Web Cruise Reservations
Every step of booking a cruise, from first deposit to final payment.
Request a Cruise Reservation QuoteBook Your Cruise With Confidence
A cruise reservation is more than clicking “book.” Behind every booking are choices that affect what you pay and how flexible you are: the fare type, the cabin category, whether you choose a specific cabin or a guarantee, which add-ons to buy and when, and what happens if the price changes. Web Cruise Reservations walks through each step so you can book with your eyes open.
Online or With an Advisor
What you gain and give up by booking yourself or through an advisor.
Deposits & Fare Types
Refundable and non-refundable deposits, and why the cheapest fare carries strings.
Choosing a Cabin Category
Inside, ocean view, balcony and suite — and guarantee cabins.
Price Drops & Re-Pricing
What to do when the fare falls after you book.
Add-Ons
Drinks packages, Wi-Fi, dining and shore excursions: buy now or later?
Final Payment
The date that changes everything, and the checks to make before it.
The Booking Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | What happens | Your to-do |
|---|---|---|
| Research | You compare ships, itineraries and fares | Decide on dates, cabin type and budget |
| Reservation | A cabin is held and a deposit paid | Check names, birth dates and fare type carefully |
| Before final payment | Changes are easier; prices may move | Watch for price drops; book add-ons at the right time |
| Final payment | The balance is due; cancellation penalties begin | Confirm the total and your travel insurance |
| After final payment | Online check-in opens later; documents arrive | Complete check-in and choose an arrival time |
Each line sets its own deposit amounts and payment dates, and they vary by sailing length and destination. Your booking confirmation shows the exact dates for your cruise — keep it handy.
Five Booking Mistakes to Avoid
- Names that do not match passports. Small spelling errors can cause problems at the terminal and with airlines.
- Choosing a fare without reading its rules. The lowest fare is often the least flexible.
- Forgetting loyalty numbers. Missing points can be hard to recover later.
- Buying every add-on immediately. Some are cheaper during sales; others sell out. Know which is which.
- Missing final payment. Many lines cancel unpaid bookings automatically.
Reservations Handled by People Who Know Cruising
You are welcome to book directly with a line. If you would rather have someone check the details, watch the price and help if plans change, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise make cruise reservations for every major line at no extra cost to you. Send a quote request with your preferred dates and we will hold the right cabin while you decide.
Already know the cabin you want? Our sister site Cruise Ship Deck Plans explains how to pick a good location, and Cruise Upgrades explains how upgrades really work. Booking within a few weeks of sailing? Last Minute Cruising covers the different rules for late bookings.
Web Cruise Reservations is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Cruise Booking Questions
How far ahead should I book a cruise?
For the widest choice of cabins, many travelers book a year or more ahead, especially for holidays, suites and family cabins. Closer-in bookings can work if you are flexible about cabin and ship.
Is it cheaper to book a cruise online?
Not as a rule. Cruise lines control their fares, so the same cruise usually costs the same whether you book online or with an advisor. Advisors may add value through group amenities, promotions they know about and help after booking.
What do I need to make a cruise reservation?
The full names, dates of birth and citizenship of everyone sailing, as they appear on travel documents, plus a deposit and any loyalty numbers.
Start Your Cruise Reservation
Tell us the cruise or region, dates and number of guests. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check fares and fare types and send free quotes.
Get Free Cruise Quotes