How to Save Money on a Cruise: 27 Tips, Tricks & Hacks

How to save money on a cruise - 27 best tips

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If you’re looking for ways to save money on a cruise and cruise more often, you’re in the right place. Cruising has been our preferred way to travel for almost 20 years. From our very first cruise, my husband and I were hooked. Then we brought our kids and they were hooked too!

Even though cruising is an amazing value for a great vacation, the costs can still add up. So we looked for the best deals and ways to save money while cruising, while not compromising on the cruise experience we wanted.

Over the years, I’ve learned many cruise travel hacks that travel agents and veteran cruisers use to save money while cruising. In this post, I’ll share how you can cruise for less each and stretch your vacation dollars even further.

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How to Save Money on Your Cruise Vacation

carnival cruise ship

1.Choose the least expensive cabin

The price of your cruise is most affected by the type of cabin you choose, and therefore one of the simplest ways to save money on a your cruise vacation.

The three main cabin types are:

Inside cabins are almost always the cheapest cabins on a cruise ship.

Should you always choose an inside cabin?

The quick answer is no.

Our family has cruised in balcony, oceanview and inside cabins, and our decision is highly based on price and overall value.

We find inside cabins comfortable, and usually don’t spend much time in our cabin. Our view is that we’d rather save money by getting a less expensive cabin, and spend on things that matter more to us, like excursions and cruising more often.

However we’re all different.

If you’re considering an interior cabin, keep in mind that the rooms are on the small side and you will not have a window, so there is no natural light. Although we like interior cabins and think they have many benefits, they aren’t for everyone.

If having some quiet and private outdoor space to relax is important to you, consider the best priced balcony you can find. If you get claustrophobic, opt for an ocean view cabin.

Suggested:  7 Top Benefits of an Inside Cabin

Celebrity Summit Inside Cabin 6 x 4

2. Check the balcony prices and compare your stateroom options

While interior cabins will likely be the least expensive cabin choice, cruise lines sometimes have a promotion or sale. You might get a discounted or free cabin upgrade or there may be extra perks if you move up to a higher cabin type.

It’s a good idea to check out the price of obstructed cabins, ocean view and balcony cabins. Ask your travel agent or check on your own to compare your options and savings.

Related: 7 Best Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin

Aft Balcony Cruise Ship Cabins Pros & Cons

3. Choose the cheapest time to cruise

Cruises have high and low season, and times in between. Holidays and summer cruises are usually the most expensive times to go on a cruise, although the exact time for “higher pricing” depends on the cruise itinerary.

For instance, Caribbean cruises will be the cheapest in the Fall, when kids are in school, the weather is moderate, and it’s hurricane season.

However, as Mediterranean cruises have gained popularity and September has been touted as the best time to go, to beat the crowds and avoid the summer heat, pricing has increased to meet the demand.

Consider shoulder season for best prices on Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda cruises, which is typically Fall and early Winter.

How to Save Money on a Cruise
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4. Bring wine or champagne on board

Did you know that many cruise lines allow you to bring a couple of bottles of wine on board? In some cases, there will be a small corkage fee charged when you bring it on board. Other cruise lines will only charge you if you bring the full bottle to the dining room.

Wine glasses are available at any bar and you can bring them back to your cabin. Enjoy a glass or wine before dinner or even bring your glass with you to a lounge or the dining room.

Related: What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise? 

5. Bring your own soda or water bottles

Although this varies by cruise line, many will allow you to bring a case of water bottles or even soda onto the cruise. Always check your cruise line’s policy on what you can and cannot bring onto a cruise ship.

A case of water bottles can be picked up near the cruise port and brought straight on board. Keep in mind that although the water is safe to drink on the cruise ship, you’ll definitely want to bring water bottles with you on cruise port days.

An alternative to hauling a case water bottles onboard, is packing good refillable water bottles, which you can fill up with safe to drink water on the cruise ship.

What to pack on a cruise: 50 Useful Amazon Items to Bring on a cruise

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6. Buy the cruise beverage package

Should you buy an “all you can drink” beverage package? The fact is that a cruise line drink package may or may not be worth it for you.

Having cruised both with an all inclusive beverage package, I can attest to how wonderful it is to not have to think and calculate these expenses. Drinks on cruise ships can be expensive, and in many cases, if you’re having 6 or more drinks a day, you’ll find it pays for itself.

However, you do still need to calculate the value for you, and cruise line drink packages do vary by cruise line.

Beverage packages you may want to consider are:

  • alcoholic drinks (usually standard alcohol and soda)
  • premium beverage packages (premium liqueurs and more)
  • non-alcoholic drink packages including virgin cocktails
  • specialty coffee packages
  • soda packages

Here’s a little tip to save some money before your cruise:

Make sure to log into to your online cruise planner and watch for promotions and sales on beverage packages. Keep an eye on your emails as well. It’s common for cruise lines to offer pre-cruise beverage package discounts of 20% or more.

27 Best Tips to Save Money on a Cruise

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7. Book a cruise with perks

More and more cruise lines are offering some great values through their cruise perks. While the price for a cruise may be higher, it’s worth it to calculate the value for you.

With cruise line perks, you can sometimes get free gratuities, extra on board cash credits (OBC), a free beverage package, shore excursion credits, free wifi, kids sail free promos, and more.

Cruise lines who’ve been offering some good perks to watch are Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America.

As cruisers have been enjoying booking with perks, we may see more cruise lines offering some fresh promotions, so look out for this.

8. Drink of the day

If getting the cruise drink package isn’t worth it for you, there are still ways to save money on a cruise once onboard. Most cruise ships will have daily drink specials. In some cases that will mean a “drink of the day”. In other cases it’s a 2 for 1 happy hour.

You can find that information on the daily schedule on your cruise line app or planner.

Tip – Always check to see if there are drink promotions available through the app. On a recent Princess Cruise, we found out that when using the Ocean Medallion app to order a drink from the bar, your first order was free.

9. Save money on cruise shore excursions

cruise ship grand turk

Shore excursions can really add up and increase the cost of an otherwise affordable vacation. While I wouldn’t say to never do shore excursions, you may want to pick and choose. You certainly don’t need excursions in every cruise port.

One of the best ways to save money on cruise excursions is to do a bit of research ahead of time. Read cruise blogs, check YouTube videos, or join a cruise roll call on Cruise Critic or on Facebook where people will chat about what activities they’re planning in each port of call.

I like to pick and choose where I’ll opt for an island tour or special activity, and where our family will head over to a local beach and enjoy a more relaxed day in port.

If you are planning an excursion, you may want to book with a local tour operator or with the cruise line. There are pros and cons to this, which I go into in more detail in this post (shore excursion tips).

Shore excursion planning (new cruise tips)

10. Book cruise shore excursions online

Excursions will often cost more if you wait and book them on the cruise ship. Instead, book your shore excursions on the cruise line website before you cruise.

Make sure you’ve filled in your online profile and are getting emails with updates about your cruise. Some cruise lines will offer discounts periodically so it’s worth keeping an eye out.

If you have onboard credits to use, you can usually use these to book your cruise excursions ahead of time. In some cases, if you aren’t able to do this online, you can do this with a phone call to the cruise line shore excursion department. Shore excursions are often refundable up until sailing, but always check the policy.

Even though shore excursions can add up, they really do add to your cruise experience and memories. Hopefully these little tips will save you some money on the extra expenses on a cruise.

princess cruise ship caribbean

11. Cruise food tips

One thing about cruises – you will never, ever go hungry! There is so much food that is included on a cruise.

On a cruise you’ll have meals in the main dining room, buffet and some casual venues, as well as snacks all included with your cruise fare.

In order to save money while cruising, it’s best to skip specialty restaurants which have an extra charge. These extras can add up, and aren’t necessary since your meals and snacks have already been paid in your cruise fare.

Instead, order a few appetizers in the main dining-room to try out or even try a new dish or dessert.

Related: What Food Is Included on a Cruise

Specialty Dining – how you can save money

Here are some tips to save money on specialty dining on your cruise, if you decide to go. While not necessary, they are really good and it can be worth it for a special occasion.

Firstly, check for perks packages when booking your cruise that include one night or more at one of the cruise ship’s specialty restaurants is available. NCL Free at Sea is a good example of this.

Secondly, monitor your emails and pre-cruise online account for discounts on dining packages. Many cruise lines will have some special offers.

Finally, check once on-board for embarkation day promotions, lunch specials and surprise sales. Depending on the cruise ship, some specialty restaurants may be open for lunch at almost 50% off, which can be a great thing to do a sea day.

12. Monitor your cruise price

If the price of your cruise decreases before final payment, in most cases the cruise line will honor the lower price and reduce your cruise fare. It’s absolutely worth monitoring. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

13. What if the price goes down after final payment?

In the fine print, you’ll notice that cruise lines won’t honor price drops after final payment. However, it’s always worth calling the cruise line or checking in with your travel agent to see if there are any options.

One thing that might be available is a cabin upgrade. If the price of the next cabin type is just a little higher, it’s often possible to upgrade and simply pay the small difference.

On a past Celebrity cruise, we upgraded from an ocean view cabin to a veranda cabin for an additional $39 for the whole cabin. Well worth it!

I’ve heard in some cases of cruise lines occasionally giving an additional on board credit as a good will gesture. It’s always worth checking and asking.

How to save money on a cruise 27 best tips
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14. Get free cabin or discounted upgrades

Did you know that there’s a way to get a free cabin upgrade? If you aren’t picky about your stateroom, let the cruise line or your travel agent know that you’re willing to accept a “free upgrade” of your cabin.

It may seem funny, but when cruise lines have last minute cancellations, they do want to fill those cabins.

However, if you are picky about cruise cabin location, you do not want to do this. Once you get a cabin upgrade, if you don’t like your new cabin, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to change back.

Bid for an cabin upgrade

Over the last few years we’re seeing cruise lines offer a bidding program for cabin upgrades. While there are no guarantees, you may be upgraded from an inside to balcony or beyond at a significant discount.

Word of caution

If you are particular about your cabin and have taken the time to choose it, you might be very unhappy with a surprise cabin upgrade. Make sure to notify the cruise line or your travel agent if you don’t want an upgrade (they often ask).

This might be surprising, but it’s one of the cruise cabin mistakes many people make, and regret, when booking a cruise.

Related: How to Book a Cruise for the First Time: a Comprehensive Step-by-step Guide

15. Refundable vs non-refundable deposits

Some cruise lines will offer two price options:

  1. A refundable deposit option
  2. A non-refundable option

Booking with a non-refundable option will almost always save you a few hundred dollars. However, while in normal circumstances this might suit you, consider if you prefer the more flexible option during this time.

Suggested: Should You Book a Cruise for 2022-23? (Plus 3 Mistakes to Avoid)

16. Go for guarantee cabins

Picking a cruise cabin can be confusing, especially when one of the options is a guarantee cabin. What this simply means is that the cruise line will choose your cabin for you. This means you won’t have control of where your cabin is located on the cruise ship.

Generally, choosing a guarantee cabin will absolutely be your lowest price option for a cruise. Sometimes, those amazing last minute deals you see are for guarantee cabins, which of course come with their pros and cons.

17. Drink at the cruise ports

The prices for drinks on a cruise can definitely add up, and in many ports of call, having a beer, glass of wine or frozen cocktail will be much cheaper than on the cruise ship.

Some shore excursions will include both sodas and alcoholic drinks like rum punch or rum swizzles.

18. Take advantage of the free things that are included on your cruise

Oasis of the Seas Zipline

It can seem like there are a lot of extras to think about on your cruise vacation, however it’s important to remember to take advantage of all the free stuff on your cruise as well.

This can include the restaurants and dining options that are included on your cruise ship. From the main dining room, to buffets, to free or included cafes with snack and pastries and gourmet pizzerias. Even room service may be included with your cruise fare, on some cruise lines.

On top of the food, of course there are plenty of activities and amenities that are included on cruise ships. From ropes courses and waterslides on family orientated cruise ships, to lectures with renowned authors and speakers on cruise ships that attract a more mature crowd.

All cruise ships have amazing entertainment that will keep you as busy as you want to be.

19. Skip the cruise line transfers

Cruise line transfers can be convenient to take you from the cruise ship to the airport, however a cheaper option is to use a cab, uber or private shuttle service. This is especially true if you’re traveling as a larger group and definitely worth exploring the savings.

20. Get extra on board credits by booking your next cruise on board

Have you been on a cruise and wondered why people are booking their future cruises right now? Perhaps you’ve wondered if it’s actually worth it. This is one of my favorite cruise travel hacks!

If you think you’ll cruise again, it’s definitely worth it to book your next cruise onboard. Depending on the cruise line, you’ll either get extra onboard credits, or money you can use on your next cruise, or, you can get savings on the cruise you are on.

In some cases, you can reduce your on board expenses by opting to buy a future cruise certificate and get a substantial onboard credit to use on the cruise you are on.

In other cases, you can book a cruise in the future, and be able to have a nice on board cash credit apply on your next cruise. Either way, the cruise line is giving you free money. However, it’s always important to read the terms and conditions.

Something to remember is that you can always make changes to your booking once off the ship, and still keep the booking with your travel agent, even when you’ve booked on board.

Related: How to Get and Use Cruise On Board Credits (OBC)

21. Save money on photo packages

While no one really needs professional photos on a cruise ship, they can be a great memory, so this may make it worth it for you. Cruise lines now have photo packages, including digital ones, that are a pretty good value.

You may also want to check the daily planner and in the photo shop for on board specials and 2 for 1 offers.

22. Shop onboard and wait for the last day sales

If you’re planning to bring souvenirs home, such as cruise line t-shirts, you’ll find a big huge sale on the last day of the cruise. One thing to keep in mind, is that most of the time, this isn’t the same merchandise you’ll have see in the cruise ship stores.

However, if you love some of the stuff you find on board, not to worry. There are sales throughout the cruise and you can get some amazing deals. Remember that all jewelry and other high end items are duty free, and in some cases this makes it more affordable than at home.

If you’d like to know more, I put together this post, all about: duty free shopping deals on cruises.

23. Do your own laundry on a cruise

Using the cruise ship laundry services can be quite pricey. Having a cabin that comes with some free laundry perks is amazing.

However, otherwise, you’ll probably want to avoid sending clothing to the laundry service on a cruise. You can save some money, while still having your clothes stay wrinkle free, with these cruise tips.

Use the cruise ship’s self-serve launderettes if they have them (not all ships do). This is about the only place you might find an iron on a cruise ship.

Alternatively, bring some a small DIY laundry kit from home and wash a couple of items as need be in your cabin.

There are 3 products I like and recommend.

1. Travel size laundry soap packages. These are great for pre and post cruise stays in pre and post cruise destinations.

2. Tide-to-Go travel size stain remover sticks. I love these so much and almost always have one in my handbag.

3. Downy Wrinkle Release is amazing. You can bring along a small travel size bottle and it will really get the wrinkles out of your clothes on a cruise. Although it doesn’t get the items crisp like with an iron, it still does a pretty good job, and were all in the same boat – cruise pun intended 😉

Finally, you can also wait for laundry bag specials that the cruise ship might have a few days into your cruise. As an example, it may be $25 for a bag of clothing, and this may be worth it for you.

Related: Do Cruise Ships Provide Irons and Ironing Boards to Guests? 

24. Buy the internet package

If you plan on using internet on your cruise, buying the internet package is the only way to go and will definitely save you money.

Internet used to be very expensive on a cruise, however we are seeing that while cruise ships are integrating new technology, the pricing on internet packages has been decreasing.

In some cases, booking a cruise that has free wifi as a perk option might be a good idea.

Here’s a little tip – as in many cases, booking online before your cruise or on the first day of your cruise will save you some money. On our last Princess Cruise, we saved 50% off our Medallion Net internet package when we purchased on embarkation day.

Related: 15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets, Mistakes to Avoid

Oasis of the Seas Central Park

25. Use your travel rewards and credit card points programs

So many people collect points and travel reward and don’t redeem them. If you’re sitting on some Air Miles, travel rewards or credit card points, put them to good use.

On a recent cruise, we cashed in some Air Miles that we earn at our bank for everyday transactions. It was great to save $200 on a beautiful pre-cruise hotel stay.

If you aren’t a points collector, you may want to collect rewards for your favorite cruise line with their branded credit card. However, you might get even more value from a broader travel reward credit card.

Related: 75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better

26. The best time to book a cruise and save

One of the best ways to save money on a cruise, is to book it at the best time. Booking early often combines a better price with extra perks like on board credits. You also have a greater choice of cabins, which is especially important if you need more than one cabin, or need a cabin for 3, 4, or 5.

Solo travelers will want to book early as well, to get those coveted studio cabins and other accommodations that are priced for single occupancy. They aren’t available on every cruise line or ship.

However, booking last minute may just get you the rock bottom best price on a cruise. Do keep in mind that this really depends on occupancy and availability. If you have your heart set on a Christmas Cruise, or even a summer sailing, best not to wait.

If your calendar is open and vacation time is flexible, last minute bookings are probably still your best bet to save money on your future cruise.

27. Take advantage of cruise ship specials on port days

Did you know that there are some good reasons to stay on the ship when it’s in port? Days when cruise ships are at port are days when the cruise ship might make less money. After all, on sea days, the cruise ship has a captive audience. Cruise passengers are busy going to the spa, sitting by the pool with frozen drink, signing up for courses and activities that all have extra costs involved.

On port days, cruise lines know that cruisers are mostly off the ship. For this reason, they offer incentives and discounts to book spa appointments and other beauty and wellness treatments on port days.

Look out for these specials to save money on some things that you want to do anyway., and enjoy a quieter, more relaxing time on the ship during these less busy days.

Related: 11 Best Reasons to Stay on the Cruise Ship While in Port

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

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Video: Brilliant Money Saving Cruise Hacks

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Final thoughts: How to Save Money on a Cruise – 27 Best Tips and Secrets

Cruises are a great way to vacation and travel affordably. If you’re hoping to save money on a cruise in the future, I hope that these cruise tips have been helpful.

We went over a lot of information in this post, and I wanted to make sure it was pretty thorough and gave some advice you may not have heard before. These cruise travel tips aren’t “one size fits all”, as everyone’s vacation needs, hopes and dreams are different.

Whether you’re trying to budget for a cruise and keep to a budget, or simply want to get the best deal –  I hope these tips will help you the best and most memorable cruise vacation possible!

Have you had an amazing deal on a cruise or found some great ways to save money while cruising? Please share in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

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2 Comments

  1. Vondia
    November 18, 2018 / 3:18 am

    I booked a cruise for my kids for Christmas. Didn’t realize there’s a $250 hold for their cruise expenses, every dollar counts for them isthere any way around it?

    • November 18, 2018 / 4:08 am

      Hi Vondia,

      Congrats on booking your cruise – what a nice gift!

      To be honest, without knowing the details it’s hard to say. If you have completed your on line check in, a cruise line may ask you how you plan to take care of on board expenses. If you place a credit card on hold, that would cover expenses in most cases. However if you plan to pay an onboard account with cash, I have heard of some cruise lines asking for a hold.

      I am not sure how you booked this, but if you used a travel agent, he or she will know all the details of your booking and are best able to counsel you. If you booked directly with the cruise line, give them a call and discuss options. Good luck and I hope your cruise is wonderful!

      Ilana

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