10 Smart Ways to Save Money in a Cruise Port of Call

Smart Ways to Save Money in a Cruise Port of Call

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Cruises are a great way to visit multiple destinations in one trip, while only unpacking once. However, costs can add up quickly, especially when you’re disembarking at each port of call.

Between shore excursions, eating, and shopping, it’s easy to blow your budget without even realizing it. However, researching and planning offers plenty of ways to enjoy your time ashore without spending too much money.

If you’re trying to save a little money or cruise on a budget, these easy and practical tips will help!

How to Save Money in a Cruise Port

Grand Turk Cruise Port

1. Take Advantage of Free Activities in Port

When visiting a port of call, taking advantage of the free activities in the port is a great way to save money. Many Caribbean cruise ports have public beaches, cultural experiences, parks, and, in some cases, pools that are free and accessible for cruise passengers.

Instead of spending money on a shore excursion or a day pass to a resort or beach, research the port in advance to see if it offers free activities. Nowadays, many ports have complimentary activities for cruise passengers, which is a great way to save money.

I was recently on a Caribbean cruise, and we visited Grand Turk. This port is great as there is a Margaritaville with a complimentary resort pool and a public beach within walking distance from the cruise port. Even the lounge chairs are free to use!

While we could definitely eat and at Margaritaville or go shopping at the duty-free or other stores, we could equally head back to the ship in the early afternoon for a late lunch.

Booking a shore excursion isn’t always necessary. No matter the port, check to see if there’s a free public beach, free museums or you can even make your own walking tour.

Tip: Consider bringing your own beach essentials like snorkel gear and water shoes.

2. Book Shore Excursions Independently

If you’re looking for a smart way to save money in port, consider booking a shore excursion with a reputable third-party company. It’s no secret that booking a shore excursion with the cruise line can be very pricey, and they tend to be very busy.

By booking a shore excursion independently, you’ll have a wide choice of activities and tours and a more intimate experience and save money. Of course, it is important to read reviews and do your research, as you don’t want to miss your cruise ship.

As someone who has done shore excursions independently and with the cruise line, I often prefer to go on an excursion with a reputable third-party company. Not only have the excursions been cheaper, but the groups have been smaller, which has been a better experience for us.

My Preferred Tour Company

A company I have used several times over the last year Shore Excursions Group. Their website is very easy to navigate to see the excursions available for your exact cruise & date. They also have thousands of reviews from real people, so you can see if the tour is right for you.

You can check their website for more information here.

3. Eat Lunch on the Cruise Ship

royal caribbean the key lunch

When in port, many cruisers spend money on overpriced food and drinks. If you eat directly in port, your meal will be quite pricey when you can just eat on the cruise ship.

Plan ahead if you leave the port area to go to a local beach. Often, when you eat in popular tourist locations like a popular, the prices will be higher because they know cruise passengers will pay and have little choice.

If you want to try the local food, eat like a local! This means going off the beaten path and finding authentic local restaurants. These places may be hard to find, but they will have much better prices and authentic-tasting food.

Tip: Ask crew members where they eat and/or google for reviews.

4. Avoid Last-Minute Purchases on Board

Items like sunscreen, hats, or toiletries bought onboard the cruise are generally more expensive than what you’d pay on land, taking advantage of the fact that passengers have limited shopping options once onboard.

Save money and avoid paying higher prices on the ship or in cruise ports of call by bringing these things from home.

5. Bring Reusable Water Bottles

Save money by filling up a reusable water bottle at the ship’s free water stations instead of buying overpriced bottled drinks. Most cruise ships offer filtered water, and having your own bottle ensures you’re always hydrated. When in port, many locations also have free or cheap refill stations, helping you avoid costly bottled water at tourist spots. It’s an eco-friendly way to stay refreshed without unnecessary spending.

6. Avoid Shopping Areas Closer to the Cruise Port

If you’re looking for jewelry, local goods, or souvenirs, don’t purchase them as soon as you get off the cruise ship. Typically, the shopping areas directly at the cruise port are associated with the cruise line, so they will be more pricey.

Instead, walk past the shopping area you see immediately as you get off the cruise ship and look for local vendors. Oftentimes, local vendors have better prices, and they can negotiate. Of course, if you’re making larger purchases, do be careful and do your research before buying.

Taking the time to walk a little further and purchase goods directly from the locals is a great way to save money and get amazing deals on souvenirs.

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7. Shop Duty-Free Carefully

While duty-free shopping can be tempting, not all items are genuinely cheaper. Compare prices before making purchases to ensure you’re actually getting a deal.

In some cases, you’ll find that items like alcohol and perfume are less expensive on the cruise ship, or even at Costco.

8. Consider Your Transportation Ahead of Time

A big mistake many new cruisers make when visiting a port of call is “winging it.” You’ll want to know if it’s better to book an excursion with a transfer or if taking a taxi or uber is your best bet.

Depending on the port, you may have good public transit available (like a bus or ferry) or a hop-on hop-off bus.

Researching and planning your transportation ahead of time will make your day in port more enjoyable and much cheaper!

9. Negotiate With Vendors

Shopping in many cruise ports can be different from the typical shopping experience in the United States. When you’re purchasing something from a vendor, it’s okay to negotiate. In fact, a bit of haggling is a large part of their sales process in the Caribbean ports.

For instance, if you’re shopping for souvenirs, it’s perfectly okay to discuss the price. Negotiating is great for saving money and getting the best deal possible on souvenirs and local goods.

Related: 10 Shore Excursion Mistakes Cruisers Almost Always Regret

10. Research the Port Ahead of Time

port everglades cruise port fort lauderdale

If you want to save money in port, research shore excursions, transportation, free activities, and lunch. It’s important to plan ahead of time, as not doing so will lead to unexpected expenses and potentially overpriced meals, transportation, and activities.

As an experienced cruise traveler, I’ve saved plenty of money by researching and planning my port days ahead of time. Nowadays, many useful resources online, like cruise port guides and YouTube videos, can help you plan and budget for your day in port.

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Final Thoughts on Ways to Save Money in a Cruise Port

Exploring cruise ports of call is an exciting part of a cruise vacation. However, it doesn’t have to come at a hefty price tag.

By following these tips, you’ll save money in port while still having a great experience.

How do you save money on a cruise? Please let me know your tips and questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ethan

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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.

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