Cruise smarter, not pricier: Wave goodbye to overspending with these budget-friendly tips for saving money on your cruise vacation.
Setting sail on a dream cruise doesn’t have to drain your budget. With some planning and clever hacks, your next voyage can be smooth sailing for both you and your wallet. Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or booking your first adventure at sea, these top 50 money-saving tips will help you cut costs before boarding—and keep the savvy going long after you hit the open water. Let’s cruise smarter, not harder.
Here are our top money-saving tips to help you plan your next cruise holiday:
Budget Planning for a Cruise Vacation:
Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on your cruise and stick to that budget. Don’t forget to include flights to and from cruise ports, transfers, excursions, and any other incidentals.
Start a cruise fund: open a separate savings account or “piggy bank’ specifically for your cruise holiday.
Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your cruise fund to save money regularly.
Set a goal: Decide on your savings target and break it into manageable monthly milestones based on how far in advance you plan to cruise.
Track Your Spending: Utilise budgeting apps to monitor and pinpoint areas where you can make cost-effective adjustments to your expenses.
Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Reduce or remove nonessential spending to save more for your trip.
Maximizing Your Savings:
Use Travel Rewards: Leverage your credit card points or travel rewards programmes to cut costs on flights and hotel stays where necessary, etc.
Make extra holiday money: Sell unused items you no longer need to increase your cruise savings.
Utilise cashback programmes: Enrol in cashback schemes that reward you for daily purchases.
Look for Deals and Discounts: Regularly browse travel websites and cruise line promotions to find special offers.
Book During Sales: Take advantage of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales for cruise deals.
Money Saving Tips on Booking Strategies for your Cruise:
Travel Off-Peak: Schedule your cruise during quieter seasons to secure lower rates.
Consider a Repositioning Cruise: These usually cost less and provide unique itineraries (although many sea days).
Book early or at the last minute: Making reservations in advance secures lower rates, while last-minute deals can also offer significant discounts.
Join Loyalty Programmes: Enrol in cruise line loyalty schemes for future discounts and perks.
Use a Travel Agent: Access exclusive deals and discounts and receive valuable advice. Booking directly through a cruise line – they have personal travel consultants who will also help you choose the best cruise for you.
Save Money on your Cruise Accommodations:
Choose an Inside Cabin: Opt for a more affordable inside cabin rather than a balcony or ocean-view room.
Negotiate for Upgrades: Don’t be afraid to ask for cabin upgrades or extra perks at a lower cost. Just remember – kindness wins here. Never make demands.
If you don’t mind sharing a Stateroom, many cruises offer “3rd and 4th guests free” type discounts.
Monitor Price Drops: Keep an eye on your cruise fare and request a price adjustment if the fare drops before your final payment.
Onboard Money Saving Tips:
Avoid Onboard Shopping: Limit your onboard shopping to essential items to save money. There are many shops on board to tempt you into retail therapy, but ask yourself if you genuinely need those items. Even small charges can quickly add up.
Buy Beverage Packages: If you plan to consume alcohol or specialty coffees, a beverage package can save money. However, ensure it is cost-effective. Consider the number of days and drinks you require to make it worthwhile.
Pack Your Own Essentials: Pack sunscreen, medications, and toiletries to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices onboard.
Use onboard credits: Spend your credits carefully on essential items. Or leave room credits to be applied to your end-of-cruise room bill.
Avoid Specialty Restaurants: Stick to the dining options included in your cruise fare. The main dining room is included in your cruise, as are buffets and other restaurants – but every cruise line offers specialty dining that will incur additional fees, averaging between $2 and $40 per person.
Check for Included Services: Some cruises include gratuities, internet, or other perks — select these options to save money. Any extras can help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Cruise Vacation
Money Saving Tips on Cruise Shore Excursions:
DIY Shore Excursions: Research and organise your own shore excursions instead of booking through the cruise line. We have booked both through the cruise line and other companies, and we did save a bit of money by choosing a local tour operator.
Take Public Transportation: Use local public transport at ports of call to save on excursion costs. We have used Hop-On Hop-Off buses, taxis, and public transport, and all have worked well in saving us money. However, some fascinating activities require booking through excursions.
Choose excursions wisely: Not every port of call requires an excursion. When you are researching your cruise, look up excursion options, and decide if it is a “must-do”, “nice-to-do”, or “can-skip”. Many first-time cruisers book excursions at every port, and it is not always necessary. Being very selective can be a huge money-saving tip for your cruise vacation.
Pack a Go-Bag for your Cruise Excursions
Money Saving Tips On Cruise Extras:
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle: Save money by refilling your water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Use WiFi sparingly: Limit your internet use to avoid high Wi-Fi charges on the ship. The WIFI on cruise ships is not always reliable, but it is reliably expensive.
Skip the Photo Packages: Avoid purchasing expensive photo packages and take your own pictures instead. These may seem like great memories – but they are also costly packages.
Look for Happy Hour Deals: Some ships offer discounted drinks during happy hour—take advantage of these deals – drinks, meals, snacks, etc.
Book Spa Services on Port Days: If you are interested in on-board Spa services, they are often cheaper when the ship is in port. Check out our Tips For Staying OnBoard.
Use Cash for Casino: Set a cash limit for casino spending to avoid overspending. Any winnings you secure in the casino should be applied to your room account to help offset the end-of-cruise bill (which often provides sticker shock).
Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack your own snacks to avoid buying overpriced snacks onboard.
Participate in Free Classes: Take advantage of free fitness classes and workshops offered on the ship.
Look for Package Deals: Some cruise lines offer packages that include various perks at a discounted rate. Before you agree to them, make sure they are of value to you – ie: occasional drinkers may not need a drink package.
General Money-Saving Tips:
Pack Light: Avoid extra baggage fees by packing efficiently.
Book Group Travel: Travelling with a group can often secure group rates and discounts.
Use Travel Apps: Download apps for budgeting, tracking expenses, and finding deals.
Follow Cruise Blogs and Forums: Stay informed about the latest deals, tips, and tricks from seasoned cruisers.
Check for Onboard Sales: Look for sales and promotions onboard for discounts on various items. Additionally, every cruise has a sale day – be sure to wait for that.
Bring Your Own Entertainment: Pack books, games, and other entertainment to avoid purchasing onboard.
Use Digital Coupons: Check for digital coupons and discount codes for onboard purchases.
Pack a First Aid Kit: Bring a basic first aid kit to avoid costly medical expenses onboard. Ensure you have antidiarrheal, antinausea, and seasickness medications, as well as sunscreen, sunburn treatment, etc.
Look for All-Inclusive Packages: Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that can save you money by combining cruise, flight, and hotel.
Take Advantage of Kids’ Clubs: If you’re travelling with children, utilize the free kids’ clubs and activities.
General Money Saving Tips For Vacation
With these money-saving tips for your next cruise vacation, you’ll keep more cash in your pocket while still indulging in the sunshine, shore excursions, and onboard splurges that make cruise travel unforgettable. Bon voyage—and happy savings!
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