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The 17 Best Websites To Book Cruises at the Cheapest Prices [2024]

Katie Seemann

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The 17 Best Websites To Book Cruises at the Cheapest Prices [2024]

1. Cruise Line’s Website

2. cheapcaribbean.com, 3. cruise critic, 4. cruisedirect, 5. priceline, 6. tripadvisor, 7. cruisesonly, 10. cruises.com, 11. american airlines cruises, 12. delta skymiles cruises, bonuses for united premier members, use united mileageplus miles to pay for your cruise, use marriott bonvoy points to pay for your cruise, 15. costco travel, 16. cruise.com, 17. travelocity, price comparisons, final thoughts.

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So, you’ve decided you want to go on a cruise. Great news! But, do you know where to book it to get the best price?

There’s no shortage of websites out there that can help you book a cruise. There may even be more options to book cruises than hotels or flights. In addition to the traditional online travel agencies, there are a bunch of cruise-only sites that you can choose from, too.

So how do you know which site offers the best price? That’s where we come in. We combed through the most popular websites used to book cruises to look at their pros and cons and to do some head-to-head price comparisons.

If you’re only concerned about finding the cheapest price, scroll down to the price comparison section at the bottom of this post to see how all of these sites stack up against each other.

Your first instinct when booking a cruise may be to go directly to the cruise line’s website, especially if you have elite status with a specific cruise line. There are definitely some benefits to this — it’s simple and there are fewer hassles if you have to make any changes .

If you’re sure of the cruise line you want to take, it makes your search a little easier because you’re just looking at one specific line.

The big drawback when booking directly on a cruise line’s website is that you can miss out on extra deals that online travel agencies (OTAs) may offer.

Pros and Cons of Booking Directly with the Cruise Line

Simpler search functions make it easier to locate specific cruises.
There’s no middleman (another website) to deal with if there is a problem.
You might miss out on extra deals offered by other sites.

Bottom Line: No matter where you choose to book your cruise, be sure to use the right credit card — refer to our list of best credit cards for cruises to get you started.

CheapCaribbean.com is an OTA that specializes in travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. It was founded in 2000 and prides itself on offering the best prices and great U.S.-based customer service . The site’s sales agents are available 7 days a week to help you plan your ultimate Caribbean vacation.

Despite the name, you can book cruises to destinations other than the Caribbean through CheapCaribbean.com, including Europe, Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska.

CheapCaribbean.com sometimes offers extra bonuses, like extra onboard spending credit. Plus it offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise for a cheaper price (available to the general public) on another website, CheapCaribbean.com will refund 110% of the price difference.

The not-so-great thing about CheapCaribbean.com is that it charges a $24.99 processing fee on each booking. It’s lumped into the taxes and fees, so you may not realize it unless you read the fine print.

Pros and Cons of CheapCaribbean.com

Occasional special deals like extra onboard credit may be offered.
110% best price guarantee.
There’s a $24.99 processing fee on each booking.
You need to sign up for emails or call in to book a cruise if you want to access exclusive deals.

Hot Tip: Want to save more? CheapCaribbean.com offers exclusive deals to email subscribers and offers unpublished fares and exclusive offers if you call in to book your cruise.

Cruise Critic is a cruise-focused website that features reviews, tips, and advice for a huge community of cruisers. The Cruise Critic forums provide a place to ask questions, give advice, and get help booking your next cruise.

The site also acts as a metasearch engine for cruises, allowing you to compare prices from lots of other websites . You can search for your perfect cruise and when it’s time to book, Cruise Critic will transfer you to another site to complete your booking.

Pros and Cons of Cruise Critic

The site offers lots of cruise reviews, plus cruise tips and a travel forum to help you plan your trip.
You can sign up for email alerts so you’re notified when the price of a cruise drops.
The prices you see are not guaranteed and may be subject to other fees or restrictions depending on what website they are from.

CruiseDirect is a website that specializes only in cruises. The site allows you to quickly search cruises by destination, cruise line, departure port, or last-minute deals . You’ll find lots of different types of cruises, from budget to luxury and from mega-ships to riverboats.

With each cruise listing, you’ll see bonus details next to each sailing date — just click on each icon for details. Some of these are already reflected in the price and some are extras like onboard ship credit or discounts on shore excursions.

Pros and Cons of CruiseDirect

Bonuses are offered with each cruise ranging from discounts, shipboard credit, or discounts on shore excursions.
The bonuses offered are often from the cruise line and not exclusive to CruiseDirect, so you can get them regardless of where you book.
The site is a bit cluttered and can be hard to navigate.

Kayak is a popular online travel agency but the site doesn’t support cruise searches anymore.

Priceline gained fame from its “Name Your Own Price” feature but has since transformed into a more traditional OTA. In addition to hotels, flights, and rental cars, you can use this site to book cruises, too.

Priceline often offers deals above and beyond what’s being offered through the cruise line. At the time of writing, a few different deals offered perks like $1,000 in onboard credit or 30% off every guest .

Plus, Priceline offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find a lower, publicly available price for the exact same cruise within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Pros and Cons of Priceline

Extra deals like onboard credit or room upgrades are sometimes offered.
The site offers a 110% best-price guarantee.
Some offers, including the one for up to $1,000 in shipboard credit can be confusing. Once you read the fine print, you’ll realize you need to spend $20,000 to get the full $1,000 credit.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed guide on booking travel with Priceline .

While you might think of Tripadvisor as just a place to get reviews and photos of hotels, restaurants, and activities, it’s actually much more than that. In addition to reviews and traveler forums, Tripadvisor acts as a metasearch engine , comparing prices on lots of other websites.

When you’re searching for a cruise, just click on the drop-down arrow that tells you how many deals there are — then you’ll be able to see that cruise’s price on many sites.

Pros and Cons of Tripadvisor

It offers lots of great ship reviews and travel forums.
It’s a great site to quickly compare prices on many sites at once.
You may not be able to see all the deals being offered on each site.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed guide to booking travel on Tripadvisor .

CruisesOnly claims to be “the best” because each of its call center agents has an average of 5+ years of experience plus professional training.

While that might be helpful if you’re new to cruising or need some advice about which cruise line, ship, or destination you should choose, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best price (scroll down to the Price Comparison section to see how CruisesOnly stacks up against other websites).

CruisesOnly also has its own loyalty program. The V.I.P. Customer Loyalty Club is free, and you’re signed up automatically if you have booked with CruisesOnly at least once before. Benefits include things like shore excursion credits and onboard spending credits.

The V.I.P. Customer Loyalty Club only applies to cruises on these cruise lines:

Holland America
Royal Caribbean

CruisesOnly’s best price guarantee is similar to other sites — a refund of 110% of the price difference if you find a lower price on an identical cruise within 48 hours of booking.

Pros and Cons of CruisesOnly

The V.I.P. Customer Loyalty Club is free and offers plenty of benefits.
The site offers a 110% best price guarantee.
The site, like many other OTAs, can be very busy, making it hard to narrow down the cruise you really want to take.
The loyalty program only applies to 6 cruise lines.

When booking a cruise through an OTA, be sure to use a card that earns bonus points on travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® which earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on cruises purchased from any website or travel agency.

Expedia might be one of the first websites you visit to search for flights or hotels (and it’s probably a site you have used for a long time), but did you know that you can book a cruise through Expedia as well?

The site is straightforward, easy to use, and offers cruises from all the major cruise lines . While Expedia doesn’t charge any booking fees, it also doesn’t offer any price guarantees. However, you can sometimes find additional bonuses for booking your cruise through Expedia.

It also does a nice job of showing exactly what’s included and what might cost extra.

Pros and Cons of Expedia

The site sometimes offers extra bonuses like onboard credit.
It’s easy to use and is very clear about what’s included in the price.
No price guarantee is offered

Hot Tip: For more information check out our complete guide to using Expedia .

Orbitz is a typical OTA that offers flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and cruises. There are no booking fees on cruises and a price guarantee is offered . However, the price guarantee isn’t as strong as some of the other sites — you’ll need to find a lower price within 24 hours to receive the difference in price as a refund.

Like Expedia, Orbitz does a good job at displaying prices clearly so there’s no confusion.

One of the nice things about Orbitz is that it offers a rewards program, but, unfortunately, cruises are not eligible for Orbitz Rewards.

Pros and Cons of Orbitz

It offers a best price guarantee.
There are no booking, change, or cancellation fees.
Cruises aren’t eligible for Orbitz Rewards

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our complete guide to using Orbitz to book travel .

Cruises.com is another site that claims to be the best place to book your cruise. It can offer some impressive deals, but once you read the fine print, well, you realize there’s a lot of fine print.

For example, a deal was offered for up to $2,000 cashback, $1,500 to spend onboard, or a Visa gift card. However, after reading the fine print you’ll notice that in order to get the full bonus you’d have to spend $20,000+ on a cruise. To top it off, the bonus is only available for select cruise lines.

So while the deals offered could be lucrative, they aren’t necessarily a slam dunk.

Cruises.com also has its own loyalty program. It’s free and you’re signed up automatically if you have booked with Cruises.com at least once before. Benefits include things like shore excursion credits, onboard spending credits, or deposit waivers. Benefits are identical to those offered through the CruisesOnly loyalty program.

Pros and Cons of Cruises.com

A loyalty program is offered for past guests.
There are sometimes extra bonuses beyond what’s offered by the cruise line.
There is a lot of fine print with its offers.

Hot Tip: Cruises.com and CruisesOnly are both owned by World Travel Holdings, along with other websites, including Cruise411.com. These sites offer the same loyalty program and similar perks, however, their prices can be different.

Did you know that you can book a cruise through American Airlines ? The best part is that when you do, you’ll earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles for your purchase (in addition to any points or miles you will earn from your credit card).

Earn 1 AAdvantage mile per $1 spent on cruises booked through American Airlines (up to 10,000 miles)
American Airlines credit cardholders will earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on cruises booked through American Airlines (up to 20,000 miles)
Occasionally, additional bonus points will be offered for select cruises

Hot Tip: Base miles earned by booking a cruise through American Airlines will also count as Loyalty Points that help you earn American Airlines elite status .

American Airlines Cruises also offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

The bad news is that you’re charged a $24.99 processing fee on every booking.

Pros and Cons of American Airlines Cruises

AAdvantage members have the ability to earn lots of American Airlines miles and Loyalty Points.
There is a $24.99 processing fee on every booking.

Bottom Line: While you can book a cruise through American Airlines, you can’t use AAdvantage miles to pay for it.

In addition to flights, you can book cruises through Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles Cruises and earn Delta SkyMiles at the same time.

Currently, you’ll earn 2 SkyMiles per $1 spent on a cruise , excluding the taxes, fees, and port charges.

SkyMiles Cruises also offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Pros and Cons of Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Earn extra Delta SkyMiles.

Bottom Line: While you can book a cruise through SkyMiles Cruises, you can’t pay for your cruise with Delta SkyMiles.

13. United Cruises

When you book a cruise with United Cruises you can choose to either earn United MileagePlus miles for your purchase or you can use MileagePlus miles to pay for your cruise !

United Cruises offers different ways to earn miles on your next cruise:

Earn 2 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on an interior or oceanview stateroom
Earn 4 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on a balcony stateroom or suite
Any United MileagePlus credit cardholder will earn 4 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on an interior or oceanview stateroom
Any United MileagePlus credit cardholder will earn 7 MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on a balcony or suite stateroom

Additionally, there are sometimes opportunities to earn even more miles.

United Cruises offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Unfortunately, United Cruises charges a $24.99 processing fee on every booking.

If you have any Premier status with United Airlines you’ll also receive onboard extras with select cruise lines:

A bottle of wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in your stateroom
$100 spa credit
$200 onboard credit
$250 onboard credit

Paying for your cruise with miles is a great option to have. Unfortunately, you’ll lose out on some value if you do so .

When you book a cruise using United Miles, you’ll get about 0.7 to 0.8 cents per mile in value. United miles are generally worth around 1.3 cents per mile (or more if you’re booking business or first class flights), so you’re getting less value than you could get if you used your miles for a flight.

However, if you have a bundle of United miles and prefer cruising to flying, it might be a good redemption for you.

Pros and Cons of United Cruises

MileagePlus members have the ability to earn lots of extra miles.
United Premier members receive extra perks with Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines.

Bottom Line: When you choose to book your cruise through United Cruises, you can either earn United MileagePlus miles on your purchase, or you can pay for your cruise using your United MileagePlus miles.

14. Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises allows you to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your cruise or you can choose to pay for your cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points !

When you book a cruise through Marriott , you’ll earn up to 3 points per $1 spent . Chase Marriott Bonvoy credit cardholders will earn an extra 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on a cruise booked through Marriott Bonvoy Cruises.

Marriott Bonvoy also offers a 110% best price guarantee — if you find the exact same cruise priced lower within 48 hours of booking, you’ll be refunded 110% of the price difference.

Hot Tip: If you book a cruise through Marriott Bonvoy, know that you’ll be charged a non-refundable processing fee of $24.99. That’s a pretty hefty fee considering many other sites don’t charge any fees.

It’s a great option to be able to pay for your cruise with points , and Marriott Bonvoy makes that possible. However, it’s not the best way to use your Marriott Bonvoy points.

When booking a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll only get 0.4 cents per point in value. Since Marriott Bonvoy points are generally worth about 0.7 cents each, you’ll be missing out on some value, so you might want to look into other ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy for hotels or flights .

Pros and Cons of Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

Members can earn extra Marriott Bonvoy points.
You can pay for your cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points.
The site offers a 110% best price guarantee
You’ll be charged a non-refundable processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.
Marriott cruises can only be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points over the phone.

Bottom Line: When you book a cruise through Marriott Bonvoy, you can pay for your cruise with points or you can choose to pay cash (I mean, credit card!) and earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your purchase.

Costco Travel is an in-house travel agency that’s only available to Costco members . Costco offers 2 levels of membership: Gold Star for $60 per year and Executive for $120 per year. Executive membership comes with a valuable extra perk for travelers — 2% back on your purchases through Costco Travel (up to $1,000)!

Another great thing about Costco Travel is that you’ll sometimes find deals that offer extra shipboard credit or a Costco shop card as a bonus.

Costco Travel is easy to use and offers all of the search and filter functions found on any other website.

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

Executive members receive 2% back on purchases through Costco Travel.
Costco shop cards or onboard credit are sometimes offered as a bonus.
Costco Travel is for members only.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our detailed post on using Costco Travel .

Cruise.com is a cluttered website and can be overwhelming when you’re searching for a cruise (especially if you’re a first-time cruiser and not quite sure how everything works). It offers lots of deals and discounts, but many of those are actually offered through the cruise line, so it can be hard to tell which bonuses are actually coming from Cruise.com.

Pros and Cons of Cruise.com

Lots of deals for a variety of cruise lines are offered.
The website is very busy and cluttered.
No price guarantee is offered.
You may be contacted by cruise.com after searching for a cruise on the site.

Hot Tip: Don’t be confused — Cruise.com and Cruises.com are 2 separate websites!

Travelocity is a website that many travelers use to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises. The simple interface and the fact that there are no booking fees will make this a good choice for many travelers.

While Travelocity doesn’t advertise as many deals and savings as other sites, the price still manages to come out about the same as other websites.

Pros and Cons of Travelocity

There are no booking fees.
It’s simple to use.
No rewards program or extra bonus points.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our complete guide to booking travel with Travelocity .

Let’s get to the important part — price comparisons! We priced out a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Prices are for 2 adults in an Infinite Central Park View Balcony room.

As you can see, most websites offer the same price . The difference comes in the extras like onboard credit, free specialty dinners, free gratuities, or bonus miles.

The exception in this example was Cruise.com, which offered a savings of $50 on the price of the cruise. However, some of the extras offered by other sites could be worth more than that, so it’s always a good idea to price your cruise on multiple websites before booking.

Bottom Line: The base cost of a cruise is generally the same across most websites. The big difference comes in the extras — onboard credit, specialty dinners, cash-back, or bonus miles.

No matter where you book your cruise, you’ll be paying the same base price 9 times out of 10. Even though a website might be offering “the best prices” or a “50% discount,” when you actually look at the numbers they’ll usually be the same as every other website.

To get a great deal, you’ll need to look for bonuses that a particular website is offering, such as onboard credit, free specialty dinners, cash-back, or bonus airline miles.

The higher the room category you’re booking, the more bonuses you’ll be able to get. Keep in mind that lots of the bonuses you may see advertised won’t kick in unless you book a balcony stateroom or a suite. Cashback and onboard spending bonuses are generally tied to your stateroom level as well which means you’re not going to get anywhere near the amount advertised if you’re booking an interior or ocean-view cabin.

No matter where you book your cruise, be sure to check out our post with cruise tips and a downloadable packing guide !

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get the best deals on cruises.

To get the best deals on a cruise, it’s important to know which website is offering the most bonuses. The base price of your cruise will be the same from website to website 9 times out of 10, so you’ll need to find the website that’s offering the best bonuses like onboard credit or free specialty dinners.

Is it better to book directly with the cruise line?

Surprisingly, you’ll usually get a better deal when you book your cruise through an OTA (think Cruise.com, Expedia, or United Cruises). When you book through these types of sites you’ll get any deals that are being offered directly by the cruise line plus any extras offered by the OTA.

Is it better to book cruises last minute?

While you can find some great deals on last-minute cruises, it’s not a guarantee. If you have any preference about your cabin type or location, you’ll want to book as early as possible to make sure you get exactly what you want. If you’re traveling with a group and want to book cabins that are next door to each other, you’ll also want to book ahead of time. However, if you’re super flexible and don’t care what type of cabin you’re in, where it’s located, or even what cruise you’re on, you can often find some good deals at the last minute.

What is the best website for booking cruises?

Unfortunately, there’s no one site that always offers the best cruise deals. Most of the OTAs like CheapCaribbean.com, Cruises.com, or Priceline offer the same prices. The difference usually comes when you factor in extras like onboard credit or free gratuities.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

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Not all cruise sites are created equal. While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies.

Before you book, though, have a look at these credit cards that come with cruise benefits to sweeten the pot even more.

What is the best way to book a cruise?

The best place to book a cruise will vary depending on what you're looking for out of the experience. We've broken out cruise booking sites based on common booking goals.

From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers.

For sailings across the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America: CheapCaribbean

CheapCaribbean.com is the best cruise website for the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. It offers a best-price guarantee plus limited-time offers and discounts.

If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

Best-price guarantee.

Customer service is available seven days a week.

Charges a $24.99 processing fee on reservations.

Must provide an email address to receive the best deals and promos.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

For consulting reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is an independent website that encourages community members to post reviews and share tips.

Its message boards offer ways for website visitors to ask questions and share feedback with others based on their personal experiences and opinions. The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites.

Read cruise reviews from travelers who've been on that itinerary before.

"Deal Score" ranks deals to find the best value.

Price tracker shows 90-day trends for cruise prices.

Must click through the deal to book your cruise on other websites.

Prices are not guaranteed and can change before booking due to fees and restrictions on the sites where the cruises are being sold.

To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect is the best cruise website when all you want are cruise prices. It doesn't offer hotels, flights, rental cars or other reservations you may want for your next vacation. CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site.

Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships.

Bonus offers on every reservation provide extra value.

Best-price guarantee and free reservation holds.

Buy now, pay later financing options.

Promos offered by cruise lines aren't exclusive to CruiseDirect.

Customer service can be unfriendly.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

For budget-friendly options: Priceline

Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations.

Up to $2,000 to spend on board.

Waived deposits of up to $500 when booking your cruise.

110% best-price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more from the same site.

Must call Priceline to get exclusive offers and unpublished fares.

Restrictions make the best-price guarantee harder to benefit from.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best cruise deals

For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise.

Search over 70,000 cruise deals from more than 60 sites at once.

Dedicated ship pages share details, reviews, photos and itineraries.

Too many search results make it harder to narrow down your choices.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned website that matches travelers with a vacation planner based on their preferences. It's the best way to book a cruise using a travel planner because it offers a low-price guarantee without charging extra fees for the planner.

The downside is that online pricing is not "live." Therefore, you must speak with a travel planner to get the latest prices and book your cruise.

Match with cruise planners according to your needs.

Does not charge Avoya fees for booking, changes or cancellations.

Get a low-price guarantee and the expertise of a vacation planner without extra fees.

Must become a member to unlock the best deals.

Pricing on the website is not "live" pricing, so actual cost may vary.

Cannot book a cruise online. You must speak with an independent vacation planner.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance right now

To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel

American airlines cruises.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com . All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise.

If you have an American Airlines credit card, you'll earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles. These miles and Loyalty Points count toward airline elite status. Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines.

Earn miles and Loyalty Points toward travel and elite status.

Cardholders earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles on cruises.

Cruise experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cruise reservations are offered by a third party, so customer service issues can be a challenge.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase.

Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations.

Can earn up to 100,000 miles when booking a cruise.

Waives deposits when booking eligible cruises.

110% price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Most cruise awards are capped at 10,000 miles.

Miles earned are based on the length of the cruise, not the amount spent.

United Airlines Cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com .

When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase. If you have Premier status, you receive additional perks on select cruise lines, like wine and onboard credits.

Earn up to 7x miles on cruises.

United MileagePlus Premier members receive additional perks.

Can redeem miles to pay for some or all of your trip.

Not all cruises can be booked online.

Prices do not include a nonrefundable $24.99 processing fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

If you want to earn hotel points on your cruise, Marriott Cruise with Points is the best cruise website for you. You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Earn up to 6x points on your cruise, up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Marriott cardholders receive an extra 2x points when paying with their cards.

Can use Bonvoy points to pay for your cruise.

Redemption value of Bonvoy points is only 0.4 cent.

Must call to book cruises using points.

Processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards vs. hotel credit cards

For cruise package deals: Costco Travel

Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members. Through its Costco Travel website , members receive exclusive prices and benefits when booking hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Earn 2% rewards and extra perks with Executive Membership.

Some cruises offer Costco gift cards or onboard credit.

Must be a member to book reservations with Costco Travel.

Directly with the Cruise Line

In some cases, booking directly with the cruise line can be best because it eliminates a third party. If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other.

This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.

Simple search functions.

No hassles with third parties for problems, changes or cancellations.

Less likely to get scammed by fraudulent sites.

Miss out on deals offered by third-party sites.

Harder to compare prices, benefits and routes from multiple cruise lines.

Comparing cruise prices across websites

Without being able to compare prices, it can be a challenge to determine the best site for booking a cruise. To make it easier to compare, we priced out a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two adults.

We selected the lowest-priced balcony room on Royal Caribbean departing from Miami in August 2023. Here are the results:

Mitigate cancellation policy risks with travel insurance

If you're worried your trip plans being disrupted by bad weather or a change of plans, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for cruises

Travel cards with cruise benefits

You can get even more perks by booking your cruise with the right card.

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

The Platinum Card® from American Express

on American Express' website

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Get 25% more value out of your points when you book cruises through Chase.

Book with your card to get automatic travel protections for your cruise.

Redeem miles as a statement credit to cover spending on cruises.

Book with your card to get automatic travel insurance coverage for your cruise.

Earn 2x points on travel spending, including cruises and some ship excursions.

Book with your card to get trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation coverage and other travel assistance services.

Get American Express Cruise Privileges Program benefits when you book at least five nights with eligible cruise lines. Terms apply.

Cruise program benefits include $300 credit redeemable toward dining and spa services plus amenities like wine, chocolates and champagne. Terms apply.

Booking a cruise recapped

When looking for the best way to book a cruise, the price is virtually the same on every website. The difference lies in how each seller sweetens the deal.

Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites.

When prices are the same, we recommend cruise bookers compare the perks being offered, then book on the site with the most appealing bonuses, like onboard credits, airline miles, hotel points or cash back.

If you're searching for cruises on a third-party website, you may question the legitimacy of that site. This is especially true if the site doesn't look professional or some of the information is outdated.

For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers.

Yes, last-minute deals can be the best way to book a cruise. If your travel plans are flexible, these deals can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book your preferred destination or routing if it is sold out.

Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Blog » Resources » 25 Best Cruise Booking Sites in 2023

25 Best Cruise Booking Sites in 2023

You have found our list of the 25 best cruise booking sites in 2023!

Cruise vacation booking websites are online platforms dedicated to simplifying and streamlining the process of planning and reserving cruise vacations. These websites serve as comprehensive resources, offering travelers a one-stop destination to explore a vast array of cruise itineraries, cruise lines, and destinations worldwide. They provide detailed information on ships, cabin options, onboard amenities, and shore excursions, allowing users to tailor their cruise experience to their preferences. Many of these websites also offer user reviews and ratings, as well as exclusive deals and promotions, enabling travelers to make well-informed choices and secure the best value for their cruise vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time adventurer, cruise vacation booking websites offer convenience, expertise, and accessibility to help you plan and book your dream cruise getaway with confidence.

This list includes:

The best cruise booking sites in 2023
Cruise booking sites to watch in 2023
Recommended cruise booking sites
Top cruise booking sites
High ranking cruise booking sites

Let’s get going!

List of the 25 Best Cruise Booking Sites in 2023

He is our list of the 25 best cruise booking sites in 2023 which compiles a selection of online platforms renowned for their efficiency, user-friendliness, and extensive inventory of cruise options. These platforms provide travelers with a hassle-free way to research, compare, and book cruises to various destinations around the world. They offer robust search filters, allowing users to tailor their cruise searches based on factors such as destination, cruise line, duration, and budget. The best cruise booking sites often feature customer reviews, detailed ship and itinerary information, and exclusive deals or promotions, ensuring that users can make informed decisions and secure the best possible cruise experience with ease.

1. CruiseSheet.com

CruiseSheet.com is beloved for its comprehensive search engine that allows travelers to find the best cruise deals effortlessly. It excels in providing real-time updates on cruise prices, making it easy to snag fantastic last-minute bargains. Users appreciate the site’s user-friendly interface and the ability to set price alerts, ensuring they never miss out on a great cruise deal.

2. Carnival.com

Carnival.com is cherished for its family-friendly approach to cruising. With a plethora of fun activities and entertainment options, it’s the perfect choice for families with kids. Carnival’s website also offers an intuitive booking process and detailed itineraries, making it a breeze for travelers to plan their dream vacation at sea.

3. Disneycruise.disney.go.com

Disney Cruise Line’s website, disneycruise.disney.go.com , is adored by Disney enthusiasts for bringing the magic of Disney to the high seas. It features enchanting Disney-themed experiences, character meet-and-greets, and outstanding family entertainment. The site’s easy navigation and clear information make it a top choice for those seeking a unique Disney cruise adventure.

4. Princess.com

Princess.com is celebrated for its elegant and refined cruise offerings. The site stands out for its in-depth destination guides, enabling travelers to explore ports of call with confidence. The Princess Cruises website also showcases a variety of onboard activities, enriching experiences, and excellent dining options that cater to cruisers with discerning tastes.

5. Ncl.com (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line’s website, Ncl.com , is cherished for its innovative approach to cruising. Travelers love the freedom it offers through the “Freestyle Cruising” concept, allowing guests to create their own cruise experience. The site’s interactive deck plans, extensive dining options, and diverse entertainment choices make it a top pick for those seeking flexibility and variety.

6. Celebritycruises.com

Celebritycruises.com is renowned for its commitment to luxury and modern elegance. The site’s focus on culinary excellence, with partnerships with renowned chefs, has garnered praise from foodies. Travelers are drawn to the exceptional onboard service and the site’s emphasis on enriching experiences, such as destination-focused activities and cultural immersions.

7. Hollandamerica.com

Hollandamerica.com shines with its classic and timeless appeal, making it a favorite among cruisers who appreciate traditional cruising experiences. The website is commended for its well-curated itineraries that often explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Holland America Line’s dedication to excellence in service and the arts, including onboard museums and live music, adds to its charm.

8. Msccruisesusa.com

MSC Cruises’ website, Msccruisesusa.com , is adored for its Mediterranean-inspired luxury cruises. Travelers are captivated by the glamorous and sophisticated onboard ambiance, as well as the diverse range of itineraries. The site’s easy booking process and transparent pricing options make it an attractive choice for those seeking European-style cruising.

9. RoyalCaribbean.com

Royal Caribbean’s website, Royalcaribbean.com , is celebrated for its innovative and adventure-packed cruise offerings. The site showcases groundbreaking features like skydiving simulators and robotic bartenders, catering to thrill-seekers and tech enthusiasts. Travelers appreciate the website’s wealth of information on onboard activities, making it easy to plan an action-packed cruise vacation.

10. Azamara.com

Azamara.com is beloved for its intimate and immersive cruise experiences. The website emphasizes destination-focused travel and unique shore excursions, appealing to travelers with a passion for exploration. Azamara’s smaller ships and longer port stays further enhance the immersive travel experience.

11. Cunard.com

Cunard.com is revered for its classic and iconic ocean liner voyages. The site excels in showcasing the elegance and timeless luxury associated with Cunard cruises. Travelers appreciate the detailed information on the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria, as well as the immersive onboard experiences, from ballroom dancing to high tea, making it a top choice for those seeking a traditional and refined cruising experience.

12. Travelocity.com

Travelocity.com is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive search options. Travelers love the website’s ability to bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals, saving both time and money. The “Top Secret Hotels” feature, offering discounted rates on unnamed hotels, is a favorite among budget-conscious travelers looking for great deals.

13. Expedia.com

Expedia.com is adored for its extensive selection of travel options and its loyalty program, Expedia Rewards. Users appreciate the “Bundle and Save” feature, which allows them to combine flights and accommodations to unlock additional discounts. Expedia’s user reviews and recommendations also help travelers make informed choices when planning their trips.

14. Orbitz.com

Orbitz.com stands out for its intuitive booking process and the “Orbitz Rewards” program, which offers members exclusive deals and discounts. Travelers love the site’s Price Assurance feature, ensuring they get the best price available. Additionally, Orbitz’s mobile app is praised for its convenience and ease of use.

15. TripAdvisor.com

TripAdvisor.com is cherished for its vast database of user-generated reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Travelers rely on the site to plan their trips based on authentic feedback from fellow travelers. The site’s travel forums and expert advice contribute to its popularity as a go-to resource for travel planning and research.

16. AvoyaTravel.com

AvoyaTravel.com is known for its personalized approach to travel planning. Customers appreciate the site’s network of independent travel experts who provide tailored recommendations and assistance throughout the booking process. Avoya’s exclusive promotions and price-matching guarantee also make it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a personalized touch.

17. CruisesOnly.com

CruisesOnly.com is a favorite among cruise enthusiasts for its specialization in cruise vacations. The site offers a wide range of cruise options and often includes exclusive deals and perks like onboard credits and free upgrades. The transparent pricing and dedicated cruise experts make it a top choice for those looking to book their next cruise adventure.

18. Cruises.com

Cruises.com is praised for its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of cruise itineraries. Travelers love the site’s cruise search feature, which allows them to filter options by destination, cruise line, and more. Cruises.com also offers price alerts and special promotions, ensuring travelers find the best cruise deals.

19. VacationsToGo.com

VacationsToGo.com is beloved for its cruise-focused approach, offering a wide array of cruise discounts and last-minute deals. Travelers appreciate the site’s Cruise Price Alerts, which notify them when prices drop for specific cruises. The knowledgeable cruise consultants and detailed ship information add to the site’s appeal.

20. Cruisecritic.com

Cruisecritic.com is a trusted source for cruise enthusiasts, offering expert reviews, user-generated cruise reviews, and a vibrant community forum. Travelers turn to the site for in-depth information on cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. The “Cruise Deals” section is also popular for finding discounts and promotions.

21. Cruisedirect.com

Cruisedirect.com is valued for its straightforward cruise booking process and access to exclusive deals and bonuses. Travelers appreciate the site’s Best Price Guarantee, ensuring they get the lowest available rates. The site’s user-friendly interface and real-time availability make it a convenient choice for booking cruises.

22. Cruiseonly.com

Cruiseonly.com is praised for its specialization in cruise vacations and its commitment to providing expert guidance. Travelers rely on the site’s experienced cruise consultants to help them find the perfect cruise itinerary. The site’s dedication to customer service and personalized cruise recommendations are its standout features.

23. Bookaacruises.com

Bookaacruises.com is known for its extensive selection of cruise options, including cruises with popular cruise lines. Travelers appreciate the site’s straightforward booking process and competitive pricing. The site’s detailed cruise line and ship information make it easy for travelers to make informed choices.

24. Cruises.delta.com

Cruises.delta.com is favored for its partnership with Delta Air Lines, making it convenient for travelers to combine cruise and airfare bookings. Travelers love the site’s seamless integration, allowing them to book both elements of their vacation in one place. Delta’s reputation for reliability adds to the site’s appeal.

25. Cruises.united.com

Cruises.united.com benefits from its partnership with United Airlines, offering travelers the option to bundle flights and cruises for added convenience. Users appreciate the site’s easy navigation and the ability to earn United MileagePlus miles for their bookings. The integration of travel options makes it a convenient choice for United Airlines loyalists.

Final Thoughts

When avid travelers aim to have an exceptional cruise vacation, their approach to selecting booking apps and travel sites involves careful research and consideration. First and foremost, they start by determining their specific cruise preferences, such as cruise line, destination, cabin type, and budget. Armed with this information, they explore both cruise line websites like Carnival.com , Princess.com , and Royalcaribbean.com , as well as travel agency websites such as Travelocity.com , Expedia.com , and CruisesOnly.com . These platforms offer detailed cruise information, allowing travelers to compare options, browse itineraries, and access exclusive deals.

Next, these discerning travelers often turn to specialized cruise booking sites and apps like CruiseSheet.com , CruiseCritic.com , and VacationsToGo.com . These platforms are dedicated to the cruise industry, providing in-depth reviews, user-generated content, and expert advice that helps travelers make informed decisions. Additionally, they may consider travel agencies like AvoyaTravel.com , known for their personalized service and expertise in curating cruise experiences. Ultimately, a combination of cruise line websites, specialized cruise booking sites, and reputable travel agencies allows travelers to thoroughly research and book their cruise vacations, ensuring they find the perfect voyage that aligns with their preferences and expectations, resulting in a cruise they truly love.

FAQ: 25 Best Cruise Booking Sites in 2023

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best cruise booking sites.

What are cruise booking sites?

Cruise booking sites are online platforms dedicated to helping travelers plan, research, and reserve cruise vacations. These websites offer a user-friendly interface that allows you to explore a wide range of cruise options, including different cruise lines, destinations, itineraries, and cabin choices. You can use them to compare prices, read reviews, and access detailed information about each cruise, from onboard amenities to shore excursions. Cruise booking sites also often feature special deals, promotions, and discounts, making it easier for you to find the best value for your trip. In summary, cruise booking sites serve as a convenient and comprehensive resource for anyone looking to embark on a cruise adventure.

How can I book a cruise using a cruise booking site?

Booking a cruise using a cruise booking site is a straightforward process. Start by visiting the cruise booking site of your choice and use their search tools to narrow down your options based on your desired destination, travel dates, cruise line preference, and budget. Once you’ve found a cruise that suits your needs, select the specific itinerary and cabin category you prefer. Then, follow the prompts to enter your personal information, payment details, and any special requests. Review your booking details carefully, including pricing and cancellation policies, and confirm your reservation. You’ll typically receive a booking confirmation via email, along with instructions for further steps, such as completing the online check-in process or pre-booking shore excursions. Booking a cruise online through a cruise booking site is a convenient and efficient way to secure your dream vacation at sea.

What makes a cruise booking site the best for me?

The ideal cruise booking site for you depends on your specific preferences and needs. When determining what makes a cruise booking site the best fit, consider factors such as the range of cruise lines and destinations it offers, its user interface and ease of navigation, the availability of customer reviews and ratings, and any exclusive deals or promotions it provides. Additionally, assess the site’s transparency regarding pricing and fees, as well as its customer service and support options. Ultimately, the best cruise booking site for you should align with your cruise vacation goals, whether that means finding the best value, accessing a particular cruise line or destination, or simply having a user-friendly experience that suits your needs and preferences.

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Aerial view of a promenade deck of a cruise ship.

Wind in your hair

Head out on the water, look to new thrills, and cruise your way to adventure. Lounge on deck, discover new destinations, or just enjoy having everything a vacation could need all in one floating place.