Cruising is one of the most exciting and relaxing ways to travel, but it can also get expensive. Having just returned from a cruise myself, I understand the allure of exploring new destinations while enjoying the luxury of all-inclusive amenities. However, it’s easy for the cost of a cruise to skyrocket if you’re not careful. Over the years, I’ve picked up several strategies to save money without sacrificing enjoyment. Here are 10 easy ways to save money on a cruise.
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1. Book Early to Take Advantage of Discounts
One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is by booking early. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the best deals. Cruise lines often offer early-bird discounts to fill their ships well in advance. Additionally, you might have access to special perks, like free upgrades or onboard credits, which can further reduce the overall cost of your trip.
For example, I once booked a cruise 6 months in advance and saved 20% on the total fare. By planning ahead, I was also able to choose the best stateroom at a lower price compared to last-minute bookings.
| Booking Timeframe | Average Discount | Availability of Staterooms | Perks/Upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12+ months in advance | 25% off | Full range of options | Free upgrades, onboard credits |
| 6 months in advance | 15% off | Limited staterooms | Occasionally free upgrades |
| Last-minute (1-2 months) | 5-10% off | Few stateroom options | Limited perks |
2. Avoid Upgrading Your Stateroom
It’s tempting to upgrade your stateroom to get extra space, a better view, or more luxurious amenities. However, I found that this is usually unnecessary if you’re not planning to spend a lot of time in your room. After all, a cruise is all about exploring the ship and the destinations, not lounging in your cabin.
If you’re fine with a standard interior room, which I prefer, you can save hundreds of dollars. For example, a basic interior room on a 7-night Caribbean cruise might cost $700, while a balcony stateroom could easily set you back $1,200. The $500 difference can be better spent on excursions or onboard experiences that offer more value.
| Stateroom Type | Price (7-Night Caribbean) | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | $700 | Basic accommodation |
| Oceanview | $900 | Window view |
| Balcony | $1,200 | Balcony, more space |
| Suite | $2,500+ | Luxury amenities, more space |
3. Skip the Drink Package
Cruise lines often offer drink packages that can seem like a good deal, but I learned they aren’t always worth the cost. These packages can be tempting, especially if you drink alcohol or fancy beverages regularly. However, if you’re not planning to have multiple drinks per day, you might end up paying for more than you actually consume.
Let’s say the drink package costs $70 per day. For a 7-night cruise, that’s $490 per person. But if you only have a few drinks per day, you might spend around $150-200. In this case, it’s better to pay as you go. Most cruise ships also offer reasonably priced drinks without requiring a package.
| Drink Package Cost (7 Days) | Average Drinks Consumed | Total Cost without Package | Savings without Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| $70/day ($490 for 7 days) | 3-4 drinks per day | $150-$200 | $290-$340 |
4. Book Shore Excursions on Your Own
Shore excursions can be one of the most expensive parts of a cruise. However, I’ve learned that booking excursions independently can save a lot of money. Cruise lines tend to mark up the prices of shore excursions, and you’ll find that local tour operators offer the same trips at a fraction of the cost.
For example, a snorkeling excursion booked through the cruise line might cost $100 per person. However, booking through a local operator in the port could cost only $60. Not only does this save money, but it also gives you the flexibility to choose more personalized tours.
| Shore Excursion (Cruise Line) | Price | Shore Excursion (Local Operator) | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling tour | $100 | Snorkeling tour | $60 | $40 |
| Historical city tour | $80 | Historical city tour | $45 | $35 |
5. Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
Many cruise lines allow you to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks onboard. I’ve taken advantage of this policy by packing my own bottled water, soda, and snacks. It saves money and ensures that I have the items I want, especially when I’m craving something specific.
For example, bottled water and soft drinks on a cruise can cost around $2-3 each. By bringing my own, I’ve saved easily $30-40 over the course of a 7-day cruise. Even bringing some simple snacks like granola bars or nuts can help cut down on extra food expenses.
| Item | Onboard Price | Personal Cost (Pack Your Own) | Savings per Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottle of water | $3 | $0.50 | $2.50 |
| Soft drink | $2.50 | $0.25 | $2.25 |
| Granola bar | $2 | $0.75 | $1.25 |
6. Take Advantage of Free Activities Onboard
Cruise ships are packed with activities and entertainment, many of which are included in your cruise fare. I’ve spent many evenings enjoying free shows, live music, and movie nights under the stars. Instead of spending extra money on specialty activities, like spa treatments or premium experiences, I always look for these free options.
Cruise lines also offer free fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, and trivia contests. These events are a great way to enjoy the cruise without the added cost.
| Activity | Free or Extra Cost | Example of Cruise Line Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway-style shows | Free | Broadway shows on Royal Caribbean ships |
| Fitness classes | Free | Yoga or Pilates on Princess Cruises |
| Cooking demonstrations | Free | Celebrity Cruises offers free cooking demos |
| Trivia contests | Free | Onboard trivia nights on Carnival ships |
7. Use the Ship’s Wi-Fi Wisely
Wi-Fi on a cruise can be pricey. I’ve found that limiting my use of the internet and only using Wi-Fi for essential tasks is a great way to save money. Many cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages, but they can be as expensive as $10-20 per day. Instead of paying for an unlimited package, I stick to checking email, and I only go online when absolutely necessary.
For example, a 7-day cruise Wi-Fi package could cost around $100. If I only need to check emails or look up something quick, I pay for a daily plan for around $20 instead.
| Wi-Fi Plan (7 Days) | Price | Usage | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited (Full Cruise) | $100 | Constant access to internet | $80 |
| Daily Access (Check Email) | $20/day | Limited use of internet | $80 |
8. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Cruise lines often have hidden fees that can quickly add up. From port taxes to service charges, I’ve made it a point to carefully review the final cost of the cruise before booking. It’s easy to assume that everything is included, but additional fees, such as gratuities and specialty dining, can be expensive.
For example, service charges can range from $10-20 per person per day. On a 7-day cruise, this could add up to $140 per person. Always factor in these charges before committing to your booking.
| Additional Fee | Estimated Cost (7-Night) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Service Charges | $140 | Daily gratuity for staff |
| Port Fees | $50 | Taxes and fees per port |
| Specialty Dining | $30-$50 | Extra for dining outside main restaurants |
9. Be Cautious with Specialty Dining
Cruise ships feature specialty dining options that allow you to enjoy a more upscale experience than the complimentary restaurants. While this can be tempting, I’ve found that I don’t need to indulge in these specialty dining venues every night. Instead, I stick to the main dining room, which offers excellent meals included in the price.
If you do want to try a specialty restaurant, I suggest booking it for a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, to get the most out of the experience without blowing your budget.
| Dining Option | Price (Per Person) | Quality of Meal | Frequency of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Room | Free | High quality | Daily |
| Specialty Dining (Steakhouse) | $35-$50 | Exceptional | Occasionally |
10. Use Loyalty Program Benefits
If you cruise frequently, I highly recommend joining the cruise line’s loyalty program. These programs reward you with points for each cruise you take, which can later be redeemed for onboard credits, discounts, or even free perks. I’ve been a member of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program for years, and I’ve received free Wi-Fi, cabin upgrades, and even discounts on future cruises.
In the long run, these programs can save a substantial amount of money. For example, by reaching a certain loyalty tier, I’ve received a 10% discount on future cruise bookings, which adds up quickly over time.
| Loyalty Program Benefit | Example (Royal Caribbean) | Savings/Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Free upgrades | Available at certain tiers | Room upgrade for repeat cruisers |
| Discount on future cruises | 10% off bookings | $100 savings on a $1,000 cruise |
| Onboard credits | $50-$100 | Can be used for excursions, drinks, etc. |
Final Thoughts
Cruising doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By planning ahead, avoiding unnecessary upgrades, and taking advantage of free activities, you can enjoy the experience without breaking the bank. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars by simply being mindful of my spending habits and prioritizing what truly matters during the cruise. Each of these strategies can help you enjoy a relaxing and budget-friendly vacation.
