More than a quarter of UK cruisers are last minute cruise bookers, yet 40% book at least a year in advance, reveals Cruise Critic

LONDON, July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Critic revealed that 27% of cruisers are last minute planners, booking within weeks of their cruise, while 33% book a few months out. Over a third of respondents (40%) like to be more organised and make reservations at least a year (or more) in advance, according to a recent poll.

Adam Coulter, UK editor, Cruise Critic, commented: "Those who can be flexible can find some excellent last minute deals, which could get you to your dream destination for a lot less. If you are a planner and like to book much earlier, you should look for added value promotions. You may not find the very cheapest fares when a cruise first goes on sale, but you will often find incentives, such as upgrades, or kids-sail-free offers, that save you money overall."

Whether you're planning for next year, looking for a last minute summer deal, or a winter break, Cruise Critic gives tips on how to catch the perfect deal: 

- For first-sailing announcements, book in advance
For those who are able to plan a year (or more) ahead, which accounts for 33% of cruisers polled in Cruise Critic's survey, savings can be found as and when the cruise first goes on sale. Cruise lines tend to offer a number of added-value promotions, which includes anything from drink packages to gratuity or airfare – all added costs that cruisers will usually end up paying anyway, and could save hundreds of pounds.
Ideal for: Advanced planners

- Book anytime for off-season savings – but be flexible!
Destinations have high and low seasons – with cruise fares following suit. By booking a cruise during a destination's low season, cruisers may have the option to visit their destination of choice at a much lower cost - and without the crowds. Examples include Alaska in May and September, the Caribbean in late spring or winter (holiday weeks, excluded) or the Mediterranean in the autumn.

Repositioning cruises also offer money-saving opportunities. From September to November numerous ships cross from Britain to the US to follow the sun, while during the Spring many ships travel back to Britain via the Azores and the Iberian Peninsula after spending winter months in the Caribbean and South America.  These one-way voyages are often sold at a discount, as they're not part of regular sailing schedules.
Ideal for: All types of planner – but only if you're flexible

- Look for industry-wide sales in late September and January - March
Two of the biggest industry-wide cruise sales are held in late September and January - March. The cruise industry's national cruise week will be held September 27^th – October 5^th, 2014 in the UK, with cruise lines and agents offering a wide range of promotions. "Wave Season," beginning in January, is an annual period of three months where cruise lines offer special promotions during one of the more popular times for cruise shopping to begin.