Being an adventurer, when I was planning my vacation, I discovered that cruising is a very effective way of visiting different places as you get to sleep on a boat. Cruises are a form of traveling that provides comfort and convenience in that it takes you from one destination to the other and includes your meals, entertainment, and accommodation.
But let’s cruise on a budget. There are methods of enjoying the cruise and other luxurious services without having to spend all your money.
Here are my time-tested approaches I have fine-tuned my approaches on how to cruise on a budget without losing out on the fun.
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Table of Contents
1. Use a Travel Agent
The first thing I would do is turn to a travel agent when planning for a cruise. Their help has been extremely useful in getting special offers and promotions that are not open to the public. For instance, once, my travel agent was able to secure me a cabin upgrade for free just because they could negotiate and take advantage of certain promotions.
Be careful though, because often using a travel agent may not be the cheapest way. Especially for experienced cruisers because they can also look for the right options themselves and do not need the commission of travel agencies.
2. Book Early or Last-minute
Timing is very important in the cruise business especially when it comes to the booking of the cruises. Ideally, I have discovered that the best rates may be secured when one book for the intended trip way ahead, at times up to two years in advance. For instance, I once reserved a Mediterranean cruise and got it at a 30% discount to the normal rate and this was 18 months to the time of travel. However, I have also gotten great last-minute offers by searching for flights about 90 days from the date of travel. These are usually last-minute offers and the cruise line’s strategy to cover the remaining cabins.
Some of the websites that offer cruise deals include; Kayak and Vacations and some services can track the price of cruise services and notify the service when there is a change in the price.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Deciding to cruise during non-peak season has been such a savior to my wallet. I have traveled on multiple cruises in January and May, not to mention early autumn, which is also regarded as the shoulder season.
The prices are considerably cheaper, and the ships are not overcrowded as would be the case with the large companies. It also cuts costs while at the same time making for a more leisurely and less stressful journey.
4. Join a Loyalty Program
Part of being in a cruise line entails having the privilege of being in the cruise line’s loyalty program. This I have received over the years in terms of freebies, free vouchers, free cruise credit, and invitations to special cruises.
For instance, I am a member of the Crown & Anchor Society of Royal Caribbean, and the privileges have greatly boosted my cruising experience ranging from an early embarkation to free drinks.
5. Book an Inside Cabin
Inside the cabin has proved to be cheaper for me in a big way. At first, I thought I would have a problem with no view but I quickly found out that I travel most of my time on the ship or the different ports. Inside cabins are comfortable and ideal for the frugal traveler such as myself, the money that is saved can be used on the tours and the facilities that are available onboard.
6. Plan Your Shore Excursions
I do not like to pre-purchase excursions through the cruise line as they are very costly, I like to organize my tours. I search for local attractions and then I make direct reservations with local tour companies. This is not only budget-friendly but also provides me with choices that are more specific and diverse. For instance, while on the Caribbean cruise, I booked a snorkeling with a local operator at a cheaper price as compared to the ones offered by the cruise.
Organization of your trips can be beneficial in many ways including cost-cutting and more individualistic activities. However, it also has the following disadvantages. A disadvantage is that one has to arrange for transportation on his/her own and this may be a daunting task especially if one is in a new place and as this will take time which one could have used exploring the place.
Also, there are some unpredictable situations related to local operators, which can lead to changes in the plan and, as a result, the failure to catch the ship on time. All of these factors should be well thought out and planned to make sure that whenever you are traveling, it will be a wonderful time. Here you can discover Beaches in Europe.
7. Monitor Cruise Prices
This is something that I have learned has helped me save a lot of money, always monitoring cruise prices. Almost all the cruise lines give price changes if the fare decreases before the final payment is made. I always compare prices and employ the use of price comparison applications. It was once that I was able to secure a $200 refund since the price of the cruise that I had booked went down after I had booked it.
8. Utilize Perks and Discounts
Optimizing the available special offers on dining option packages, beverage inclusions, and other onboard services has improved my cruising experiences. I only book during sales or wave season, which is between January, February, and March to get free upgrades, pre-paid gratuities, and onboard credits. These promotions increase the worth of the cruise package, and the expenses are also controlled effectively.
9. Understanding Hidden Costs
The concept of understanding the costs not visible when cruising is very important. The basic price includes accommodations, some meals, and some activities but things like tips, specialty dining, tours, drinks, Internet, and spa services are not included and can add up. I always factor these costs into my budget so that I do not get surprised. cheap cruise ships are my target always.
10. Pre-Book Packages and Excursions
Dining and beverage packages and excursions for a cruise should be pre-booked and this is economical. This means that I get to save some money since I book in advance and some offers are not offered once on the ship. It also guarantees that there will be stock and assists me in controlling my finances effectively.
However, there is a caveat to consider: One disadvantage of pre-booking the excursions is that it may make the tourists rigid during the cruise. So, even though it is cheaper to pay for dining, beverages, and excursions in advance, the reader should know that it will be difficult to change the plans once they are set since the cruise line will not allow that due to the pre-purchased plans.
However, booking sometimes is cheaper than booking on the spot, guarantees the availability of the most popular activities, and assists with the budgeting process. This is a balance that a traveler has to make between the need to have a free schedule and the need to have a financially planned schedule.
11. Learn the Importance of Upgrade
It is common knowledge that most cheap cruise ship lines have upgrade opportunities through bidding. I weigh the costs and whether the extra dollars are worth it, especially for things such as free breakfast, exclusive restaurants, and priority in boarding among others. At other times, these upgrades contribute massively to the experience of a cruise.
12. VIP Programs as a Strategic Tool
It is a type of loyalty program where guests are provided with perks such as priority check-in, reserved seating during shows, and selected dining privileges, for instance, Royal Caribbean’s “The Key”. Despite the extra cost, these programs help to ease stress and offer extra services that are useful in densely populated or sensitive terminals.
13. Plan in Advance
Confirming the availability to book the excursions, restaurants, and other services in advance is also cheaper most of the time. Such planning helps me adhere to my budget and benefit from the opportunities of pre-booking services.
14. Pack Smart
Taking necessities such as swimwear, sunglasses, food and beverage and other comfy footwear minimizes the chances of purchasing from the cruise ship which tends to be costly. Packing smartly makes me avoid spending more money and also helps me pack all that is required for my trip and nothing more.
15. Enjoy the Room Bonuses
Some of the things that are free on the cruise include; eating places, entertainment, and games. As for me, I utilize these options to the maximum so that I do not have to spend more money. Main dining rooms and buffets normally offer adequate food choices which do not require specialty restaurants.
16. Budget for Extras
Extra expenses such as shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, and special meals are some of the ways that make me avoid going over the top with my expenses. I provide for these other expenses and ensure that I do not exceed the set amount.
17. Onboard Spending Strategies
When it comes to spending during a cruise, several tips can be followed to improve your cruise experience as well as your spending plans. One of them is to assign a certain amount of money for such activities as eating in specialty restaurants, shopping for souvenirs, and visiting spas to spend this amount only during the day and try not to spend more.
Another way of saving money is to buy beverage packages and shore excursions before boarding the cruise since they are cheaper before the cruise. This means that the account statements are monitored on board to ensure that the expenses are checked and changes made as and when needed.
Further, the inclusion of activities and entertainment can also be taken to the best optimum without extra charges. So, when organizing your cruise vacation, it is possible to get the most out of it without overspending.
18. Alternative Budget-Friendly Cruise Options
- Several options can offer a good experience to travelers who are willing to go for low-cost cruises. Avoid the long trips or those that start earlier in the morning or late at night because they are cheaper.
- Extra expenses can be cut down even more by choosing inside cabins or purchasing cheaper tickets at the last moment, but it is still possible to use all the ship’s facilities and have fun. Another is to select cruise lines that offer more services at the base price so that there are fewer extra costs.
- Also, experiencing less touristy routes or traveling with a small cruise vessel is quite possible at a cheaper rate. From the research done and the comparison made, one can find a cheap cruise that is within the set budget and desired type of cruise.
Estimated Cost to Cruise
Average Base Fare Range
As you can see there is a variety, but the average price for a 7-day Caribbean cruise can be between $1,500 and $2,000 per person. Still, it is possible to come across offers that stand beyond this spectrum, particularly if the journey is to be of shorter duration or the cruise will be organized to less-in-demand destinations.
Additional Onboard Costs
Gratuities: These are fees for services that are provided automatically daily are charged to your bill and are usually between $10 -$ 15 per person per day. Some of the lines include tips in the fare, so it is advisable to confirm.
Beverages: If you do not pre-arrange for a beverage package, which can be costly, everything from water, soda, and especially alcohol, is considered an additional cost.
Specialty Dining: practically all cruise lines have more restaurants than the main dining rooms; they serve more elegant food for an extra charge.
Shore Excursions: Visiting often includes shore trips which can be purchased from the cruise line or are arranged by an independent party.
Wi-Fi: Internet on cruise ships is often charged on a per day or per package basis.
Spa Treatments: Other expenses include things like massages, facials, and any other spa-related services.
Onboard Activities: Some of the activities such as escape rooms, games arcades, or the rock climbing walls may attract extra costs.
Souvenirs and Shopping: As for prices be careful with onboard shops and ports of call prices can be higher than on the mainland.
Ways to Control Onboard Costs
- Try to find cruises with non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks as extra charges or cruises with tips as part of the total price.
- Pack bottled water from home for drinking on the cruise (note that some cruise lines allow you to bring on beverages).
- Emphasize the main dining rooms and use the specialty restaurants moderately.
- Book shore excursions on your own to possibly get a better deal than what the cruise line offers.
- It may be advisable to use the free Wi-Fi available in the different ports as opposed to buying an internet package.
- This should be done for such things as the activities to be offered on board, the items to be sold in the gift shops, and the prices to be charged for the various spa services.
Additional Tips
Credit Card Strategies
Travel rewards credit card is another way of getting maximum benefits where one is awarded points or miles to be used to pay for a future trip or even purchasing food and other services on board. To reduce the costs incurred on the use of the card, select one that does not attract any foreign transaction fees in case you make purchases in another country while on your journey. Also, use privileges like travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services that would improve your travel and minimize your expenses.
Expenses on Souvenirs and Onboard Shopping
It is recommended to set up the money for souvenirs and other purchases on board as a certain percentage of the total amount planned for the trip. It is recommended to track your spending daily so that you do not go over your budget. Choose the items that have the most significance and focus on spending the money on these items to get the most out of your money.
The Departure- Cruise on a Budget
You have done with how to get a cheap cruise. The economy is not a hindrance for cruising as it has been explained above that there are ways to cruise on a limited budget. Through proper planning, proper utilization of promotions and offers, and proper consideration of other expenses, I have been able to go on many memorable cruises without necessarily spending too much. Happy cruising!
FAQs
What are the ways to get a cruise cheap?
It is also important to note that one can find quite good discounts if booking either a month beforehand or at the last minute.
Which costs are most likely to be obscured?
Expect to spend more on tips, meals, shows, drinks, Internet, and other activities including spas.
What are the recommendations for taking shore excursions on a limited budget?
Plan and negotiate your shore trips to be cheaper than the ones that are provided by the cruise line.
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