Best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise deals? It’s a question I’ve heard a thousand times, and for good reason. Timing your booking right can save you hundreds and unlock better perks.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When Royal Caribbean offers its best deals
- The ideal months to book for big savings
- How to score perks like upgrades or onboard credit
I’ve cruised Royal Caribbean for over 20 years and have tested every booking strategy out there. This is what works.
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Is There Really a “Best Time” to Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Yes — but it’s not one-size-fits-all. The best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise depends on where you’re sailing, when you want to go, and how flexible you are.
Royal Caribbean’s pricing changes constantly, but there are patterns. Prices often drop during specific months, bounce during holidays, and spike as ships fill up. Booking at the wrong time could mean paying hundreds more for the exact same cabin.
In this guide, we’ll break down the trends and show you how to time it right — whether you’re eyeing a Caribbean escape or an Alaska adventure.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For Royal Caribbean cruises, timing is everything. Booking too early or too late can cost you perks, discounts, or even your preferred cabin.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- 6 to 12 months out is the best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise for most travelers. You’ll lock in early bird rates, have access to the best cabins, and still catch promotions like Kids Sail Free or discounted deposits.
- 18+ months out is ideal for brand-new ships, holidays, or rare itineraries. These sell out fast.
- Last-minute deals (within 60 days) can be cheap, but limited. You’ll trade cabin choice and planning flexibility for lower fares.
Booking windows matter, and Royal Caribbean adjusts prices as ships fill up. The earlier you can commit, the more control you have over price and perks.
Booking Early vs. Last-Minute: Pros and Cons
Last-minute cruise deals aren’t what they used to be.
With Royal Caribbean and most major lines, ships are sailing fuller than ever, especially since 2023. Thanks to flexible cancellation policies, loyalty perks, and strong demand, many cabins are booked months in advance — even years out for popular itineraries.
Here’s what’s changed:
- Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means fares often increase as more cabins sell.
- You’ll rarely find rock-bottom last-minute rates unless you’re eyeing hurricane season, a repositioning cruise, or a less popular route.
- You might save a bit by booking late, but you’ll likely miss out on preferred cabin locations, dining times, and perks like Kids Sail Free or complimentary upgrades.
So while it used to be a strategy, waiting until the last minute is no longer the best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise deals for most travelers.
Your best bet? Book during promo windows and reprice your cruise if the fare drops — Royal Caribbean allows this up until final payment when booked under a refundable fare.
Tips for Getting Free Upgrades and Perks
The best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise deals often overlaps with the best time to score free perks — if you know what to look for.
- Watch for sales that include onboard credit, free gratuities, or reduced deposits. These promos often hit during peak booking windows.
- Check your price after booking. Royal Caribbean allows price adjustments if the fare drops and you booked a refundable rate.
- Use a good travel agent. Many have access to group deals that come with extra perks not listed online.
- Sail during shoulder season. It’s often the best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise and get a free upgrade due to lower demand.
- Try guarantee cabins. They’re cheaper and sometimes get auto-upgraded when Royal is assigning rooms.
Bottom line? Booking at the right time doesn’t just save money… it can also unlock extras like upgrades and free bonuses.
How Loyalty Status (Crown & Anchor) Impacts Pricing
While loyalty status won’t directly lower your fare, it can definitely help you get more value — especially if you’re aiming to book at the best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Here’s how Crown & Anchor Society status can affect your booking strategy:
- Priority booking access: Higher-tier members (Platinum and above) often get early access to new itineraries. Booking during this window can lock in lower pricing before demand drives up fares.
- Exclusive discounts: Royal Caribbean sometimes sends targeted promotions or offers Crown & Anchor-only pricing. These deals are usually short-lived, so keeping an eye on your inbox matters.
- Onboard perks = savings: Even if your fare isn’t cheaper, loyalty perks like free internet, laundry, drinks, and discounts on spa or excursions can offset costs you’d otherwise pay out of pocket.
Bottom line: Cruising with status means better timing, more perks, and smarter value overall.
Best Time to Book Specific Itineraries (Caribbean, Alaska, Europe)
The best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise depends on your itinerary — Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe each have different deal windows.
Caribbean Cruises:
These are Royal Caribbean’s bread and butter. Book 8–12 months out for the best pricing and cabin choice, especially during peak holidays and spring break. Wave Season (January to March) is also a great time to grab Caribbean deals.
Alaska Cruises:
Alaska sailings fill fast — and early. Book 12–18 months in advance if you want a balcony or suite. These cabins are in high demand during the short May–September season. Shoulder season (May and September) offers better pricing if you’re flexible.
Europe Cruises:
For Mediterranean or Northern Europe itineraries, booking 9–15 months out gives you the best selection and pricing. Airfare is a big factor here too, so early planning helps secure lower flight costs.
Pro Tip: Repositioning cruises between seasons can offer surprising value — often at a fraction of the price per night.
Should You Use a Travel Agent or Book Direct?
If you’re trying to lock in the best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise deals, choosing how you book can matter just as much as when.
Travel agents often have access to group rates, extra onboard credit, or perks like specialty dining — without costing you a penny more. Many also keep tabs on price drops and will rebook you if your fare decreases.
Booking direct through Royal Caribbean can be simpler, especially if you’re using Future Cruise Credit or planning to reprice on your own. But you’ll miss out on agent-only extras.
Pro Tip: You can book direct then transfer your reservation to a travel agent within 30 days. That gives you flexibility while still gaining bonus perks.
Bottom line: Either works, but the added value from a good travel agent can tilt the savings in your favor — especially if you’re not glued to cruise deal forums.
Jim’s Take: How I Personally Book to Maximize Savings
Want to know how I actually book my cruises? I don’t chase every sale. I just know the windows that work.
When I’m aiming for the best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise deals, here’s my personal method:
- I always book early for peak-season trips — especially holidays and school breaks. Prices only go up, and the good cabins disappear.
- I track promotions during Wave Season (January to March) and holiday weekends — those usually come with extra perks like Kids Sail Free or reduced deposits.
- I reprice often. If I booked a refundable fare, I check once or twice a week. If the price drops, I call Royal Caribbean and get that lower rate.
- I book direct, then transfer to my travel agent. It gives me flexibility, but also lets me score extra onboard credit or perks I wouldn’t get on my own.
This approach has saved me hundreds — sometimes thousands — over the years.
Final Thoughts: Timing Your Booking for the Best Value
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the patterns helps.
The best time to book Royal Caribbean cruise deals often comes down to how flexible you are, what perks you want, and how soon you’re willing to commit. Early birds lock in cabin choice and promos. Last-minute cruisers might save a bit, but it’s a gamble.
My advice? Watch for big sale events, book refundable fares, and keep checking prices. If you’re loyal to Royal, let your status work for you. And if you’re booking peak season… don’t wait.
Smart timing can mean more perks, better pricing, and less stress before you sail.
