Booking a river cruise which departs in the next couple of months is one way to make a saving on the price of your holiday. However, it's important to remember that, as most people book river cruises months if not years in advance, the choice of last-minute sailings may be very limited. That said, if you're able to be flexible about the dates you travel, which river cruise line and which river, it is entirely possible to get late river cruise deals by booking at the last minute.
Many river cruise lines offer incentives for early bookers in the form of discounts, free spending money or free extras such as chauffeur transfers. Booking your river cruise as early as possible whilst these promotions are available is one way to get a great deal on your river cruise. Plus, you'll get the best pick of ships and cabins. However, if you've left it late to book, whilst you may not qualify for free added extras, you might find that some of the remaining cabins are available at a discounted price.
Occasionally, passengers are forced to cancel their booking if they can no longer travel. Booking a cancellation river cruise, where previously-sold cabins have become available again at short notice, can be a way to get a last-minute deal at a great price
The time of year can affect which river cruise destinations are available at the last minute. For example, in Europe, river cruises generally don't sail in January and February as the weather can be very cold so cruise lines use this time to refurbish the ships. Similarly, in Asia you may find that there are no river cruises available at certain times of the year due to water levels.
If you'd like a last-minute short break, the waterways of Europe are ideal and you may find some last-minute 4- to 5-night river cruises available. If you'd only like to see last minute river cruises within Europe, click the button below.
River cruising is becoming increasingly popular and as such river cruise ships are becoming booked up further and further in advance. Many people are struggling to find last-minute river cruises and are opting to book 2024 instead. If you too decide to go down this route, but still want to get away in 2023 as well, you'll find a much wider range of availability for 2023 ocean cruises.
Our sister company, Cruise118.com, specialises in ocean cruises. Boasting the same expert-led cruise concierge service as you'll find here at River Voyages, Cruise118's team of travel experts will be happy to assist you in planning a last-minute ocean cruise holiday.
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