Cruising with Princess Cruises is often considered a dream vacation—luxurious ships, fine dining, exotic destinations, and world-class entertainment all wrapped into one unforgettable experience. However, as with most luxury travel, the cost of cruising can vary dramatically depending on when you choose to sail. One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers is, “Which is the cheapest month to take a Princess Cruise?”
The answer isn’t as simple as naming a single month—it depends on your preferred destination, itinerary, and even the type of ship. But generally, there are certain months known for lower fares and better discounts. In this detailed guide, we’ll uncover not only the cheapest month to cruise with Princess but also insider tips on how to book smart, save more, and enjoy a luxury cruise without overspending.
Before identifying the cheapest month, it’s essential to understand how cruise pricing works. Unlike airline tickets that fluctuate daily, cruise fares depend on several seasonal factors:
Destination Demand: Each region has a peak, shoulder, and off-season. Prices drop during off-season months when demand is lower.
School Holidays: Families tend to cruise during summer and winter breaks, pushing prices higher during these times.
Weather Conditions: Months prone to hurricanes, storms, or extreme temperatures often offer the lowest fares.
Advance Booking or Last-Minute Deals: Early bird offers and last-minute cancellations both provide opportunities for savings.
Ship Deployment: Newer ships or recently refurbished vessels command higher prices, while older ships may offer better discounts.
By aligning your travel dates with off-peak seasons, you can significantly reduce your total cruise cost without sacrificing the experience.
Let’s break down the cheapest months for Princess Cruises based on popular regions such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The Caribbean remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Princess Cruises. However, the region’s peak season runs from December through April, coinciding with North America’s winter months. To save the most, the best time to book is from late August through early December, especially September and October.
These months are part of the Caribbean hurricane season, which keeps demand lower. While there’s a small weather risk, modern cruise ships are well-equipped to avoid storms. Plus, you can find fares up to 40–50% cheaper than during the high season.
For example, a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise that costs $1,200 in January might drop to around $700–$800 in September.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, flexible schedules, and those who don’t mind warmer weather.
Tip: Purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations or itinerary changes.
Alaska cruises are among Princess Cruises’ most iconic itineraries, showcasing glaciers, fjords, and stunning wildlife. The Alaskan cruise season typically runs from May to September, with mid-June to August being the most expensive months due to pleasant weather and school vacations.
For the best prices, consider sailing in early May or late September. During these shoulder months, fares can be 20–30% cheaper than peak season rates. The weather might be cooler, and wildlife sightings slightly fewer, but the dramatic landscapes remain breathtaking.
Average savings: $400–$700 per cabin compared to peak months.
Best for: Travelers who prefer fewer crowds, cooler weather, and lower fares.
Tip: Book balcony cabins for glacier viewing—prices are much more affordable in May and September.
European itineraries—whether the Mediterranean or Northern Europe—are typically more affordable during the late fall and winter months, especially November through March.
During this time, you’ll find discounted cruises to destinations like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Scandinavia, as tourist crowds dwindle and temperatures drop. Princess Cruises often repositions ships to warmer destinations during the winter, so options may be fewer, but the deals are unbeatable.
A 10-day Mediterranean cruise that might cost $1,800 in July can fall to around $1,000–$1,200 in November.
Best for: Travelers seeking a cultural experience without summer crowds.
Tip: Look for repositioning cruises—longer voyages where ships move from Europe to the Caribbean or vice versa. These are usually the cheapest per-day options on Princess Cruises.
For those eyeing an Australian or New Zealand adventure, the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn and winter months (April to September) are ideal for budget travelers.
While the weather may be cooler, you’ll enjoy fewer tourists and substantially lower fares. Cruises departing from Sydney or Auckland during these months are often 25–40% cheaper than summer departures.
Example: A 10-night Sydney-to-Auckland cruise might cost around $2,000 in December but drop to $1,200–$1,400 in May.
Best for: Off-season travelers, retirees, and long-term planners seeking scenic coastal voyages.
Princess Cruises’ Asian itineraries—covering Japan, Southeast Asia, and parts of China—offer unique cultural experiences. The cheapest time to book is during the summer monsoon months (June to September), when tourist demand falls.
You’ll still find pleasant days and fascinating ports, but with significantly lower prices. Expect 30–50% discounts compared to high-season sailings in late fall or spring.
Best for: Cultural explorers, budget travelers, and those who prefer smaller crowds.
Tip: Summer in Asia can be humid—pack light, breathable clothing, and plan for indoor excursions during hot afternoons.
If we look globally, the cheapest months to take a Princess Cruise are typically September and October.
During these months:
The Caribbean is in its off-season.
Alaska season is wrapping up.
Europe is transitioning into winter.
Australia’s winter offers discounts.
This period coincides with lower demand, making September the golden month for cruise deals. Cruise lines like Princess offer clearance rates, free cabin upgrades, and onboard credit promotions to fill ships before the holiday rush.
Finding the cheapest month is just the first step. To maximize your savings, use these insider strategies:
Princess Cruises often offers early booking discounts 9–12 months in advance. Alternatively, if you’re flexible, last-minute deals (within 30 days of departure) can yield huge savings on unsold cabins.
Wave Season is the cruise industry’s biggest sales period, often featuring free upgrades, onboard credits, or reduced deposits. Even if you’re sailing later in the year, this is the best time to book.
Sign up for Princess Cruises’ email alerts or cruise deal websites to receive notifications when prices drop.
Repositioning cruises are longer itineraries (10–20 days) where ships move between regions. They offer exceptional per-day pricing, often less than $100 per night.
Instead of popular departure points like Miami or Los Angeles, try ports like Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, or Vancouver, which may have lower base fares.
In addition to September–October, May and early December can also offer reduced fares before or after the peak holiday periods.
If budget is your top priority, opt for an inside cabin. These windowless rooms are significantly cheaper but still give full access to the ship’s amenities.
DestinationCheapest MonthsAverage SavingsNotes
CaribbeanSeptember – November40–50%Hurricane season, fewer crowds
AlaskaMay & September20–30%Cooler weather, scenic beauty
EuropeNovember – March30–40%Fewer crowds, cultural focus
Australia & NZApril – September25–40%Mild winter weather
AsiaJune – September30–50%Hotter climate, monsoon season
When choosing the cheapest month, always balance cost vs. comfort. For example:
Caribbean in September: Cheapest fares, but potential storms.
Alaska in May: Lower prices but colder weather.
Europe in November: Inexpensive but shorter days and possible rain.
If you can tolerate mild weather variations, the savings can be substantial.
Cruise Loyalty Programs: Join the Princess Captain’s Circle for discounts and priority offers.
Bundle with Airfare: Sometimes booking Princess EZair can save on flights.
Use Credit Card Rewards: Certain travel cards offer cruise-specific perks or cashback.
Travel in Groups: Group bookings often qualify for free cabins or discounted fares.
Skip Peak Holidays: Avoid Christmas, New Year, and summer vacation dates.
If saving money is your goal, avoid these periods:
Mid-December to Early January: Holiday cruises are in high demand.
June to August: Summer vacation season.
Spring Break (March–April): Higher demand from families and students.
Major Events: Cruises tied to festivals, anniversaries, or sports events can cost more.
To visualize how much you could save, here’s a comparison for a typical 7-day Princess Cruise itinerary:
DestinationPeak Season PriceOff-Season PriceEstimated Savings
Caribbean$1,400$800$600
Alaska$1,500$1,000$500
Mediterranean$2,000$1,200$800
Australia$1,800$1,100$700
Asia$1,600$900$700
Booking during the cheapest months could easily save a couple $1,000 or more on a single cruise.
Traveler TypeBest MonthReason
FamiliesMay or early DecemberLower prices before holidays
CouplesSeptember or OctoberQuieter atmosphere, romantic itineraries
RetireesApril or NovemberRelaxed travel pace, fewer crowds
Solo TravelersMay or SeptemberGood single cabin deals
Adventure SeekersMay (Alaska) or October (Asia)Unique itineraries, value fares
Always check Princess Cruise Flash Sales, which often coincide with the cheapest sailing months.
Consider booking back-to-back cruises—two consecutive voyages that cost less per day than one long cruise.
Review onboard spending habits; the savings from cheaper fares can easily vanish through extras like specialty dining or excursions.
Don’t forget to factor in port taxes, tips, and travel insurance in your budget.
So, which is truly the cheapest month to take a Princess Cruise?
While the exact answer depends on your destination, September stands out globally as the most budget-friendly time to sail. This month typically offers lower prices across multiple regions—from the Caribbean and Alaska to Asia—because it falls between peak travel seasons.
However, other months like May, October, and early December also offer significant savings without compromising much on weather or experience.
By planning smartly, watching for deals, and being flexible with travel dates, you can enjoy all the luxury, comfort, and charm of Princess Cruises without overspending. Whether it’s a sun-soaked Caribbean escape or a glacier-filled Alaskan adventure, cruising during the cheapest months ensures your dream vacation stays within budget while delivering an unforgettable experience.
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