Are you under the impression that the only way to book a cruise is by visiting the official website of the cruise line or relying on a travel agent? Well, it’s time to broaden your horizons.
In today’s digital age, many cruise sites offer an array of affordable travel booking options. Gone are the days of limited choices and high prices. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious voyage or a budget-friendly getaway, these cruise sites have covered you.
In this article, we will present you with 13 of our favorite cruise sites, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each platform.
Best Cruise Sites to Check Out
Why settle for a general online travel agency when you can rely on cruise-specific booking websites? These pros specialize in cruises and understand precisely what you’re looking for.
1. CruiseDirect
Despite its slightly outdated appearance, CruiseDirect has a solid reputation built over its two-decade existence. With their wealth of experience, you can trust that they know their stuff regarding cruise bookings.
One of the standout features of their website is the ability to “heart” cruises that catch your interest, allowing you to revisit and reconsider them later quickly. Another advantage is that CruiseDirect only requires a deposit at the time of booking rather than the full payment.
Pros:
- Booking incentives like free dining experiences and travel insurance
- Flexible payment options with a deposit requirement
Cons:
- Price matching is only available within the first 24 hours of booking
- The website can be clunky and outdated in terms of design.
2. CruiseCritic
Cruise Critic is a treasure trove for cruise enthusiasts, offering information about cruise lines, ships, and routes. From detailed reviews to valuable cruising tips, it’s a one-stop destination for cruising. However, while Cruise Critic allows you to browse and explore cruise options, it doesn’t directly sell them. Instead, it aggregates pricing information from multiple sources and presents it to you. To book your desired cruise, you’ll need to visit another website.
Pros:
- Extensive information on a wide range of cruises
- Active and vibrant forum community of fellow cruisers
Cons:
- A separate website is required to complete the cruise booking process
3. Cruisewatch
Cruisewatch is the go-to platform for data enthusiasts. It uses data points to predict the best time to book a cruise based on price, ensuring you get the ultimate deal. The site’s algorithm personalizes recommendations based on your preferences, learning from your likes and dislikes.
Pros:
- Tech-savvy search and personalization
- Real-time price drop alerts
Cons:
- Limited search depth compared to others
- Requires personal info for all prices
4. CruisesOnly
CruisesOnly is a unique cruise-booking platform that focuses solely on cruises. Its exceptional customer service sets it apart, with agents available to assist you with all your cruise-related questions. The website also offers a loyalty program where you can earn bonuses and perks as you make more bookings. For example, after just two bookings, you can receive vouchers for shore excursions, cash back, or an Amazon gift card.
Pros:
- Free loyalty program
- On-call booking agents
Cons:
- Not always the lowest prices
5. Cruise.com
Cruise.com is a website that lives up to its name, offering a straightforward focus on cruises. However, while the name is simple, the website may need to be more user-friendly. It caters more to experienced cruisers, providing extensive information and options that can overwhelm newcomers. One notable advantage of Cruise.com is the ability to bundle your cruise fare with airfare, a feature not commonly found on other cruise-specific booking websites.
Pros:
- Convenient option to book airfare and cruise fare together
- Wide range of extra offers, packages, and rates available in one place
Cons:
- The interface can be confusing due to the abundance of information
- Not particularly beginner-friendly
6. Vacations to Go
Vacations To Go is a leading online cruise agency, claiming to be the largest in the world. While their website may need to be updated, it offers useful features like searching for cruises with specific port stops and themed cruises. However, a major drawback is that you can’t book directly on the website; instead, you must call their representatives to reserve your cruise.
Pros:
- Robust search function for finding suitable cruises
- Last-minute cruise deals available for departures within 90 days
Cons:
- Inability to book directly on the website
- The reservation process requires calling Vacations To Go, representatives,
7. CheapCaribbean.com
CheapCaribbean.com may sound exclusively for Caribbean travel, but it offers cruises worldwide. This booking platform stands out by providing unique search categories, such as cruise themes, not commonly found on other platforms. Moreover, CheapCaribbean offers enticing incentives like discounts, credits, and a loyalty club to enhance your booking experience.
Pros:
- Free, 24-hour cancellations
- Various booking perks, including spa credits and cash back
- Extensive search functionality
Cons:
- Not solely focused on cruises
- Some reviewers have reported poor customer service
- Prices may not always align with what the platform’s name suggests.
8. Expedia
Expedia, a major travel booking platform, offers many services, including cruises. Its user-friendly interface provides a hassle-free experience for those seeking a straightforward cruise booking process. However, the simplicity of Expedia may limit your ability to customize and delve into specific cruise preferences. Depending on individual needs, this can be seen as an advantage or a disadvantage.
Pros:
- Access to some of the best cruise deals available
- Established and reputable platform
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Lack of advanced search features desired by experienced cruisers
9. Priceline
Priceline, like Expedia, is a major travel booking platform. However, Priceline stands out for its extensive search options. You can easily find the perfect cruise by specifying preferences like cabin type, luxury level, or theme. Additionally, Priceline offers discounts tailored to specific groups, such as seniors. This feature makes Priceline a strong contender against CheapCaribbean in terms of search capabilities.
Pros:
- Extensive search options for finding your ideal cruise
- Bonus incentives like credits and savings on shore excursions when booking through Priceline
Cons:
- Priceline’s renowned “name your price” feature does not apply to cruises
10. Kayak
Kayak, known as a travel deal aggregator rather than a traditional online travel agency, offers a unique advantage to its dedicated users. Kayak simplifies finding the best cruise deals by consolidating travel deals from various websites and comparing them to competitors like Expedia and Priceline. With a user-friendly app, it enhances the overall experience for its users.
Pros:
- Centralized platform for comparing prices from multiple sources
- User-friendly interface and convenient mobile app
Cons:
- Tendency to promote higher-cost cruises as “suggested” options, potentially overshadowing cheaper fares.
11. TripAdvisor
Kayak, the travel deal aggregator, streamlines the search for the best cruise deals by consolidating offers from various websites. Kayak simplifies the booking process with its user-friendly app and centralized platform for comparing prices.
Pros:
- Centralized platform for comparing prices from multiple sources
- User-friendly interface and convenient mobile app
Cons:
- Tendency to promote higher-cost cruises as “suggested” options, potentially overshadowing cheaper fares.
12. Avoya Travel
Avoya Travel is a unique option among cruise sites as it combines online search features and travel agent know-how to provide a superior cruise-booking experience. By sharing your preferences, a planner utilizes your information to showcase the best cruises for you. Moreover, their website membership grants access to unpublished deals and the flexibility of free cruise booking changes and cancellations.
Pros:
- Personalized service and customized cruise recommendations
- Exclusive deals and perks for website members
Cons:
- Low-price guarantee only available for 24 hours after the booking
- Not ideal for those seeking a hands-off, DIY booking experience
Choose Avoya Travel, among other cruise sites, for a personalized and hassle-free cruise booking experience.
You’ll love these family-friendly cruise guides before you set sail: Most Fun Cruise Ship, Dog-Friendly Cruise, Disney Family Cruises
Bottomline
Cruise sites provide a convenient and efficient way to plan and book your next cruise vacation. With a wide range of options and specialized expertise, these platforms offer personalized service, exclusive deals, and a seamless booking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time adventurer, leveraging the power of cruise sites can help you find the perfect voyage tailored to your preferences.
Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. He holds an academic degree in tourism management.
His touristic expertise has been covered in radio, newspaper and television.