Hey there my cruising enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 5 tips for saving money on a cruise. Are you planning your next vacation and considering a cruise? Cruises can be a great way to relax and explore new destinations, but they can also be expensive.
Luckily, there are many ways to save money on a cruise without sacrificing the fun and excitement of your trip. Here are some tips to help you save money on your next cruise.
Tips for Saving Money on a Cruise
As above, there are a number of things you can do in order to save some cash all the while having a great time. Let’s check them out:
Check out these: 16 Tips On What to Look for When Choosing a Cruise
1. Carefully Plan and Book Your Cruise
When it comes to saving money on a cruise, planning and booking early can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you save money on your next cruise.
Research and Early Booking
One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to do your research and book early. Many cruise lines offer early booking discounts, so the earlier you book, the more you can save. In addition, booking early gives you more time to plan and prepare for your trip, which can help you save money in other ways.
Choose the Right Travel Agent
Another way to save money on a cruise is to choose the right travel agent. A good travel agent can help you find the best deals and discounts and can also help you plan your trip to get the most value for your money.
Look for a travel agent who specializes in cruises and has experience booking trips for the type of cruise you want to take.
Understand Cruise Seasons
Understanding cruise seasons can also help you save money on your next cruise. Wave season, which runs from January to March, is a popular time for cruise lines to offer discounts and promotions. However, this is also a busy time for cruises, so you may need to book early to take advantage of these deals.
Shoulder season, which is the time between peak and off-peak seasons, is another good time to find deals on cruises. During this time, cruise lines may offer lower prices to fill up their ships.
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2. Choose a Cost Effective Cabin
When it comes to choosing your cabin, there are a few things to consider that can help you save money on your cruise. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect stateroom for your budget and preferences.
Inside vs Balcony Cabins
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when choosing your cabin or stateroom is whether to go for an inside cabin or a balcony stateroom. Inside cabins are typically the most affordable option, but they don’t offer any natural light or outdoor space. Balcony staterooms, on the other hand, are more expensive, but they offer a private balcony with ocean views.
If you’re on a tight budget, an inside cabin may be the way to go. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a more comfortable experience, a balcony stateroom can be a great investment. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the cruise line, ship, and itinerary, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices.
Cabin Upgrades
Another way to save money on your stateroom is to look for cabin upgrades. Many cruise lines offer upgrades at a discounted rate, especially if you book early or during a promotional period. Upgrades can include things like larger cabins, better views or additional amenities like a mini-fridge or a bathtub.
If you’re interested in upgrading your stateroom, be sure to check with your cruise line to see what options are available. Keep in mind that upgrades can be limited and may sell out quickly, so it’s important to book early if you’re interested in a particular upgrade.
3. Watch Your Onboard Spend
When it comes to cruising, it is the day to day costs on board that can really add up! So, when it comes to saving money here, there are many ways to cut costs while still enjoying all the amenities and activities onboard.
Here are some tips to help you save money on your next cruise.
Food and Dining
One way to save money on food and dining is to take advantage of the complimentary dining options onboard. Most cruise ships offer a variety of dining venues that are included in the price of your cruise and you can also save money by skipping the specialty dining restaurants, which often come with an additional fee.
If you do want to try a specialty restaurant, look for deals or discounts offered onboard as many cruise lines offer discounted packages, on board credits or meal plans that can help you save money on these dining options.
Drinks and Happy Hours
Drinks can be a major expense on a cruise, but there are ways to save money on beverages. Look for happy hour specials or drink packages that offer unlimited drinks for a flat rate.
You can also save money by bringing your own drinks onboard, as many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of duty-free alcohol with you.
Internet and Wi-Fi
Internet and Wi-Fi can be expensive on a cruise, but there are ways to save money on these services. Look for packages or plans that offer discounted rates for multiple days or for unlimited usage.
You can also save money by using Wi-Fi in port or by taking advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots onboard.
Spa Treatments and Casino
Spa treatments and casino games can be a fun way to relax and unwind onboard, but they can also be expensive. Look for deals or discounts offered onboard, such as spa specials or casino promotions. You can also save money by setting a budget for these activities and sticking to it.
And obviously the best way to save money here is to just walk past the casino all together.
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4. Plan Your Excursions and Port Days
When it comes to saving money on a cruise, excursions and port days are an area where you can easily overspend. However, with a little planning and research, you can still have a great time while sticking to your budget.
Choosing Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can be a great way to explore the ports of call on your cruise. However, they can also be expensive. To save money, consider booking your excursions through third-party vendors instead of the cruise line where you can often find the same tours for a lower price.
Another way to save money on shore excursions is to book them in advance. Many cruise lines offer discounts for pre-booking your excursions however just be sure to read the fine print and understand the cancellation policy before you book.
Exploring on Your Own
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore the port on your own. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time and have a plan in place. You can often find free or low-cost activities such as visiting local markets or museums.
Exploring on your own can be a great way to save money on port days. However, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure you have a map of the area and know how to get back to the ship on time. You should also be aware of any safety concerns and take precautions accordingly.
One way to save money while exploring on your own is to pack a picnic lunch instead of eating at a restaurant. You can also bring your own water bottle to refill instead of buying bottled water.
Finally, don’t forget to haggle. In many ports of call, bargaining is expected so don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors to get the best price on souvenirs and other items.
5. Other Money-Saving Tips
As with any vacation, extra expenses can arise no matter where you go. Here are some extra tips to help you save money on your next cruise.
Pack the Essentials
One way to save money on a cruise is to pack wisely. Bring your own toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo and body wash, as these items can be expensive on the ship. Don’t forget to bring any necessary medications, as these can also be pricey onboard as well.
You should also pack light, as many cruise lines charge for extra baggage. Check your cruise line’s baggage policy before you pack to avoid any unexpected fees.
Check out these: Must Pack Items for Going On a Cruise
Loyalty Programs and Discounts
Many cruise lines offer loyalty programs and discounts that can help you save money on your next cruise. For example, some lines offer discounts for repeat customers or for booking multiple cruises at once.
You can also save money by booking your cruise during off-peak times, such as in the fall or winter. Additionally, some cruise lines offer discounts for military personnel, senior citizens and other groups as well.
FAQs
How can I save money on a cruise?
There are several ways to save money on a cruise. Firstly, consider booking your cruise during the off-season as prices are typically lower. Additionally, book your cruise in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. You can also save money by choosing an inside cabin as opposed to a balcony stateroom.
What are some ways to save money on excursions during a cruise?
To save money on excursions during a cruise, consider booking excursions on your own instead of through the cruise line. You can also opt for free or low-cost activities at the ports of call. Additionally, consider sharing excursions with other passengers to split the cost.
What are some ways to save money on drinks and dining during a cruise?
To save money on drinks and dining during a cruise, look for happy hour specials or drink packages offered by the cruise line. You can also opt for the main dining room instead of specialty restaurants, which tend to be more expensive. Additionally, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks on board to avoid purchasing them on the ship.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 5 tips for saving money on a cruise. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
