Cruises are one of the ultimate dream vacations that nearly everyone would like to experience someday, but the prices can often be more prohibitive than a vacation on land. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find cruise travel deals; all it takes is a little effort and forethought.

As with air travel, cruises tend to be less expensive when either booked well in advance of the departure date, or at the very last minute. However, “well in advance” and “last minute” mean different things for a cruise than they do for air travel. For example, while it’s almost impossible to book a flight more than a year out, cruises offer some of the best deals 12-18 months in advance. By the same token, “last minute” for a cruise is not a matter of days or hours, but of weeks. For “last minute” deals, try to book 3-6 weeks in advance. Also remember to avoid “peak” and “shoulder” seasons; booking a cruise in the off-peak season will mean greater savings and fewer crowds.

It’s also important to keep in mind the amenities you’d like to have when searching for your budget cruise. Although an expensive room with an ocean view may be nice (and worth it) if you’re staying close to land, it’s cheaper and just as enjoyable to choose a room without a window if the cruise will be out to sea for several days at a time. Also, keep in mind that most services, including spa time or shore days, will cost extra, so try to plan in advance what is most important to you and keep an eye out for last-minute discounts.

Technorati Tags: , ,