Past passenger specials provide discounts to people who have sailed on a specific cruise line in the past. Most lines enroll you automatically but be sure to inquire. If you want savings on a truly unique itinerary, consider repositioning cruises . Common repositionings include the Caribbean to Europe or Alaska, and back again. Caribbean to Europe repositionings can include stops in Portugal, Tangier and Morocco.
All lines feature repositioning cruises in their brochures.
And if you can deal with a little uncertainty, consider stand-by rates , which can be as much as 55 percent below standard rates. You rank your preferred sailings and cabin preferences, pay a nominal deposit at the time of booking and wait to be confirmed 30 days or more in advance of departure. If you're not confirmed you get a full refund. If you are offered your first choice and decline, your deposit is not refunded. Tom Parsons is editor of Best Fares Magazine .