Cruising can be a great way to see the world, with beautiful destinations, plenty of onboard entertainment, and delicious food all included. But if you’re not careful, extra expenses can add up quickly. From pricey shore excursions to onboard shopping temptations, the costs can sneak up on even the most budget-conscious traveler.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your cruise costs low without missing out on the fun. In this guide, we’ll cover 10 smart ways to save money on your next cruise, so you can enjoy the adventure without blowing your budget. Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you make the most of your vacation while keeping costs in check.
1. Book Early or Look for Last-Minute Deals
One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is by booking at the right time. For most people, booking early—often 12 to 18 months in advance—can secure the best rates, especially for popular itineraries and cabin choices. Cruise lines often offer lower prices when new sail dates are first released, and prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer.
On the other hand, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and can book last-minute, you might find great deals, too. Sometimes, cruise lines lower prices a few weeks before sailing to fill up any remaining cabins. This can be a great option if you’re open to different destinations and dates.
Tips for Booking:
- Set Price Alerts: Use travel sites or apps that track cruise prices and alert you when fares drop.
- Watch for Promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions or flash sales, especially during off-peak months.
- Consider Working with a Travel Agent: Some travel agents specialize in cruises and may know about exclusive deals or early-booking discounts.
2. Choose an Interior or Lower-Deck Cabin
Choosing an interior cabin (a room without a window) or a cabin on a lower deck is one of the easiest ways to save money on a cruise. Interior cabins are typically the most affordable option because they don’t have ocean views or balconies. However, they still provide a comfortable place to sleep, shower, and relax, which is all many travelers need if they plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or enjoying excursions.
Lower-deck cabins are also cheaper than rooms on higher decks because they are farther from popular spots like the pool, dining areas, and entertainment. If you don’t mind taking a few extra stairs or elevators, these rooms can be a great money-saving choice.
Tips for Choosing a Cabin:
- Look for Midship Locations: Interior or lower-deck cabins located midship tend to feel more stable, which can help if you’re worried about seasickness.
- Spend on Experiences Instead: Save money on your cabin and use those savings for excursions, specialty dining, or onboard activities.
- Check for Upgrades Closer to the Cruise Date: Sometimes, cruise lines offer discounted upgrades as the sail date approaches, so keep an eye out if you want a better room at a lower price.
3. Bring Your Own Essentials
Cruise ships often charge high prices for basic items, so packing your own essentials can save you a lot. Simple things like sunscreen, toiletries, seasickness medication, and even snacks are usually more affordable if you bring them from home. Buying these items on board can be expensive, and some things might not be available at all.
Some cruise lines also allow you to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks, like bottled water, soda, or juice. This can be a big money-saver if you want to avoid paying for expensive drinks onboard.
Tips for Packing Essentials:
- Pack a Small Medical Kit: Include seasickness tablets, pain relievers, band-aids, and any other medications you might need.
- Check the Cruise Line’s Beverage Policy: Many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of bottled water or soft drinks, so look up the rules before you pack.
- Bring Reusable Water Bottles: Most cruise ships have refillable water stations, so bringing a water bottle can help you stay hydrated without buying drinks.
4. Skip Specialty Dining and Stick to Included Meals
Most cruises offer a wide range of free dining options that are included in the cost of your trip, such as main dining rooms, buffets, and casual eateries. While cruise ships may also have specialty restaurants, like steakhouses or themed dining experiences, these usually come with an extra fee that can add up quickly. Sticking to the included dining options can help you enjoy great meals without the extra cost.
The main dining rooms and buffets often have a large selection of foods to choose from, including options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many cruises also offer free room service or casual snack spots, so there’s plenty of variety without needing to pay for extras.
Tips for Dining on a Budget:
- Check Out Theme Nights: Some cruises host theme nights, like seafood or Italian night, in the main dining room. You can enjoy special dishes without paying for specialty dining.
- Eat Before Exploring: If you fill up on the free meals before you head out on excursions, you’ll be less tempted to buy expensive food at port.
- Plan for Free Room Service: On many ships, you can order room service for free or a small fee, which can be a great way to enjoy a meal or snack in your cabin without added costs.
5. Be Smart with Excursions
Excursions, or shore activities, are a fun part of any cruise, but they can also be pricey. Booking excursions through the cruise line is convenient, but these trips often come with high markups. To save money, consider exploring ports on your own or booking activities directly with local providers.
In many cruise destinations, you can find free or low-cost activities like visiting public beaches, exploring local markets, or taking public transportation to nearby attractions. Doing a bit of research on each port can help you discover fun, affordable things to do without needing to pay for official excursions.
Tips for Affordable Excursions:
- Do It Yourself: Look up top sights in each port and plan your own itinerary. Public transportation or a short walk may take you to the main attractions for free or at a low cost.
- Book with Local Companies: Local tour companies often offer similar excursions for less than the cruise line’s prices. Just make sure the timing works with your ship’s schedule so you’re back in time for departure.
- Look for Group Discounts: If you’re traveling with family or friends, you may be able to get a group rate for excursions booked outside the cruise line.
6. Watch Out for Wi-Fi and Roaming Charges
Staying connected while on a cruise can get expensive, especially if you rely on the ship’s Wi-Fi or use cellular data while at sea. Cruise Wi-Fi packages are often costly and can be slow, so if you’re looking to save money, try limiting your internet use while onboard.
A simple way to stay connected without breaking the bank is to take advantage of free Wi-Fi at ports. Many cafés, restaurants, and terminals offer free Wi-Fi, so you can check in with friends and family, post photos, or catch up on messages when you’re docked.
Tips for Saving on Wi-Fi:
- Plan for Offline Entertainment: Before boarding, download movies, shows, books, and games to enjoy while at sea without needing Wi-Fi.
- Turn Off Data Roaming: Make sure your phone’s data roaming is turned off while onboard to avoid unexpected charges. Most cell carriers have high fees for international roaming on cruises.
- Use Wi-Fi at Ports: Check for Wi-Fi spots in port cities where you can connect for free. Many cafés and even some public areas offer Wi-Fi for customers.
7. Look for Drink Packages or Skip Alcohol
Drinks on a cruise, especially alcoholic ones, can add up quickly and impact your budget. Many cruise lines offer drink packages that cover soft drinks, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages for a set price per day. If you plan on having multiple drinks each day, a drink package might save you money overall.
If you don’t plan to drink a lot, it might be cheaper to skip the drink package and pay for individual drinks as you go. Some cruises also offer happy hours or drink specials during certain times, which can be a good way to enjoy a few drinks without overspending.
Tips for Saving on Drinks:
- Consider a Non-Alcoholic Package: If you enjoy soda, specialty coffees, or juices, many ships offer non-alcoholic packages that cost less than the full drink package.
- Take Advantage of Happy Hours: Check your cruise’s daily schedule for happy hour times, where drinks are often discounted.
- Bring Allowed Drinks Onboard: Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine, champagne, or non-alcoholic drinks. Check the cruise line’s policy to see if you can bring a few drinks from home.
8. Limit Souvenir Spending
It’s tempting to buy souvenirs onboard or at each port to remember your trip, but these costs can add up fast. Cruise ships often have shops selling T-shirts, jewelry, and other items, and port towns are filled with tourist shops that may charge high prices. Setting a budget for souvenirs or being selective about what you buy can help you save.
Instead of buying lots of pricey items, consider visiting local markets for unique and affordable souvenirs. These spots often offer handmade crafts, local snacks, or small items that are more meaningful and budget-friendly.
Tips for Affordable Souvenirs:
- Set a Budget: Decide on a souvenir budget before you go, and stick to it to avoid overspending.
- Shop Local Markets: Look for local markets or vendors for more affordable, authentic souvenirs instead of pricey tourist shops.
- Focus on Photos and Memories: Sometimes the best souvenirs are your own photos and memories. Taking pictures of special moments and places can be a great way to remember your trip without spending extra money.
9. Take Advantage of Free Onboard Activities
Cruises come with plenty of free entertainment options that allow you to have fun without spending extra money. Most cruise ships offer a range of free activities, like live shows, movie screenings, trivia games, and themed parties. There are also pools, hot tubs, and sometimes even waterslides that you can enjoy at no extra cost.
Additionally, many ships have free fitness classes, craft activities, and game rooms where you can join in on group fun without paying for extra experiences. By exploring what’s included, you can make the most of your cruise without adding to your bill.
Tips for Enjoying Free Activities:
- Check the Daily Schedule: Cruise ships usually have a daily schedule listing all the free events and activities for the day. Check it each morning to plan your day around free entertainment.
- Attend Shows and Events: Make time to enjoy the live shows, comedy acts, and themed parties. These are often some of the most popular—and free—activities onboard.
- Use the Fitness and Recreation Areas: Many ships offer free access to gyms, pools, and sports courts, so you can stay active and entertained without extra fees.
10. Use a Travel Agent or Track Prices Yourself
Booking a cruise can be a big decision, and working with a travel agent can help you get the best deal. Travel agents who specialize in cruises often have access to exclusive deals, group rates, or special promotions that may not be advertised to the public. They can also monitor prices and help rebook if the price drops after you’ve booked, potentially saving you money.
If you prefer to track prices on your own, you can use cruise price tracking websites or apps that send you alerts if there’s a price drop for your chosen cruise. This way, you can keep an eye out for any potential savings and make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Tips for Finding Deals:
- Work with a Cruise Specialist: Look for a travel agent who specializes in cruises, as they often know the best times to book and can find special discounts.
- Set Price Alerts: Use websites or apps to set up alerts for your cruise, so you’ll be notified if prices drop.
- Book Early and Check Back: Booking early often secures a good rate, but don’t be afraid to check back in case new deals become available leading up to your sail date.
Conclusion
Cruising can be an amazing and memorable way to travel, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. By planning ahead, choosing the right options, and taking advantage of onboard savings, you can enjoy a fantastic vacation without overspending. From booking early and sticking to free activities to packing your own essentials, these small steps can make a big difference in your budget.
With these tips, you’ll be able to save money on your next cruise and still have a fun, relaxing, and unforgettable experience. Now, get ready to set sail and enjoy your journey without worrying about breaking the bank!
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