Introduction
Cruising is one of the most popular vacation choices, offering luxury, adventure, and relaxation all in one package. However, the cost of a cruise can add up quickly, making it essential to find the best deals. If you’re looking for affordable Westgate Cruise and Travel packages in 2025, this guide will provide expert strategies to help you save money without sacrificing quality.
Westgate Cruise and Travel is known for offering competitive cruise packages, but with the right approach, you can secure even better discounts. From booking at the right time to leveraging loyalty programs, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get the cheapest Westgate cruise deals in 2025.
1. Book Early or Last-Minute
Early Bird Discounts
Cruise lines, including those partnered with Westgate, often offer early booking discounts to encourage travelers to reserve their spots in advance. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), booking 6-12 months ahead can save you 20-30% on average.
Why it works:
Cruise lines prefer filling cabins early to manage inventory.
Early bookers often get free upgrades, onboard credits, or reduced deposits.
Last-Minute Deals
If you’re flexible, last-minute bookings (within 4-8 weeks of departure) can offer deep discounts—sometimes up to 50% off. Cruise lines slash prices to fill remaining cabins.
Best for:
Spontaneous travelers
Off-season cruises (avoid peak times like summer and holidays)
Example: A 7-night Caribbean cruise with Westgate might drop from 1,200to600 if booked last-minute.
2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Cruise prices fluctuate based on demand. The cheapest times to cruise are:
January to early February (after New Year’s)
Late April to early June (spring shoulder season)
September to early November (fall, avoiding hurricanes)
Avoid:
Summer (June-August) – Families travel, prices spike.
Holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Break) – Premium rates apply.
Expert Tip: Use Westgate’s “Lowest Price Guarantee” (if available) to match or beat competitor prices.
3. Use a Travel Agent or Westgate’s Direct Booking
Travel Agents
Agents often have exclusive deals with cruise lines, including:
Group rates (even if you’re not in a group)
Extra perks (free drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions)
Booking Directly with Westgate
Westgate Cruise and Travel may offer:
Member-only discounts (for timeshare owners or loyalty members)
Bundle deals (cruise + hotel stays at Westgate resorts)
Pro Tip: Compare prices between agents and Westgate’s website before booking.
4. Take Advantage of Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises occur when ships relocate between regions (e.g., Alaska to the Caribbean). These are often 50-70% cheaper than regular cruises.
Pros:
Longer itineraries (great for retirees or remote workers)
Unique ports of call
Cons:
One-way trips (may require a flight home)
Fewer onboard activities (since they’re not standard routes)
Example: A 15-night transatlantic cruise with Westgate might cost 800∗∗insteadof∗∗2,500 for a standard 7-night cruise.
5. Leverage Loyalty Programs & Membership Discounts
Westgate Owner Benefits
If you own a Westgate timeshare, you may get:
Discounted cruise rates
Complimentary upgrades
Exclusive access to early sales
Cruise Line Loyalty Programs
Sign up for free loyalty programs (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, Carnival’s VIFP) to earn:
Past passenger discounts
Free cabin upgrades
Onboard credit
Stat: Frequent cruisers save 10-25% more than first-time passengers.
6. Look for Package Deals (Cruise + Airfare or Hotel)
Westgate often bundles cruises with resort stays, especially at their properties in Orlando, Las Vegas, or Myrtle Beach. These packages can be cheaper than booking separately.
Example:
7-night cruise + 3-night Westgate resort stay = $1,200
Booking separately = $1,500+
Money-Saving Tip: Check for “Kids Sail Free” promotions if traveling with family.
7. Monitor Price Drops & Use Price Alerts
Cruise prices change frequently. Tools like:
CruiseCritic’s Price Drop Alerts
Westgate’s email newsletters
Google Flights (for cruise tracking)
Can notify you when prices decrease. Some cruise lines (and Westgate) may offer price adjustments if rates drop after booking.
8. Consider Interior Cabins or Guarantee Rates
Interior Cabins
30-50% cheaper than balcony or suite rooms.
Ideal if you plan to spend most time exploring the ship or ports.
Guarantee Rates (GTY)
Book a cabin category (e.g., “balcony guarantee”) at a discount, and the cruise line assigns your room later.
Risk: You might get a less desirable location.
Reward: Possible free upgrade to a better cabin.
9. Use Credit Card Rewards & Cashback
Many credit cards offer travel rewards that can be redeemed for cruises:
Capital One Venture – Transfer points to cruise partners.
Chase Sapphire Preferred – 25% more value when booking through Chase Travel.
Westgate’s co-branded credit card (if available) may offer cruise discounts.
Example: Earning 50,000 points could cover $500+ of your cruise cost.
10. Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons
Cruise lines upsell extras like:
Drink packages (50−100/day) – Only worth it if you drink heavily.
Specialty dining – Main dining rooms are already included.
Expensive shore excursions – Book independently for half the price.
Savings Tip: Pre-pay gratuities to avoid surprise fees.
Conclusion
Getting the cheapest Westgate Cruise and Travel deals in 2025 requires strategy:
✅ Book early or last-minute for the best rates.
✅ Travel off-peak to avoid premium pricing.
✅ Use loyalty programs and bundle deals for extra savings.
✅ Monitor price drops and be flexible with cabin choices.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a luxury cruise at a fraction of the cost. Start planning now to secure the best Westgate cruise deals before prices rise!
Final Thought
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” With smart planning, your dream cruise doesn’t have to break the bank.
Would you like personalized recommendations based on your travel dates? Let us know in the comments!
