A few months ago, I was scrolling through my phone, daydreaming about a vacation. I didn’t have a plan, but I had some flexibility—and a strong craving for the ocean. That’s when I stumbled across something I hadn’t seriously considered before: last minute cruise deals.

Curious, I did some digging. Turns out, cruise lines often slash prices 30 to 60 days before departure just to fill empty cabins. It’s like booking a hotel the day before—if you're lucky, you get a huge discount. I found options leaving in just two weeks, some with up to 70% off!

What surprised me most was the availability of luxury options. I assumed only inside cabins were left, but I was wrong. Some cruise lines were offering suite upgrades, onboard credits, and free dining packages. That’s how I found one of the best luxury cruise deals I’ve ever seen—an ocean-view suite on a Mediterranean cruise, for half the original price.

All I had to do was stay flexible and keep checking for new deals. Now, last minute cruising is my favorite travel hack.

So if you ever get the itch to escape, check those cruise boards—you might just sail away in style.