Cruise Layaway

Planning a trip yet not having to pay for it until closer to your departure is a great way to lock down prices for everything from vacation packages to airplane flights. One of the most popular getaways now has more options thanks to the increasing availability of cruise layaway programs.

Whether you’re honeymoon bound and seeking a “Love Boat” experience, a college student who likes to party, or a family in need of an all-inclusive getaway on the sea, putting a cruise vacation on layaway can help make it happen. It’s also a good way to lock in prices before they increase closer to departure date.

In June 2017, Carnival Cruise Line launched its Easy Pay program that lets guests pay in three monthly installments. A deposit is required, the amount of which depends on the cruise itinerary selected.

No interest will be charged by the cruise line, but keep in mind interest fees if you use a credit card and carry a balance. The payments will be automatically withdrawn each month on a designated day. Travelers can register for the cruise layaway program online at Carnival.com (it’s an option on the payment screen during booking), or a travel agent can sign up on their behalf.


Sears Vacations offers a variety of travel packages, and cruises are included. The SearsVacations.com site has a drop-down menu where customers can search by destination, travel dates, and about two dozen cruise lines, including: Cunard, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Even Disney Cruise Lines are an option.

Another way to pay in installments for a Disney cruise is to visit a travel agent who specializes in Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney resort vacations. GetAwayToday is one such company and it offers Vacation Layaway Plans, but so far it’s only for Disneyland and other destinations in Southern California. Another authorized Disney vacation planner to consider is MyMickeyVacation.com, which has a layaway program for Disney cruises. There’s no interest charged by the company, and after an initial deposit routine payments are made up until a short while before the trip. An added benefit to booking early is better dining selections and other time-sensitive perks.

Before buying a cruise on layaway, be sure to compare prices to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Also, check the fine print for any restrictions and consider buying travel insurance.

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