How to Get a Cheaper School Holiday Cruise
Looking for a cheap school holiday cruise? If you’re tied to the school calendar, finding an affordable family cruise can feel like an impossible task. Prices rise when demand is high, the cheapest cabins disappear quickly and a family of four or five has far fewer accommodation options than a couple.
But you can save money on a school holiday cruise.
The trick isn’t simply finding the lowest advertised cruise fare. It’s knowing when to book, which school holiday dates to compare, where to sail from, which cabin to choose and which family cruise deals are actually worth having.
And if you’re travelling with three children, there’s another important consideration: finding a cruise cabin that sleeps five can be harder than finding the cruise itself.
I’ve put together this guide to help you find cheaper school holiday cruises, whether you’re looking for a summer cruise, Easter cruise, May or October half-term sailing, or a family cruise from the UK.
From kids-go-free offers and five-berth cabins to no-fly cruises, inside cabins and choosing a different week, these are the practical ways to bring down the cost of a family cruise..
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At a Glance: Cheap School Holiday Cruises
1.Start looking early
For families, booking early can be more important than simply waiting for the cheapest possible fare.
The reason is cabin availability.
Cruise ships have plenty of cabins for two people, but far fewer that can accommodate three, four or five people. Family cabins, larger rooms and connecting cabins can therefore disappear well before the departure date.
I’d start looking around 12 to 18 months ahead if you can, or as soon as they go on sale, particularly for the summer holidays.
That doesn’t mean you have to book immediately. Cruise fares and promotions can change, so it is worth monitoring the price and offers once you have identified a sailing you like.
The advantage of looking early is that you have more choice.
And when you are travelling with children, choice can be more valuable than waiting for a last-minute bargain.
2. Look for kids-go-free and reduced child fares
One of the biggest potential savings for families is a cruise promotion offering free or reduced fares for children sharing a cabin with two full-paying adults.
These offers can be extremely attractive, but always read the small print.
“Kids go free” does not necessarily mean the child costs absolutely nothing. Taxes, fees and other charges may still apply, and promotions are usually limited to selected ships, dates, cabin categories and age groups.
Don’t assume that the cruise with the biggest headline discount is automatically the cheapest.
Put your family details into the booking search and look at the final price for everyone.
It is also worth checking several cruise lines. Family promotions vary considerably, and a cruise without a spectacular “kids go free” headline may still work out cheaper overall.
3. Compare the total cost of the holiday
This is one of the most important rules when looking for a cheap family cruise.
Don’t compare cruises solely by the advertised fare.
A cruise costing £699 per person isn’t necessarily cheaper than one costing £799 once you have added everything your family needs.
Before making a decision, consider:
Cruise fare
Taxes and fees
Gratuities or service charges
Flights
Airport transfers
Cruise parking
Pre- or post-cruise hotels
Drinks
Wi-Fi
Speciality dining
Shore excursions
Travel insurance
Other extras your family is likely to buy
This is particularly important when comparing a UK no-fly cruise with a fly-cruise.
A cruise with a slightly higher fare could save hundreds of pounds if you don’t have to buy four or five flights.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: often US cruise only prices are much cheaper than in UK so it might even be economical to book a Florida land holiday and adding on a cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral.
4. Consider a no-fly cruise from the UK
Horizon Cruise Terminal, Southampton
For families, avoiding flights can make a huge difference to the total cost of a holiday.
Cruising from Southampton or another UK departure port means you can drive to the ship rather than flying abroad.
You could save on:
Air fares
Checked baggage
Airport parking
Airport transfers
Pre-cruise hotels
The hassle of travelling through an airport with children
Of course, a UK cruise isn’t automatically cheaper. The cruise fare itself may be higher than a comparable fly-cruise.
That’s why you need to compare the door-to-door cost.
Don’t forget to include cruise parking if you are driving to the port.
5. Be flexible about which week you travel
You may have no flexibility about travelling during the school holidays, but you may have some flexibility about which week.
Don’t assume every week of the summer holiday costs the same.
Try searching several departure dates, including:
Different weeks of the summer holidays
The first and last weeks of the summer break
Different May half-term weeks
Different October half-term weeks
Different Easter weeks
Departures immediately before or after a school holiday, if your dates allow
Even moving a holiday by a few days can sometimes make a substantial difference.
And remember that school holiday dates aren’t identical across the whole of the UK.
A sailing that falls during half-term for one area may not be during the school holidays elsewhere.
6. Don’t overlook May and October half-term
The six-week summer holiday is not your only opportunity for a family cruise.
May and October half-term can sometimes offer better value, particularly if you don’t need guaranteed hot weather.
A Mediterranean cruise in May or October can still be enjoyable, although the weather is less predictable than in the height of summer.
You may also find more choice of sailings than during the busiest summer weeks.
If your priority is experiencing the ship and visiting some interesting destinations rather than spending every day on a beach, don’t automatically rule these periods out.
7. Consider a shorter cruise
If a seven-night school holiday cruise is outside your budget, look at shorter sailings.
A three, four or five-night cruise can provide a proper family getaway without the cost of a full week.
Short cruises can also work particularly well for:
May half-term
October half-term
Bank holiday weekends
Families trying cruising for the first time
Families who can’t stretch to a full week
Just remember that the shortest cruise isn’t necessarily the cheapest per night.
Compare the total cost and what is included before deciding.
8. If you have three children, look for five-berth cabins
This is a big one for families of five.
You cannot assume that a cabin advertised as a “family cabin” will accommodate five people.
Many standard cruise cabins sleep two, while selected cabins accommodate three or four. Cabins that can sleep five are much less common.
P&O Cruises Family Conservatory Mini Suite sleeps 5. On Iona & Arvia. Image: P&O Cruises
If you are a family of two adults and three children, check the maximum occupancy of the actual cabin, rather than simply searching for a family room.
Depending on the ship, your options could include:
A five-berth cabin
A larger family cabin
A family suite
Two connecting cabins
Two cabins close together
Five-berth cabins can be particularly difficult to find during school holidays because there are simply fewer of them.
If you have found a cruise you like, check the accommodation options for five people before getting too attached to the sailing.
Could two cabins be cheaper?
Possibly. Don’t automatically assume that one large family cabin will be the cheapest option.
If your children are old enough for the cruise line’s cabin-occupancy rules, price up two connecting cabins as well.
Two cabins can give you considerably more space and, importantly, a second bathroom.
They can sometimes cost more, but it is worth checking the actual prices rather than making assumptions.
For families with younger children, check the cruise line’s rules carefully because there can be restrictions on how adults and children can be allocated between cabins.
Book five-berth accommodation early
This is one situation where early planning really matters.
There are far fewer cabins capable of accommodating five people than there are standard double cabins.
If you leave it until a few months before the school holidays, you may find that the cruise you want is still available but there is no suitable accommodation for your family.
For a family of five, I’d make cabin availability one of the first things you check.
9. Consider an inside cabin
If your priority is reducing the cruise fare, don’t dismiss inside cabins.
They have no window or balcony, but they are usually among the cheaper accommodation options.
Select an inside cabin for affordability
If your family spends most of the day at the pool, in the kids’ clubs, watching shows or exploring ashore, you may decide that you don’t need to pay extra for a view.
An inside cabin can be particularly appealing if the saving allows you to spend more on the things your family actually wants to do.
But check the cabin carefully.
Look at its size, bed configuration and maximum occupancy rather than simply choosing the cheapest room shown in the search results.
Cruise Lowdown Tip: As a family of 6 we used to book an inside for the older children and a balcony for us which they then benefited from.
10. Don’t automatically choose the newest ship
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas is 20 years old but still has a lot to offer.
New ships are exciting, but you don’t necessarily need the latest vessel to have a great family holiday.
Older ships can offer plenty of family facilities and activities, and their fares may sometimes be more competitive.
When comparing two ships, ask yourself what the extra money is buying.
If your children are mainly interested in swimming pools, waterslides, sports, kids’ clubs and entertainment, an older ship may provide everything they need.
The newest ship isn’t automatically the best-value ship for your family.
Note: Freedom of the Seas sails from Southampton in 2027
11. Compare family cabins with connecting cabins
If you have two or more children, don’t limit your search to one cabin.
Depending on the ship and your children’s ages, two connecting cabins can be worth considering.
You could gain:
More living space
More storage
Two bathrooms
Separate sleeping areas
A little more privacy for parents
But check the exact configuration. Not every pair of neighbouring cabins connects, and not every cruise line allows children to occupy a separate cabin without an adult, even when the cabins are next to each other. Check deck plans for the connecting cabin symbol.
Always check the rules before booking.
12. Compare the same cruise in several places
Once you’ve found a cruise you like, shop around.
Check the cruise line as well as reputable cruise travel agents and cruise booking websites.
But compare like for like.
Make sure you’re comparing:
The same ship
The same sailing
The same cabin category
The same number of passengers
The same dining arrangements
The same drinks or Wi-Fi inclusions
The same gratuity arrangements
The same booking conditions
A slightly more expensive fare may include onboard credit or another benefit.
Equally, a seemingly cheaper fare may simply be for a less desirable cabin category.
The final price and what you receive for it are what matter.
13. Don’t assume last-minute cruises are cheaper
We’ve all heard about last-minute cruise bargains. They do exist. But school holidays aren’t necessarily the best time to rely on them.
If you’re a couple who can travel almost anywhere, on almost any ship, at short notice, a last-minute fare can be worth investigating.
A family of five with one specific week available is in a very different position.
You may find a fantastic last-minute price for two people while all the five-berth cabins have gone.
For families, I’d treat last-minute deals as a bonus rather than a strategy.
If a great offer appears and your family can take advantage of it, fantastic.
But don’t wait until the last minute assuming that the price will inevitably fall.
14. Look beyond the obvious Itineraries
Rotterdam is an underrated city to visit - and often features on cheaper itineraries
If your children simply want to go on a cruise, rather than visit one particular destination, broaden your search.
You might find a cheaper cruise by changing:
The itinerary
The departure port
The cruise line
The ship
The length of the cruise
A Mediterranean cruise isn’t necessarily the only option for a summer holiday, and the most popular itinerary isn’t necessarily the best value.
Sometimes the easiest way to save money is simply to be prepared to go somewhere different.
Look for itineraries including the Netherlands, Belgium and France for a cruise with a difference, at more reasonable prices.
15. Consider repositioning cruises
Repositioning cruises can sometimes offer interesting fares because the ship is moving between cruising regions.
A repositioning cruise is a one-way voyage where a cruise line moves a ship from one regional or seasonal market to another (such as from the Caribbean to Europe for the summer).
They can be a good option for families who are flexible about their itinerary and where they finish their holiday.
However, they are not automatically cheaper once you factor in transport to and from the different ports.
They can also involve longer periods at sea, which may or may not suit your family.
Always calculate the cost of the entire journey, not just the cruise fare.
16. Check exactly what your cruise fare includes
A cheap cruise fare can become considerably more expensive once you add everything your family wants.
Before booking, work out what you are likely to need.
Will you want:
Soft drinks or a drinks package?
Wi-Fi for the children?
Speciality restaurants?
Shore excursions?
Paid activities?
Spa treatments?
Room service?
Transport to the port?
You don’t necessarily need to buy all these things.
In fact, one of the easiest ways to keep a cruise affordable is to make the most of what’s already included.
But you need to know what those inclusions are before comparing two fares.
17. Don’t be seduced by the percentage discount
“Save 40%” sounds much better than “save £300”.
But neither figure tells you whether you’ve found the best-value holiday.
Cruise promotions can include:
Percentage discounts
Reduced child fares
Kids-go-free offers
Onboard credit
Free Wi-Fi
Drinks
Reduced deposits
Cabin upgrades
Free or discounted extras
Calculate the actual price for your family. Then compare it with the alternatives.
The best deal is the one that leaves you paying less for the holiday you actually want.
18. Check the price after you’ve booked
If you book early, don’t necessarily forget about the cruise until departure day.
Keep an eye on later promotions and pricing, particularly if the cruise line or travel agent’s booking terms give you scope to benefit from a subsequent offer.
You may not be able to change the price after booking, and some promotional fares have different conditions, so always check the terms of your particular booking.
But it can be worth keeping an eye on the sailing.
19. Think about what your children actually need
Adventure Ocean on Freedom of the Seas.
This is perhaps the simplest way to save money.
A cruise can be marketed with a huge list of facilities, but you don’t have to pay extra for everything.
If your children are happiest in the pool and kids’ club, you may not need a ship packed with expensive attractions.
If they love exploring ports, you may not need a drinks package.
If you spend very little time in your cabin, you may not need a balcony.
Before paying extra, ask:
Will my family actually use it?
If the answer is no, keep the money in your holiday budget.
Cheap School Holiday Cruises FAQ
What is the cheapest time to take a school holiday cruise?
There is no single cheapest school holiday week because prices vary by cruise line, ship, itinerary, departure port and demand. It is worth comparing different weeks of the summer holidays as well as Easter, May half-term and October half-term.
If your school dates allow it, check departures at the beginning or end of a holiday period as well as the more popular middle weeks.
Is it cheaper to book a school holiday cruise early or wait?
For families, booking early can be particularly useful because there are fewer cabins capable of accommodating three, four or five people. Waiting for a last-minute fare may save money if you are flexible, but it can also leave you with limited cabin and sailing choices.
If you need a five-berth cabin or connecting cabins, it is usually sensible to start looking well ahead.
Are kids-go-free cruise deals really cheaper?
They can be, but the headline offer does not tell you the final cost. Taxes, fees and other charges may still apply, and offers are usually restricted to particular sailings, cabin categories or age groups.
Always enter the full number of passengers and compare the final price rather than relying on the advertised discount.
Is a cruise from Southampton cheaper than a fly-cruise?
Not necessarily, but it can be cheaper overall for a family once you include the cost of flights, baggage, airport parking, transfers and possibly a hotel.
Compare the complete door-to-door cost of both holidays rather than comparing the cruise fares alone.
Are inside cabins cheaper for families?
Inside cabins are generally among the lower-priced cabin categories because they do not have a window or balcony. They can therefore be a useful option if your priority is keeping the cruise fare down.
For families who spend relatively little time in their cabin, the saving may be more useful than paying extra for a view.
Can a family of five share one cruise cabin?
Some cruise ships have cabins that accommodate five people, but they are much less common than cabins for two, three or four passengers. Family suites, larger family cabins and selected five-berth cabins may be available depending on the ship.
It is important to check the maximum occupancy of the actual cabin rather than assuming that a cabin described as a family cabin sleeps five.
Could two connecting cabins be cheaper than one family cabin?
They can be, depending on the cruise line, ship, sailing and cabin availability. Two cabins may also provide more space and two bathrooms.
However, check the cruise line’s rules about children occupying a separate cabin and make sure the cabins genuinely connect rather than simply being next to each other.
Are shorter cruises cheaper for school holidays?
A shorter cruise can reduce the overall cost of a family holiday, although it is not necessarily cheaper per night. Three, four or five-night cruises can be worth considering for half-term or a shorter school break.
Compare the total holiday cost and what is included rather than assuming that the shortest sailing represents the best value.
Are older cruise ships cheaper?
Older ships can sometimes have more competitive fares than newer vessels, although this varies by cruise line and sailing. An older ship can still offer swimming pools, children’s facilities, entertainment and other activities that families want from a cruise.
When comparing ships, consider what you are actually paying extra for rather than automatically choosing the newest vessel.
Should I book a last-minute school holiday cruise?
A last-minute cruise can be worth considering if you are very flexible, but it is risky if you need a particular school holiday week or a cabin for four or five people.
Last-minute availability can be particularly limited for five-berth and family accommodation, so it is better to regard a last-minute bargain as an opportunity rather than something to rely on.
What is the best way to compare cheap family cruises?
Start with the final cost for your whole family. Compare the same sailing across the cruise line and reputable travel agents, making sure you are comparing the same cabin category, passenger numbers, dining arrangements and inclusions.
Then add the costs outside the cruise fare, including travel to the port, parking, flights, hotels, drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions and other extras your family is likely to buy.
A lower advertised cruise fare does not necessarily mean a lower-cost holiday.
The Lowdown
There is no secret formula that turns a peak school holiday cruise into an off-season bargain.
But you can make a big difference to the price by being prepared to look beyond the obvious options.
My first step would be to work out exactly how flexible you can be. Can you change the week? The departure port? The ship? The destination? The cabin?
Even changing one of those can open up a completely different range of prices.
For families of five, I’d make the cabin search a priority from the very beginning. Don’t find the perfect sailing and only then discover that there isn’t a cabin available for five people.
Then compare the total cost of the holiday, not just the cruise fare.
A cruise that costs a little more but sails from Southampton could be considerably cheaper overall than a lower-priced fly-cruise once you’ve paid for five flights, baggage and transfers.
And don’t assume you need the newest ship, a balcony or every package going. Spend your money on the things your family will actually enjoy.
For school holiday cruising, the cheapest cruise isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest headline fare.
The real bargain is the cruise that gives your family the holiday you want at the lowest overall cost.
That’s the Cruise Lowdown.