Why Now is a Good Time to Book a Cruise for 2021 or 2022

Best Reasons to Book a Cruise for 2021 2022

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After not being able to cruise for about 18 months, there is definitely demand for cruise vacations in 2021, 2022 and beyond. While the cruise restart hasn’t all been smooth sailing, it’s gone well for all the major cruise lines. Cruise passengers who’ve sailed recently report being happy with both the safety on cruise ships and the overall cruise experience.

So, you might be wondering if now is a good time to book a cruise for 2021 or 2022, if you haven’t done so already. 

In this post, I share 11 reasons why it’s smart to book a cruise now for later in 2021, 2022 or even into 2023. Plus, I share 3 important tips and things to watch out for, to avoid potential mistakes.

Why Book a Cruise for 2021 and 2022

reasons to book a cruise in 2021 or 2022

1. There are Great Deals

After about a year of fairly high prices on cruises due to pent up demand and limited ships sailing, we’re finally seeing lower cruise fares, promotions and some genuinely good deals. 

There are some amazing deals for the remainder of 2021, so if you feel comfortable, this can be a great time to book. While I’ve seen some steals on Carnival, which tends to have lower pricing overall, other cruise lines are also offering some good discounts.

Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess Cruises and Celebrity all have a variety of promotions that are very attractive!I n fact, if you’re reading this now and have a cruise booked for 2021 or 2022, check your pricing and ask for a refare it is has lowered since you booked.

2. Uncrowded Cruise Ships

Cruise ships still have limited capacity and are sailing at about 50-75% full. This is a great opportunity to sail with less crowds and have access to all the cruise ship activities without having to wait in long lines. It’s quieter in the main dining rooms and restaurants. Many who’ve cruised have said it feels like a big, luxurious private yacht right now!

You won’t even have to deal with any annoying passengers who hog chairs by the pool and save rows of seats at the theatre. This sounds perfect to me.

Why Now is a Good Time to Book a Cruise for 2021-22
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3. Vaccinated Passengers

At this point, due to CDC rules and cruise line protocols, almost everyone on most cruise ships are vaccinated. While some people aren’t happy with this, it seems the majority of cruisers feel safer and more confident being on an all vaccinated cruise.

For the exact protocols and to know the vaccine requirements per cruise line, please check each cruise line’s website for the most current information.

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4. Flexible Cancellation Policies

The reality these days is that travel is unpredictable and there are changes that can happen. These days, most cruise lines now have flexible cancellation policies.

In many cases, you can book now for a cruise later in 2021, 2022 or even 2023 and reserve with a refundable deposit.

In “normal” times, cruise line cancellation policies were pretty strict, especially once you made final payment.

However, since March 2020, cruise lines have adapted and began to offer cruise passengers flexible cancellation options. In most cases this means that cruise travelers who decide to cancel will be able to get a Future Cruise Credit, to be used at a later date.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity both have a Cruise with Confidence policy where guests can cancel their cruise up to 48 hours before their cruise, and receive a credit for the price they paid.

5. Safer than Other Vacations

Cruise lines have safety protocols in place that go far beyond any other types of vacations or even some events in major cities. There are many who say that cruising is the safest form of travel right now.

  • Vaccine requirements for most or all passengers (varies by cruise ship)
  • Pre-cruise testing for all passengers
  • Masks indoors in certain venues (varies by cruise line)
  • Medical facilities onboard with highly trained personnel
  • Updated air filtration
  • Stringent disinfection and sanitation
  • “Bubble” type environment

While cruising has many safety protocols in place, it’s important to assess your own risk and talk with your doctor if you have concerns. 

6. More Pre-Cruise Testing Options

There’s no question that cruise protocols and the frequent changes and updates have led some to cancel or postpone cruises, at least for a little while. A big stress for many cruisers is making sure they get their Covid 19 test results back on time.

Cruise lines are now accepting certain home tests for vaccinated passengers. This has made pre-cruise testing somewhat easier than it was only a few weeks ago. Make sure to check with your cruise line for which tests are acceptable. This information will be on their website.

More Reasons to Book Your Cruise Vacation

7. Book your Bucket List Cruise

Truly, this might be the best reason to book a cruise for next year. While you can delay, if you’ve been dreaming of cruising to the Mediterranean, Alaska or South America, now is the time to plan for it.

One thing I’ve learned during this time, is that life is uncertain.

If you’ve been wanting to take a bucket list cruise for your anniversary, special birthday or for any other reason, this is your push.

Don’t put it off any longer, plan it!

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8. Use your Future Cruise Credit (FCC)

If you have a Future Cruise Credit, or more than one, then you definitely want to book your next cruise. There’s just no down side.

However, I do have some tips below, for what mistakes you want to avoid when you book.

9. Best Cruise Cabin Choice

If you’re happy with an inside cabin, this probably won’t be as much of an issue. However, we’re seeing that balcony cabins are more popular than ever.

If you want an aft balcony cabin or suite, there is even less availability. Booking early always gets you the best cruise cabin choice, and this is no exception.

Read more: 7 Best Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin

Read more: 27 Best Ways to Save Money on a Cruise

cruise carry on bag must haves cruise ship

10. Cruise Prices May Increase

As there’s less availability and travel gets a bit easier, it’s likely that we’ll see cruise prices increase. 

However, the good thing about booking early for 2022 and beyond, is that you can almost always have your price adjusted and receive the lower fare or better promotion.

If you don’t book and the price increases, you’re stuck. If you want to cruise in 2021, 2022 or even 2023, it’s really better to book as soon as possible.

11. Have Something to Look Forward to

This last reason to book your cruise is purely psychological. As human beings, we need things to look forward to, and nothing is better than booking a cruise!

Read more27 Cruise Travel Hacks Repeat Cruisers Swear By

Avoid These Mistakes When Booking a Cruise for 2021 or 2022

3 mistakes to avoid booking a 2021 cruise
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For all the reasons above, it’s a good idea to book a cruise for 2021 or even 2022. However, there are some things to watch out for, so you can save yourself a potential headache down the line.

12. Avoid Non-refundable Fares

Personally I don’t like non refundable deposits and fares when booking a cruise far in advance. This is especially true during these uncertain times. Give yourself maximum flexibility by booking with a refundable deposit. A good travel agent should be able to help you to navigate your options.

13. Be Careful Booking Flights

Be careful as you book any flights, as travel in general continues to have it’s challenges. It might be a good idea to look at the advantages of cruise line air. If you book your flights on your own, just make sure that your tickets are flexible at this time.

Read more: 6 Cruise Line Air Tips & Tricks

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14. Keep Track of Cruise Payments, Refunds and Credits

Finally, don’t forget to keep a log of your cruise payments and related purchases in a cruise travel planner. I use my planner to keep all my notes, including potential cruise excursions and items I want to pack for my cruise.

*Ultimate Cruise Travel Planner*

Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, you’ll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner.

Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

Video: Why Now is a Good Time to Book a Cruise (2021/22)

In this video we go over the benefits of booking a cruise now for later in 2021 and 2022, and look at the lower cruise fares and promotions from major cruise lines.

 

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Final thoughts:Why Now is a Good Time to Book a Cruise for 2021 or 2022

I hope these tips have been helpful in helping you decide if now is a good time to book your cruise for 2021 or 2022. Even if you don’t want to sail now, it can be smart to book now for a future cruise, especially if you book with a refundable deposit.

Do you have a cruise booked for 2021, 2022 or beyond? Please let me know in the comments below any tips you have to share.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

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13 Comments

  1. Debra Gregory
    January 3, 2021 / 5:04 pm

    I have my first Disney cruise booked with my two young boys, seven and four, for mid April this year. I am hoping that things will calm down enough we can go on this cruise. We have had three cruise is canceled already last year at the start of the pandemic in March. We have all had Covid and recovered from it so I don’t feel that it will be a problem to go on a cruise.

    • January 3, 2021 / 5:34 pm

      Hi Debra,

      I definitely hope that Disney will start up in April. Glad to hear that you’re all ok now. Let’s hope with vaccines and other good things we can get back closer to normal soon!

      Happy New Year!

      Ilana

  2. Joanne Whitley
    January 3, 2021 / 6:08 pm

    There are 5 of us whose Disney cruise was cancelled for our December 2020 sailing. We have rebooked for about the same time in December in 2021 SURELY, things will be good to go then.

    • January 5, 2021 / 2:59 pm

      Hi Joanne,

      Awesome cruise! Of course we don’t have a crystal ball, but we should see some progress in the cruise restart way before then. Hopefully, as you said, things will be better by the time you cruise.

      Ilana

  3. January 4, 2021 / 7:00 pm

    I have four cruises booked for 2021. My May cruise won’t happen. If Canada does not open up. I won’t be doing Alaska because of the Jones’s act. My B2B from west coast to Miami won’t happen. That gives me my FCC being spent in 2022. Or if Caribbean or Bermuda open up, I could go and spend my FCC there. Will take a wait and see attitude. Thanks for your hard work.

  4. January 4, 2021 / 7:01 pm

    I have four cruises booked for 2021. My May cruise won’t happen. If Canada does not open up. I won’t be doing Alaska because of the Jones’s act. My B2B from west coast to Miami won’t happen. That gives me my FCC being spent in 2022. Or if Caribbean or Bermuda open up, I could go and spend my FCC there. Will take a wait and see attitude. Thanks for your hard work.

    • January 5, 2021 / 2:56 pm

      I see what you mean. Canada will open eventually, but I suspect we may have a few months to wait still. Other destinations you mentioned might be sooner, especially as you’re seeing a vaccine roll out. I do like your attitude, because it’s the only thing we can do. This will pass 🙂

      Thanks Russell!

  5. DAWN SIMPSON
    March 18, 2021 / 1:05 pm

    We have 4 cruises booked between Aug 21 and Oct 22. Hope with the vaccine rollout, they will become a reality. I’m sure all the businesses will welcome having them resume after a year of loses as much as we do. Can’t wait to cruise again!

    • March 24, 2021 / 12:43 pm

      That’s awesome Dawn! I agree, people are ready, as long as cruises can happen safely. I’m definitely encouraged by the recent news!!

      Ilana

  6. Lynn Puccio
    March 20, 2021 / 11:54 pm

    I have bucket list cruise planned for August. It will leave from Copenhagen visiting several Mediterranean countries. My main focus is St. Petersburg…. I have canceled this trip previously as well as cruise from Barcelona. 😢 Hoping for the best!!! Planning has been fun but actual travel is big concern. With travel restrictions in place, I realize cruise will probably take place in 2022. I have until June to make final payment. It’s frustrating but we’ll see!

    • March 24, 2021 / 12:36 pm

      Wow Lynn, what an amazing cruise! I can see why you’re looking forward to it. As you’ve noticed, some things are changing and cruises seem to be sailing again (or at least planning to) in several countries. At least you’ve got time before final payment to see how this plays out. I’ll be crossing my fingers for you!

      Ilana

  7. G.Lynott
    July 20, 2021 / 11:25 pm

    My daughter and I have booked a cruise out of Cape Liberty New Jersey leaving November 14th 2021. We had three canceled cruises during the covid pandemic and really hope that this one goes forward.

    • July 21, 2021 / 3:55 pm

      That’s great! I’m hoping it does too. Things have been positive lately as cruises have resumed from Florida and Texas, and Seattle. Hopefully Cape Liberty isn’t far behind 🙂

      Ilana

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