Let’s face it — cruises aren’t as cheap as they used to be. However, that doesn’t mean finding affordable fares is impossible!
Cruising during the shoulder season, AKA the beginning or end of a region's peak tourist season, is one of the easiest ways to save money on your cruise.
Whether you're working with a strict budget or want to allocate more money toward add-ons like shore excursions and drink packages, booking during the shoulder season allows you to enjoy significant savings since the demand is lower.
Don't believe me? Let's look at shoulder season cruises by destination to discover the potential savings!
Caribbean
The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations. Since the Caribbean is a year-round destination, the lowest prices on a Caribbean cruise are if you sail during times of the year when school is in session. As such, January, May, and September are good times to cruise to the Caribbean to save money.
Similarly, you'll see lower rates during hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from the end of June through November, with the peak in the fall months. The prospect of a hurricane is enough to scare away some people. However, it's unlikely your sailing will be impacted.
Let's assume you want to sail on Carnival's newest ship from Galveston, Texas. A weeklong cruise aboard Carnival Jubilee to the Western Caribbean in July 2026 starts at over $1,170 per person for a standard inside cabin.
However, a similar itinerary in February 2026 costs just $769 each. This means you can save over $400 per person just on the cruise fare by booking during the shoulder season. Plus, February is cooler than July, making it a more comfortable time to enjoy the Caribbean's beaches and fun activities.
Bermuda
Bermuda is known for its beautiful pink sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and unique blend of British charm and island hospitality. Though you can take a cruise to Bermuda from Florida, many ships leave from Northern ports like Baltimore and New York.
Because of the island's location in the North Atlantic, it isn't a year-round cruising destination. Instead, most cruise lines offer Bermuda cruises from April to October.
To get the best fares, you'll want to travel during the beginning or end of the season. For example, a 5-night cruise from New York aboard Carnival Venezia runs at $679 per person in September 2026 but jumps to $929 in July for the same interior stateroom.
Read more: I spent $1,780 on a budget cruise to Bermuda on an old cruise ship. It was worth the money
Alaska
While Alaska cruisers must trade in their flip-flops and shorts for sneakers and jackets, those who have sailed to the Last Frontier will tell you there's nothing else like it. Instead of lounging on warm beaches, you get to sail through scenic fjords and marvel at wildlife.
However, like Bermuda, it isn't a year-round destination, with ships operating in the region for just around five or six months. While the best weather is typically found during the summer, if you don't mind chillier temperatures, you can save a lot of money by cruising at the beginning or end of the season.
Taking a look at Royal Caribbean's 2026 Alaska cruises, a 7-night sailing on Voyager of the Seas starts at around $800 per person in September and increases to over $1,020 in June and July. Balconies see even more stark price discrepancies, with a standard balcony cabin in September starting at $1,360 and $1,630 in July.
Read more: 14 lessons learned after I tried my first Alaska cruise
Northern Europe
Northern Europe cruises, including destinations like the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, and the British Isles, allow travelers to explore historical cities and take in beautiful coastal landscapes. Because of the cooler climate, the peak cruise season typically runs from late spring to early autumn.
To save money, you'll want to book your cruise either at the start or the end of the summer season. For instance, a 7-night cruise to Norway aboard Sky Princess in April 2026 starts at around $1,300 per person. However, the price is around $1,500 in July.
Overall, however, because there are fewer cruises to Northern Europe compared to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, pricing tends to be somewhat consistent. While fares are definitely cheaper during certain months, the overall difference isn't as drastic as what you might find when comparing shoulder and peak season Bahamas cruises.
Read more: I planned a Northern Europe cruise this summer because it was cheaper than a land trip
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is a popular tourist destination for land-based travelers and cruisers alike. As such, it's a highly sought-after region that can see massive crowds during the summer months.
Personally, I prefer to cruise during the shoulder season for cooler weather after taking a Greek Isles cruise last summer that was plagued by a horrendous heat wave. Not only do months like April, May, September, and October see better prices, but the temperatures aren't as scorching.
The cheapest weeklong Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises in July 2026 costs around $1,070 per person. However, if you choose to visit during May, you could pay roughly $470 less per person.
Of note, certain lines sail year-round in the Mediterranean, like MSC and Costa Cruises. However, mainstream lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian redeploy their ships to North America for the winter.
Read more: Everything I loved and hated about my European cruise with MSC Cruises
Canada & New England
Cruises up the United States' northeastern coast mean you can enjoy stunning fall foliage, comfortable temperatures, and, delicious seafood, unique festivals.
The peak time to cruise is obviously during the fall when the leaves have begun to turn vibrant colors. As such, departures during the spring or post-peak foliage are usually cheaper.
For instance, a weeklong cruise from Boston to Quebec City on Holland America Line's Zuiderdam in May 2026 costs $950 per person. However, the same itinerary increases to over $1,300 in September and early October.
Australia & New Zealand
Cruising to Australia and New Zealand is a dream vacation for many. However, much like popular regions like the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, the South Pacific has a defined peak season.
As Australia and New Zealand are in the Southern Hemisphere, the best time to cruise "down under" is from December to February, when the weather is warmer.
However, this coincides with holidays like Christmas and New Year's, which see inflated cruise fares due to the demand. Plus, cruises in December and January tend to be longer and therefore more expensive than weeklong sailings.
Those cruising on a budget (and also taking into account the cost of airfare to Australia) will want to focus on departures in October and November or April and May.
In Nov. 2025, for example, you can score a 5-night Tasmania cruise on Carnival Splendor for less than $570 per person. However, booking the same cruise in Jan. 2026 would cost you at least $615 for an interior stateroom.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
