Money-Saving Tips for Cruising Smart
Cruising can be an incredible experience, but costs can quickly add up. From booking strategies to onboard savings, here’s how to get the best deals and maximize your budget while still enjoying everything a cruise has to offer.
Best Time to Book a Cruise
The timing of your booking can significantly impact the price.
✅ Book Early (6-12 Months in Advance) – Cruise lines offer early bird discounts, lower deposit requirements, and better cabin choices.
✅ Last-Minute Deals (30-90 Days Before Sailing) – If you have a flexible schedule, unsold cabins often go on sale at discounted rates.
✅ Wave Season (January-March) – The best promotions, including free upgrades, onboard credit, and drink packages, are often available.
✅ Off-Peak Travel – Avoid holiday weeks, summer, and spring break to score lower prices.
💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for cruise line newsletters and fare alerts to catch price drops.
How to Get Free Perks & Upgrades
Cruise lines often offer free extras to attract bookings.
✅ Look for Promotional Offers – Some deals include free drink packages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and onboard credit.
✅ Ask for an Upgrade – If the ship isn’t full, you might score a better cabin for free or at a discount.
✅ Loyalty Programs – Repeat cruisers can get perks like priority boarding, free specialty dining, and room upgrades.
✅ Cruise with a Group – Booking multiple cabins together can lead to group discounts and free perks.
💡 Pro Tip: Call the cruise line a few weeks before departure to check for free or discounted upgrades.
Drink & Dining Packages – Worth It or Not?
Cruise lines offer unlimited drink and specialty dining packages, but they’re not always a good deal.
✅ Skip the Drink Package If You’re a Light Drinker – You can bring limited wine on board (depending on cruise line policies) and take advantage of happy hours and daily drink specials.
✅ Consider Buying a Package in Advance – It’s often cheaper to purchase drink or dining packages before sailing.
✅ Use Free Dining Options – Buffet, main dining rooms, and some cafes offer great meals without extra costs.
✅ Look for Specialty Dining Discounts – Some cruise lines offer discounts for pre-booking or dining on the first night.
Budgeting for Your Cruise – Avoid Hidden Fees
✅ Factor in Gratuities – Most cruise lines charge automatic daily tips (~$15-$20 per person per day).
✅ Plan for Wi-Fi Fees – Internet access is expensive at sea, so download music, movies, and maps before boarding.
✅ Watch Out for Shore Excursion Prices – Booking excursions directly through the cruise line is convenient but usually more expensive than independent options.
✅ Bring Your Own Essentials – Onboard prices for toiletries, sunscreen, and medicine are significantly higher than on land.
✅ Limit Casino Spending – Set a budget before stepping into the casino, as onboard ATMs have high withdrawal fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a prepaid travel card to avoid foreign transaction fees while in port.
Saving Money on Excursions & Activities
Shore excursions can be one of the biggest extra expenses on a cruise.
✅ Book Excursions Independently – Local tour operators often offer cheaper and more personalized experiences than the cruise line.
✅ Take DIY Walking Tours – Many ports have beautiful, walkable areas with free attractions.
✅ Use Ride-Sharing Services – Instead of expensive cruise transfers, use taxis or rideshare apps where available.
✅ Stay on the Ship for Savings – If you’ve visited a port before, consider enjoying a quiet pool day onboard instead of booking an excursion.
💡 Pro Tip: Check if your travel credit card offers travel insurance that covers missed excursions due to ship delays.
Onboard Spending Hacks
The cruise ship itself is designed to tempt you into spending more. Here’s how to keep costs low.
✅ Bring Your Own Beverages – Most cruise lines allow you to bring some wine, soda, or water on board to avoid expensive drink prices.
✅ Avoid Overpriced Spa Treatments – If you want a massage, book on port days when prices are often lower.
✅ Take Advantage of Free Activities – Shows, trivia, karaoke, and deck parties are included in your fare.
✅ Wait for Onboard Shopping Sales – Cruise shops often hold last-day sales with major discounts.
✅ Set a Spending Limit on Your Cruise Card – Linking a credit card to your cruise account makes it easy to overspend. Set a limit to stay within budget.
💡 Pro Tip: Attend the cruise loyalty program presentations—they often include free drinks and prize
Smart Ways to Save on Transportation & Hotels
If your cruise departs from a faraway port, travel costs can add up.
✅ Fly in the Day Before – Avoid missing your cruise due to flight delays, and look for hotel deals with free cruise port shuttles.
✅ Use Park & Cruise Hotels – Some hotels offer free or discounted parking while you’re on the cruise.
✅ Check for Cruise Line Transfers vs. Ride-Sharing – Sometimes, a taxi or rideshare is cheaper than cruise-provided airport transfers.
✅ Consider Repositioning Cruises – These one-way cruises are often much cheaper per night than standard sailings.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re booking a hotel, use travel rewards points for a free or discounted stay.
Final Tips to Save Big on Your Next Cruise:
Final Tips to Save Big on Your Next Cruise:
✅ Compare prices on multiple travel sites – Don’t book the first deal you see.
✅ Follow cruise forums & Facebook groups – Other travelers share real-time deals.
✅ Be flexible with dates & destinations – If you’re open to different itineraries, you’ll find better prices.
✅ Consider inside cabins – They’re significantly cheaper than balcony rooms and can help you cruise on a budget.
✅ Book multiple cruises at once – Some cruise lines offer discounts for back-to-back sailings.
