Sometimes you may need to cut costs during a cruise, especially with numerous tempting onboard activities. Sticking to a budget can be challenging, but fear not—I’ve compiled some straightforward tips to help you save money on your next cruise. By implementing these strategies and staying flexible, you could potentially trim expenses by as much as 30%. So, keep reading for some valuable advice.
Here are some tips to help you save money on your next cruise:
1. Book During Shoulder Seasons
Booking during shoulder seasons presents an excellent opportunity to secure a bargain on your cruise. Shoulder seasons refer to the periods just before or after peak travel times, typically offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds both onboard and at destinations.
For instance, in spring and fall, instead of enduring scorching summers or holiday crowds, travelers can enjoy a more serene experience. These seasons are particularly advantageous for destinations like Alaska, where shoulder seasons occur in May and September, flanking the main summer season.
Cruise lines, aiming to fill their cabins during these quieter periods, often offer significant discounts on fares. Savings of up to 30% or 40% compared to peak times are not uncommon.
However, there are some factors to consider. While shoulder seasons provide enticing deals, there may be fewer available itineraries compared to peak season. Additionally, weather conditions can be unpredictable, especially in regions experiencing rainy seasons, necessitating flexibility in travel plans.
Yet, the potential for last-minute deals during shoulder seasons adds an element of spontaneity for those open to adjusting their travel dates. Ultimately, booking during shoulder seasons allows for a rewarding cruise experience minus the crowds and inflated prices of peak seasons.
2. Book Early
Booking your cruise early can lead to significant savings and additional perks. Cruise lines tend to offer their best fares when itineraries are first released, aiming to secure bookings and ensure steady revenue. By booking early, you can access much lower fares compared to prices closer to the sail date.
Moreover, popular itineraries, ships, and cabin types tend to fill up quickly. Booking early enhances your chances of securing your desired destination, ship, or cabin location, especially for sought-after cruises.
Additionally, many cruise lines incentivize early booking with extra perks. These may include complimentary upgrades to better cabin categories, onboard credits for activities or excursions, or even freebies like dining packages or internet access.
Booking early also provides peace of mind. You can lock in your preferred price and avoid potential price hikes closer to the sail date, allowing you to focus on planning other aspects of your trip.
However, it’s essential to consider the cruise line’s cancellation policy. Early bookings often come with stricter cancellation fees, so be mindful of this when making your reservation.
While there’s a possibility of price drops later on, it’s not common. Cruise lines typically raise fares as the ship fills up, so waiting for a significant price drop isn’t always a reliable strategy.
Overall, booking early is a wise choice if you’re flexible with your itinerary and cabin selection and want to secure the best possible price along with valuable bonus perks.
3. Consider Wave Season
Wave season is an exceptional time for saving money on cruises, typically spanning from early January to the end of March. During this period, cruise lines roll out a plethora of deals and promotions to fill their ships for the upcoming year.
The reason behind the lower prices is simple: cruise lines aim to kick off the year with strong bookings and secure revenue. To entice travelers, they offer substantial discounts on cruises for various future sail dates, extending beyond the immediate months.
During wave season, you can find a wide array of deals, including reduced fares on various itineraries and ships. Additionally, cruise lines often sweeten the deal with onboard credits, which can be used for drinks, shore excursions, or spa treatments. Some lines even offer enticing freebies such as beverage packages, internet access, or specialty dining packages. Moreover, discounted deposits make it more affordable to secure your cabin during this period.
While wave season presents fantastic opportunities for savings, it’s essential to consider a few factors. Popular itineraries and cabin categories may fill up quickly, so remaining flexible with your choices maximizes your chances of securing a great deal. Furthermore, some wave season deals may come with stricter cancellation policies, requiring a firm commitment to your travel plans.
In summary, wave season offers an excellent chance to book an exceptional cruise at a bargain price. Booking early and being open to flexibility can result in significant savings, making it a highly desirable time for cruise enthusiasts.
4. Pick an Older Ship
Opting for an older ship can be a savvy tactic for cutting costs on your next cruise. It is one of the tips to help you save money on your next cruise. Here’s why it makes sense:
Cost Efficiency: Older ships require less investment for maintenance compared to newer vessels with the latest technology and extravagant features. This cost-saving advantage often leads to lower fares for passengers.
Focus on Classic Cruise Experience: Older ships prioritize the traditional aspects of cruising such as excellent meals, comfortable accommodations, entertaining shows, and attentive service. While they may lack the latest bells and whistles like fancy water slides or celebrity chef restaurants, they provide a more affordable cruise experience rooted in tradition.
Still Well-Maintained: Despite being labeled as “older,” most cruise lines ensure their older ships are well-kept and often undergo renovations to update amenities and decor. Passengers can still expect a pleasant vacation with plenty of activities, pools, shows, and dining options.
Potential for Intimate Atmosphere: Older ships tend to be smaller, resulting in a more intimate setting with fewer passengers onboard. This can mean shorter lines for embarkation, disembarkation, and onboard activities.
However, there are some factors to bear in mind when opting for an older ship like limited features. Most older ships may lack the cutting-edge attractions or trendy restaurants found on newer vessels. And because of some itineraries needing newer technology for adventurous destinations, cruise lines may not deploy older ships on all itineraries.
In essence, choosing an older ship is an excellent way to save money without compromising on the fundamental elements of a memorable cruise vacation. If you prioritize affordability and a potentially more intimate experience over having the latest amenities, an older ship could be an ideal choice for you!
5. Shorter Cruises
Choosing a shorter cruise offers an affordable way to enjoy the pleasures of cruising without breaking the bank. With fewer days at sea and onboard amenities, the overall cost is lower, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those new to cruising.
Shorter cruises, typically lasting 2-5 days, are also perfect for individuals with busy schedules who can’t commit to a longer vacation. Despite their shorter duration, these cruises are packed with activities and entertainment, including poolside fun, live shows, delicious meals, and exciting port visits.
Moreover, the affordability of shorter cruises allows for more frequent getaways throughout the year, enabling travelers to explore different destinations or enjoy multiple cruise experiences without a significant financial commitment. They’re also an excellent option for first-time cruisers looking to test the waters before committing to a longer voyage in the future.
However, it’s essential to consider that shorter cruises may offer less time to explore ports and have limited itinerary options compared to longer voyages. Despite these considerations, shorter cruises remain a budget-friendly and enjoyable way to experience the magic of cruising.
6. Choose Interior Cabin
Selecting an interior cabin stands out as a top money-saving tactic for cruise accommodations. These cabins, devoid of windows or balconies, present the most economical option aboard a cruise ship, potentially saving travelers hundreds of dollars compared to upgraded cabins such as oceanview or balcony suites.
Despite the absence of scenic vistas, interior cabins prioritize functionality, furnishing guests with comfortable beds, ample storage space, and a private bathroom. This focus on essentials ensures a restful stay onboard, catering to travelers who prioritize functionality over extravagant views.
Interior cabins particularly suit active explorers, as those intending to spend the majority of their time exploring the ship or mingling in public areas may find little need for a private balcony.
Furthermore, on newer cruise ships, interior cabins are often spaciously designed, accommodating couples or small families comfortably. Some vessels even feature virtual balconies, projecting live ocean views onto screens within the cabin.
When considering an interior cabin, it’s essential to acknowledge potential drawbacks such as limited natural light, which may create a somewhat confined atmosphere. Additionally, travelers must accept the absence of panoramic ocean views or the opportunity to witness sunrise/sunset from their cabin.
Overall, opting for an interior cabin offers an astute approach to maximizing savings on a cruise. For those willing to forego expansive views in favor of affordability and essential comforts, an interior cabin presents an ideal choice for an economical and enjoyable voyage.
7. Book Shore Excursions in Advance
Booking shore excursions in advance for your cruise offers several benefits, including potential cost savings and securing your spot on popular tours. Many cruise lines provide incentives for early bookings, such as discounts or bundled deals with onboard credit. By booking ahead, you ensure availability for sought-after excursions that tend to fill up quickly, particularly limited-group activities or tours with exclusive access to certain locations.
Moreover, planning and researching your excursions in advance allow you to compare prices, inclusions, and read reviews from other cruisers to choose the best options for your interests and budget. While onboard booking may seem convenient, it can lead to higher prices and missed opportunities for deals or preferred tours that sell out quickly.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of potential non-refundable deposits or cancellation fees associated with pre-booked excursions through the cruise line. Despite these considerations, booking shore excursions in advance through the cruise line can be a wise strategy for saving money, especially when taking advantage of early booking discounts. Nonetheless, it’s prudent to compare prices with independent tour operators to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
8. Bring Your Own Drinks
Bringing your own drinks on a cruise can indeed help save money, but it’s essential to understand the limitations and potential costs involved. Most cruise lines permit a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water or juice to be brought onboard, although restrictions regarding container types and amounts vary. However, alcoholic beverages are typically prohibited.
If you plan to enjoy your own wine or beer in onboard restaurants or lounges, expect to incur corkage fees per bottle, which can range from $15 to $40 or more, depending on the cruise line. To mitigate the expense of bottled water, some cruise lines offer refillable water bottle programs for purchase, or you can bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill up at onboard water stations.
While bringing your own drinks can provide savings, it’s essential to consider the limitations and potential fees associated with doing so. Additionally, planning your drink purchases and considering beverage packages offered by the cruise line can offer better value for your money. Lastly, taking advantage of complimentary drink options available onboard, such as non-alcoholic beverages in dining rooms or free water stations, can further enhance cost-saving opportunities during your cruise.
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9. Take Advantage of Free Activities
This is one of the many tips to help you save money on your next cruise. Cruise ships offer a plethora of enjoyable activities, and the best part is that many of them come at no additional cost. Utilizing these complimentary activities can enhance your onboard experience without exceeding your budget.
Evenings aboard often feature lively deck parties with music, dancing, and games, as well as live music performances showcasing various genres. Additionally, ships commonly offer poolside movie screenings and onboard theaters hosting Broadway-style musicals and comedy shows, providing quality entertainment free of charge.
For those seeking enrichment, cruise lines organize educational talks and workshops covering diverse topics such as history, art, and culture. Guests can also enjoy the ship’s pool decks, jacuzzis, and sun loungers, perfect for relaxation without spending extra.
Fitness enthusiasts can participate in complimentary classes like yoga or access the ship’s gym for a workout session. Interactive activities such as trivia nights and game shows foster social connections and create memorable moments, while themed nights and costume contests add a fun, festive touch to the cruise experience.
If you love art then you can explore onboard galleries showcasing impressive collections or temporary exhibits. By making the most of these free activities, you can maximize their enjoyment without straining their budget.
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10. Skip the Spa and Specialty Restaurants
Skipping the spa and specialty restaurants can lead to significant savings on your cruise. One of the great tips to help you save money on your next cruise. These options often come with premium price points, with spa treatments and specialty dining dishes costing over $100. Fortunately, most cruise lines offer alternatives like complimentary main dining rooms and themed buffets, providing delicious meals without extra charges. Limited spa services such as manicures and pedicures are available at lower costs.
Additionally, exploring local spa options during port visits can offer authentic experiences at potentially lower prices. Consider treating yourself occasionally and watching for deals or promotions to indulge without overspending. By forgoing these pricey extras, you can still enjoy a fulfilling cruise experience while staying within your budget.
With a bit of adaptability and proactive planning, you can make substantial savings on your forthcoming cruise. Our travel agency is here to assist you in finding the perfect cruise within your budget. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone on (609)499-3323 or through our contact form for personalized assistance.
