Can waiting for a last minute cruise really save money?

The answer to this is YES. But it has to be the right kind of cruise, and usually only certain kinds of people will benefit from it.

A "repositioning cruise" can be your best savings (this is a cruise that starts in one city and ends in another.) Why is it such a money-saver? People prefer to not have to buy airfare, particularly airfare into one city and out of another which is usually more expensive than buying roundtrip airfare. Therefore, the cruise lines often have difficulty filling ships that don't travel roundtrip.

About a month ago, I booked three couples on a cruise on Costa Atlantica October 13 - 24, 2010 for $799 per person for a balcony room. Today, three days before the cruise departs, I booked a new couple on the ship for $499 for a balcony room. This cruise leaves from New York City and ends in Quebec City, QC. The couple who booked today will be taking the bus from their home in Quebec City to New York and board the ship. They will arrive back in Quebec City and friends will pick them up. No airfare required and about $550 per person including taxes for 11 days ($50/day per person for a balcony room is a great bargain.)

If you have frequent flier miles or airline benefits, consider a cruise that starts in one city and ends in another. It can be one of the best values that the cruise industry has to offer.