2024 travel tips: Cruises from Florida for spring, summer already selling out. What we know
Cruising is back − and in a big way. So say industry reports from Reuters, Cruise Industry News and Auto club group AAA.
After three years of bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels of sales, cruise companies are gearing up for what is expected to be a record-breaking year.
Last year, the demand for new cruise experiences was met with a horde of themed cruises: The Margaritaville cruise, a Taylor Swift cruise scheduled to set sail in October 2024, a global 9-month-long cruise and even a Hallmark Christmas cruise scheduled for later this year all hit the market.
According to a recent press release from AAA, cruise lines finally reached pre-pandemic levels of sales in 2023 and are already selling out of suites and cabins with balconies for popular spring and summer cruises in 2024.
Here’s when AAA says the best time to book a cruise is, what kinds of cruises are predicted to be most popular in 2024 and a quick roundup of some popular cruises leaving from Florida ports.
What is the cheapest month to book a cruise?
“Travel demand is off to a strong start, which means availability will continue to shrink in the next couple of months,” Debbie Haas, AAA vice president of travel, said in the press release. “So, if you want a specific itinerary, ship, or cabin type, act fast or you’ll have to start planning for next year instead.”
According to AAA’s press release, the first three months of the year are the best to book a cruise. January through March is called “wave season” among travel agents, since this is when many book their spring and summer vacations.
From now through March, cruise lines offer many discounts that can vary from 30% to 60% discounted prices, cabin upgrades, buy-one-get-one deals, on-board credits, pre-paid tipping and drink packages.
Travel advisories for the Caribbean 10 Florida islands could be alternative
What cruise is the most popular?
AAA’s 2024 trend report shows a spike in interest for Caribbean, Alaskan, European and weekend cruises.
When is the best time to cruise?
Here are AAA’s trend forecasts for the best times to cruise in 2024, according to the kind of cruise you choose:
The Caribbean is popular year-round, but spring and summer are the most popular sailing times.
Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. Because this is an abbreviated period, there’s more competition for availability.
Weekend cruises have gained popularity in recent years. Weekend warriors have realized the value an all-inclusive cruise compared to a weekend getaway in a big city resort. Cruise lines have recognized this growing trend and are making weekend cruises more of a priority in 2024, by mobilizing some of their newest ships to accessible ports for weekend excursions.
European river cruising is now operational year-round. Because European travel is most popular during the summer, travelers can avoid the crowds and find lower priced cruises and airfares in the early and later parts of the year.
Can I take a cruise from Florida to Alaska?
Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle, Washington, but you can cruise to Alaska from Florida! Although you technically can cruise to Alaska from Florida, it takes around 14 days, has to be booked far in advance and can get really pricey.
Cruising to the Caribbean is a much shorter and easier voyage from Florida. Four-night cruises to Haiti and Mexico start at around $215 to $250 per person on Expedia as of February 13, 2024. There are currently travel advisories for Caribbean islands like the Bahamas and Jamaica, so make sure to be aware of that when booking a Caribbean cruise.
As far as weekend cruises go, there are plenty leaving from Florida ports in 2024. There are more options if you decide to make it a long weekend, with cruise lines like Margaritaville offering a variety of three and four-night cruises throughout the year.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best deals for a cruise from Florida? When to book for BOGO, discounts
