Destinations New to cruising Fly-cruises

How to find last minute cruise deals

Why wait months or years to see the world, when you can escape to the ocean in weeks (or even days) with our last minute cruise deals?

3 min 23 Dec 2025

Cristina Azorin

Cunard writer

Tip 1: Be flexible with dates and destinations

Tip 2: Include fly cruises

Tip 3: Book directly for exclusive offers

Tip 4: Travel off-peak

Tip 5: Use the 90-day window wisely

Tip 6: Consider shorter cruises

Tip 7: Act fast

Don’t let the ocean pass you by

Sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never saw coming. With our last minute cruise offers, you could be sailing away on our Queens sooner than you think, for less than you might expect. So, why ask wanderlust to wait? With our iconic ships sailing 365 days of the year, there’s no telling where a last minute cruise could take you.

Tip 1: Be flexible with dates and destinations

Whether it’s sun-drenched islands, historic cities, or awe-inspiring landscapes, being flexible about where you sail and when is one of the best ways to unearth those discount cruises last minute. So, stay adaptable in your search and open to new possibilities. You could return to a much-loved destination or venture outside of your comfort zone. While you might not end up with the holiday you had in mind, you could find exactly what you needed.

Tip 2: Include fly cruises

Imagine starting your day in the UK and ending it in the Caribbean. That’s the reality of a last minute fly-cruise. Jetting directly to meet your Cunard Queen means nowhere in the world is off limits. Swap grey skies for the glittering shores of Miami, see Canada and New England in autumn, or discover the culinary delights of Asia. If you’re low on annual leave but love broadening your horizons, a last minute fly cruise is the perfect holiday choice.

Tip 3: Book directly for exclusive offers

Booking directly, whether on our website or by calling our customer contact centre, ensures you always benefit from our latest cruise deals and offers, including Sailing Soon Savings fares on voyages sailing within 90 days. You can book these on our website 24 hours a day, or, if you’re already on board, by visiting our loyalty and sales team. They have access to all of our latest fares and promotions – and may even be able to offer you a little something extra.

Tip 4: Travel off-peak

With fewer tourists, not only does travelling off-peak mean you can you avoid the crowds, it’s also when demand and prices typically go down, so it’s a great opportunity to escape for less on a last minute cruise on our Queens. Whether it’s a September sail through the Mediterranean or island hopping in the Caribbean, off-peak voyages offer a slower, richer rhythm, that often come with the added benefit of lower fares.

Tip 5: Use the 90 day window wisely

The best time to search for a last minute cruise deal on our Queens is up to 90 days before a cruise departs. This is the point in which we introduce our Late Saver fare. This fare type offers you a pre-allocated stateroom or suite on board at the grade of your choice (subject to availability) in return for a lower fare. It’s a great way to enjoy a last minute escape on our Queens for less, so long as you’re happy to let us assign your suite or stateroom.

Tip 6: Consider shorter cruises

Not every escape needs to be long to be impactful. Shorter cruise breaks – three to five nights – can be just as restorative – and easier to accommodate last minute. Think of it as a micro-retreat: only with fine dining, entertainment, and ever-changing ocean views. Whether you’re looking to celebrate or immerse yourself in unadulterated luxury (and who could blame you?), a last minute short cruise is just the tonic. In fact, why stop at one?

Tip 7: Act fast

Late cruise deals offer one of the lowest cost ways to cruise on our Queens, so it’s unsurprising that these fares are in high demand. Stateroom availability on last minute voyages also tends to be limited, so acting fast when you see an offer can help you to avoid the disappointment of missing out. Have your passports ready and your calendar clear. That way, when you come across discounted cruises last minute, you’ll be ready to strike.

Don’t let the ocean pass you by

A cruise on our Queens isn’t always about planning months in advance. Sometimes, it’s about saying yes - to the sea, to the moment, to the thrill of the unknown. With the right approach, a last-minute cruise can be every bit as indulgent, immersive, and unforgettable as one planned to perfection. So, when the urge strikes, don’t wait. The next time the sea calls you – answer. After all, the ocean is always ready when you are.

Explore our last-minute cruise deals and find your perfect voyage today.