Royal Caribbean International is now holding a 72-hour flash sale with prices on cruises to the South Pacific and Fiji for as little as $90 per person per day, twin share.

But be quick — the offers end at 9.59am AEDT on Friday November 4.

Flash sales from major cruise lines like RCI, P&O Cruises, Carnival and Princess Cruises are becoming more common and savvy sailors are linking to cruise lines’ sales lines for instant notification.

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Even retailers are getting in on the action with alerts to clients on their mailing lists of sail sales which may last as little as 24 hours. Others may last several days.

While plenty of traditional sales are valid for several weeks or months — to give potential customers time to weigh up whether to weigh anchor — flash sales are aimed at people with the flexibility to say ‘yes’ virtually on the spot.

It might not be quite the itinerary they were planning — or the time they really wanted to go — or even the ship they were thinking of — but if the price is right then it is time to bag a bargain.

Royal Caribbean Australia & NZ managing director Adam Armstrong said flash sales offer excellent value for those ready and willing to book.

“We offer a variety of different deals and offers throughout the year,” Mr Armstrong said.

“Our early bird deals for the local season are usually launched around January — this is the best time to book to ensure you can secure the cruise itinerary and stateroom location and category you prefer.

“However, for those planning in the short term and who have the flexibility, keep an eye out for our flash sales. Typically they’re applicable to a select range of sailings, and can start from as little as $90 per day, per person twin share.

“The best way to keep up to date on these great offers it to sign up to receive our mailing list on our website and make sure you follow our Facebook page.

“These types of offers are usually fantastic value, however will only be on sale for a short time so it is critical you jump on them as soon as they are released.“

P&O Cruises has regular lucrative last minute deals on its website for its five Australian-based ships. Their Pack n Go deals are listed under the last minute deals tab.

Carnival Cruise Line have their own Pack n Go deals on their website.

Fans of Princess Cruises can cash in on their last minute deals on their website.

If you are a past cruiser, chances are you are already a member of a loyalty program and automatically get alerts from cruise lines of short-term deals.

Ditto if you are on the mailing list of your favourite travel agent — cruise specialists such as Cruise Express, ecruising.travel and Phil Hoffmann Travel regularly update clients on special, short term deals.

These may be valid for only days or weeks, or may apply to a handful of cabins still available.

For example, a recent nine night Pacific Islands cruise listed on ecruising.travel’s site under its ‘last minute’ deals was half price at $76 per day.

Of course, not everyone has the flexibility to book a deal with less than 24 hours to decide, no matter how good it is.

But there are plenty of ways to save literally thousands of dollars on a cruise while still taking time to consider the options — and to make sure it is the cruise you want to go on, when you want to go on it.

Apart from scanning Escape online and in print for regular great deals, here is an ‘Escape Eight’ of top tips to save on your next cruise.

Catch the Worm

Cruise companies keen to fill cabins early — and have the deposit money in their accounts — offer seriously good early bird deals for people willing to book a year or so ahead. Heavily discounted deals, free flights to Europe and Asia, cabin upgrades, drinks deals, on-board spending credits, discounts for the second guest, speciality dining deals and much more can add up to thousands in savings.

Zzzzzz

Snooze until the last minute. You might miss out on the cruise you want, or the cabin, but if you wait until the last few weeks before embarkation cruise lines keen to fill their last remaining cabins may put them out at heavily reduced prices. This has been known to cause serious annoyance among earlybirds who discover that, after booking a year earlier, the latecomer they are chatting to at the bar got an even cheaper deal by booking a month ago. Just be aware if the ship is full you’ll miss out altogether.

Shoulder-Holder

Shoulder seasons, when the weather is perhaps not perfect, tend to be cheaper options than peak season. River cruises on the Mekong or around Bordeaux, or cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage, are examples. An added bonus is the ship and onshore sights may be less crowded.

Love Your Line

Regular cruisers who are loyalty club members progressively earn all sorts of extras as their cruises mount, from free laundry and Wi-Fi to discounted and even free cruises. But this generally means sticking to one line rather than sampling the competition.

Go Expo

Large travel companies hold expos to show off products, where dozens of exhibitors gather to inspire and inform the public on travel products including cruises — and offer lucrative discounts on the day.

Buyer on Board

Just near the reception desk on virtually all major ships is a ‘future cruise’ desk where you can get information about your next trip and a hefty discount if you are ready to book before you disembark.

Position, Position

As seasons change ships sail to be based in new regions. These repositioning cruises, usually with multiple sea days, appeal to a limited market — those with the time as well as money for a fairly lengthy cruise, for example across the Pacific or from Europe. These offer great value. Repo cruises from the northern hemisphere to Australia start around September-October, and from Australia back north around March-April.

Raise your Glasses

And check the fine print. Are gratuities included? At $10 to $12 per person a day they add up? Transfers? A pre-cruise night in a hotel? Some lines offer free or discounted Wi-Fi which can be a big saving. Complimentary drinks can be a bigger saving, while included shore tours can save a small fortune. If drinks are not included see if there is a beverage pack deal which can cut the pain of your final check-out tab.