August 8, 2019

How to Save Money on Your Cruise – Explained

Cruising can be addictive. Once you go on your first one you will definitely want to cruise again, and again, and again. Saving money on your cruise is important – it will leave more funds for future cruises;-) I have identified some ways to cut the cost of your next cruise. How to save money on a cruise:

Before you book your next cruise:

Research, research, research. Look online at the different cruise lines to see where your lifestyle fits best. Some lines cater to active individuals, some to an older crowd, some to families and others to young adults. Look at the entertainment offered. Does dining meet your requirements? Decide how long you want to cruise. Check out the itineraries each has to offer. Ask yourself what ports you would like to visit, and what time of the year would you like to take a cruise. Look up the weather. You can save money by going to an area during hurricane season. Only you can decide if you want to take that chance. There are many, many cruise blogs and YouTube videos that can help.
Find a Travel Agent (TA) that has extensive expertise in booking cruises. These TA’s can offer extra perks that others do not have access to. Call the cruise line and talk to a personal cruise planner. They work for the cruise line and can answer any questions you have. I have been very happy with the personal cruise planners I have used. It is wonderful to be able to reach out to someone who can help you and check on things as they come up. Some cruisers are happy with online booking agencies, but I do not recommend it.
Timing is everything. Some believe it is best to book in what the cruise industry calls “The Wave Season”. This is typically from January – March, where cruise lines offer extra perks. You do not have to cruise then, just book during this time. Cruises are cheaper during the shoulder season (the time before and after the high season). If possible, avoid cruising during Spring break.
If applicable, ask if they offer a military discount to qualify for the free onboard credit.
Prices vary widely depending on the cabin you book. Usually, lower decks will be less expensive and interior rooms are the cheapest. Research each cabin type and decide if this is where you can save some money. Many like interior cabins because they are dark and cozy, and cruisers are in them only to sleep. Others prefer a window or balcony room.
When it comes time to book your cruise, ask about the deposit. How much is it? Is it refundable? If a lower fare is offered can it be transferred? When is the final payment due? You will want to find a deposit that is refundable and can be transferred if a lower fare is offered. Once booked, keep a close eye on the cruise fare. Cruise lines are constantly offering specials. Many times you can find a reduced fare for the exact cruise you are looking for. Sometimes these offers are for a discount on the cabin or free perks such as prepaid gratuities, inclusive beverage packages, onboard credit (that you can use while sailing), a room upgrade and other perks.
You may want to consider a Back-To-Back cruise (B2B). You do not save on the cruise fare itself, but you can get two cruises in and only pay for airfare or other transportation once and you will only need a hotel room for one night, before your first cruise.
Speaking of a hotel room, always travel to the departure port the day ahead of time. The ship waits for no one and who needs the stress of traveling the day you sail? And this way you can start your vacation a day (or more) early. Save money by staying at a hotel just a little distance from the cruise port. If you are driving look for a hotel that offers a stay and park package. Many hotels offer a shuttle to the cruise port, although I have found rideshares to be more economical (Uber, Lyft).

After your cruise is booked:

Excursions – Once you book your cruise, you will have access to your personalized online planner. The planner will tell you what ports you will be visiting and what excursions the cruise line offers. Determine which you really want to go on and those that sound great but that are not that important to you. Make a budget for excursions and stick to it. You do not need to get off the ship at every port while some ports are lovely to walk around and explore on your own. Ports can offer nice beaches and that can be a relaxing way to enjoy a day in port. Look at excursions at are offered locally, not through the cruise line. These tend to be less expensive but be aware ……. the cruise ship will leave the port without you if you are not back on time. If the excursion is through the cruise ship they will either wait for you or transfer you to the next port. Consider renting a car so you can go exploring on your own.
Bringing your own beverages – Be sure to check the policy of your particular cruise line here. If you try to bring something that is prohibited it will be confiscated. That said, most ships allow you to bring a limited amount of wine (usually one 750 ml bottle of wine per adult in each cabin), soda or bottled water. These need to be brought on in your carryon bags and you are restricted to drinking them in your cabin. Be sure to pack a wine opener if needed. Many cabins have small refrigerators and you can request ice from your room steward.
Consider buying stock with your preferred cruise line. Carnival, for example, offers onboard credit to their stockholders for each cruise taken as long as they own at least 100 shares.
Sign up for the cruise line customer loyalty program.
Travel light, especially if you are flying to save on airline luggage fees. Most ships offer laundry services and many have self serve laundry facilities onboard. You can wear the same thing twice and can easily change the look with small accessories.
Pre-book packages – look carefully at these for beverages, Internet, spa treatments and photography packages. You can save money by pre-booking but can save even more money by not booking anything. Specialty dining (for an added fee) is wonderful to celebrate a special occasion but many just dress up and have a nice meal in the main dining room. Internet packages can be pricy, ask yourself if you can stay unplugged for your cruise. You may find that to be wonderful.
Pack all toiletries and medicines you may need. If you find yourself in need of something try to purchase it in port as the prices on the ship are very high. Consider buying what you need in the departure port if you do not want to pack things in your luggage.

Saving money once you are onboard:

No need to even get off the ship on every port day - relax in a quiet spot without the crowds.

On embarkation day there will be many offers that are only available on embarkation day. Walk around the ship and see if there are any that appeal to you. Some can be very good while others not so much.
Port days – eat breakfast before leaving for the day. In fact, try to eat as many meals on the ship as possible. Be aware that adult beverages may be cheaper in port than they are on the ship. If you really want a spa treatment you can save money by booking them on port days. Look for these in the daily ship newsletter. You may want to stay on the ship on some port days – it is usually very peaceful.
Bring cash and stay away from ATM’s. Small bills are best, both for tipping those who go out of their way to give you excellent service and for purchasing things in port. Do know the exchange rate before heading into port, it may be best to use the local currency or to use your charge card to purchase things. Never use your debit card in a foreign country though. Some ports accept American dollars but may give you change in local currency.
Shopping – Yes, it is nice to bring home things that remind you of your wonderful trips but ask yourself if they are really necessary. There are shops on the ship but you will probably find better deals in the ports.

The most important advice is to look around with wonder at everything you are seeing and be grateful that you are able to enjoy such an awesome vacation!