Don Herman Article 4 of 13 in our Cruise Planning Guide — how to plan a cruise, one decision at a time.
You’ve set your budget, chosen your cruise type and settled on an itinerary. Now comes a question most first-timers never think to ask: who should you book it with?
Hold your horses before you click “book” on the first fare you see. Where you book can change what you get, what you pay, and who picks up the phone when something goes wrong.
We learned this the hard way. On our first Alaska cruise we booked directly with the cruise line, and wound up in a cabin directly under the Lido deck with joggers pounding by at 6:00 a.m.! After that, we switched to an online agency. We ended up with a much better cabin location and better amenities, plus a free $130 per-person onboard credit just for booking through them.
So what’s the best way to book a cruise? It depends on how much help you want. Here are your three main options.
Your Three Ways to Book
Book directly with the cruise line
You deal with the line’s own website or reservations team. It’s straightforward, you’re fully in control, and cruise lines sometimes run promotions for direct bookers. The catch is that you’re on your own. Nobody compares options for you, flags a poor cabin location, or fights for you if something goes wrong. (Ask us about the joggers.)
Use a travel advisor
A travel advisor is today’s travel agent. Advisors are best for complicated itineraries, groups and special requests (and if we were organizing a group, we wouldn’t use any other option). A good advisor helps you sort through ships, fares and cabins, and booking through one can sometimes earn you perks you might not get otherwise, such as onboard credit or other extras, depending on the line and current promotions. They’re also a real person to turn to if you have problems.
One thing to know going in: your advisor becomes your registered agent with the cruise line, so changes to your reservation usually go through them. That’s fine, as long as you expect it. Also ask up front whether they charge any fees. Advisors are often paid by the cruise line, but don’t assume.
Use an online agency or travel club
This is what we do. We belong to a travel club, Vida Lifestyles, where we earn points for various things and redeem them for travel: cruises, tours, hotels and more. (We earn points through the club, but we’re not paid to recommend it.) We’ve had really good luck with the agents there. Our advisor, who’s been with the club for years, keeps our loyalty numbers on file so our perks carry over.
If you go this route, look for a club that offers personalized service, meaning a named person who gets to know you. Before you join, ask how the points work, what membership costs, and how they handle changes and problems.
At a glance
| Booking direct | Travel advisor | Online agency / club | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Confident planners who want full control | People who want guidance | People who want guidance plus perks or rewards |
| Upsides | Simple, you’re in charge | Personal help, possible perks | Points or perks, ongoing relationship |
| Watch-outs | No one in your corner | Changes go through them | Check membership terms and costs |
Check the Fare Type Before You Book
Once you know who you’re booking with, find out exactly which fare you’re buying.
- Refundable or non-refundable? A cheaper non-refundable fare can cost you if plans change, so know the difference before you commit.
- Which fare tier? Cruise lines are increasingly selling tiered fares. Princess, for example, offers a base fare, Princess Plus and Premier, and other lines are doing the same. What each tier includes changes often, so check the current details.
The real question isn’t which tier is best. It’s whether the base fare will deliver your cruise dream, or whether you need the upgrade to make it happen. That’s where your goals and budget from What a Cruise Really Costs, and your add-on choices in Are Cruise Drink and Wifi Packages Worth It? come back into play.
Understand the Deposit and Cancellation Policies
Before you say yes, get answers to these in writing:
- How much is the deposit, and when is final payment due?
- What’s the cancellation schedule, meaning when does a partial refund become no refund?
- What changes are allowed, and what do they cost?
- Who do I contact if I need to change or cancel?
Policies vary by cruise line, fare and even sailing, so read the terms for your booking, not just the general FAQ. This is also the moment to think about locking in and protecting your booking.
When to Book
We book about a year ahead. Booking early gives you the widest choice of cabins and itineraries, especially on new or popular ships. River cruises sell out even faster, because the ships are smaller and have fewer cabins. Last-minute deals do pop up, sometimes a few weeks to two months before sailing, but by then the best itineraries and suites are often gone. If you need a solo, family or accessible cabin, book as early as the cruise line allows. See How to Choose a Cruise Cabin.
Be Ready for the Questions
Whichever route you choose, you’ll be hit with questions right at booking: where and when you’re sailing, how many guests, what cabin type, which fare, and more. That’s why What a Cruise Really Costs, Choose Your Cruise Type and Cruise Itinerary Planning Tips come first. If you know your answers going in, you’ll book with confidence instead of being flustered.
So, What’s the Best Way to Book a Cruise?
For us, it’s an online agency with a personal advisor. We get personal help, rewards on our travel, and a person to call when something goes sideways. But there’s no single right answer. Confident planners may prefer booking direct, and people who want a hand to hold may prefer an advisor. Pick the option that fits how you like to plan, then ask the questions above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book a cruise directly or through a travel agent?
Often the fare is the same, because cruise lines set the prices. The difference is usually in the extras (like onboard credit) and the support you get. Compare before you decide.
Do you pay extra to use a travel advisor?
Often not, since advisors are typically paid by the cruise line, but ask up front, because policies vary.
Can you change your booking if you booked through an agent?
Usually you’ll go through your agent, since they’re your registered agent with the cruise line. Ask how they handle changes before you book.
Can I hold a cabin without paying right away?
Sometimes. Some cruise lines and agents offer a short courtesy hold, often a day or two, but policies vary by line and sailing. Ask your advisor before you book.
What’s Next
Booked? Now it’s time to choose where you’ll sleep. Next up in the guide: How to Choose a Cruise Cabin. Or head back to the full Cruise Planning Guide to pick up wherever you left off.
