Waiting for a last-minute cruise deal can save you money if you’re very flexible, but it’s not a guaranteed strategy. In fact, cruise industry experts note that it’s a misconception to assume unsold cabins will get huge discounts close to sailing. With today’s high ship occupancy, prices often don’t always plummet at the last minute. Typically, as the sail date nears, cabin availability drops and fares can even increase, so if you have specific plans or preferences it’s usually safer to book early rather than hold out for a last-minute bargain.