: Buy travel insurance. Ships change itineraries if needed.
Problem 4: Prices rising before you book
Solution: Hold the fare immediately when you see it.
Problem 5: Not knowing which cabin to pick
Solution: For cheapest rates, choose interior or guarantee.
1. Which is the cheapest month to take a Royal Caribbean cruise?
The cheapest month is September, followed by January and February.
2. Why is September the cheapest?
It’s hurricane season and kids are in school, lowering demand significantly.
3. Is January a good month to cruise?
Yes. It offers low prices, good weather, and quieter ships.
4. Are summer months expensive on Royal Caribbean?
Yes. June to mid-August is peak season.
5. Is early December cheap?
Yes. The first two weeks are among the best value periods of the year.
6. Which itineraries are cheapest?
Caribbean, Bahamas, and short cruises.
7. Can I get last-minute cruise deals?
Yes, especially 30–60 days before sailing.
8. Are older ships cheaper?
Yes. Older classes are often significantly cheaper than new mega-ships.
9. Do cruise prices drop after booking?
Sometimes. If booked early, you can request adjustments before final payment.
10. Is hurricane season safe for cruising?
Ships reroute around storms. Travel insurance is recommended.
11. Are weekends more expensive?
Generally yes, especially Friday departures.
12. Do holiday weeks cost more?
Yes. Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, and spring break are peak pricing weeks.
13. How far in advance should I book?
8–14 months for the best availability and price.
14. Are drink packages cheaper during low months?
Often yes. Royal Caribbean sometimes offers better promotional rates.
15. Which port offers the cheapest fares?
Miami and Fort Lauderdale usually have the most competitive pricing.
If you’re searching for the lowest prices, the quietest ships, the best cabin deals, and the best value for your vacation budget, the cheapest month to take a Royal Caribbean cruise is September, closely followed by January, February, early December, late August, and early May. By understanding these seasonal patterns, comparing ports, booking smartly, and remaining flexible, you can enjoy the exact same cruise experience others pay far more for — without sacrificing comfort, itinerary, or ship quality.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisefinderpro.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service