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Seven ways to save money on your cruise
While cruising is fun and exciting, it’s easy to run up a huge bill and end up paying far more for your trip than expected.
Instead of spending the trip worrying about your bank balance, there are ways to save money and soften the blow of your final bill.
Also read: The Hidden Costs of Cruising
Sign up for cruise mailing lists
The closer you get to the date for the cruise, the more incentive the cruise lines will have to fill empty cabins, and the cheaper the fees will become.
Sign up to websites which offer cruise deals direct to your inbox in order to take advantage of both last minute discounts and early-bird rates.
Plan your pre- and post-cruise travel
Keep in mind that most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, offer programs that organise all transportation for you, but they don't always yield the best deal.
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Look for a cruise which departs from a local port, rather than overseas, meaning you avoid the extra international travel costs.
If you’re driving to the port, investigate the cost of parking spots nearby rather than the port’s parking garage, which comes at an inflated price.
Book your own excursions
Significant savings can be made by booking directly with the excursion provider rather than through the ship.
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While there are additional risks involved, if its researched thoroughly then the exact same, or similar trip can be booked avoiding the additional taxes and fees.
Another option, depending on the port, is to grab a map and tour the local attractions on your own.
Take advantage of freebies
Take advantage of the alcoholic drinks available at the Capitan’s party (if you’re a past cruiser), indulge in the non-branded free ice cream alternative, bring your own water bottle to fill up whenever you like, instead of paying for soft drinks and skip the fee-based fitness classes at the gym for complimentary sessions on deck.
Prepay for upgraded dinner and spa services
Every ship has a selection of premium restaurant options that aren’t included in the all-inclusive cruise fare, or fancy spa services – it’s worth it to investigate paying for these extra upgrades in advance to get a discount.
Consider a beverage package
The cost of soft and alcoholic drinks adds up quickly.
Instead it’s best to consider the types of unlimited beverage packages available to make sure you’re not stung with a huge bar bill at the end of your cruise.
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BYO
Alternatively, some cruises let you bring you own bottled water, soft drinks and even alcohol onboard this ship.
Bottles of wine are likely to come with a corkage free but the savings made can significant, especially if it is a special bottle of wine.
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Princess Cruises permits guests to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom.
But travellers can bring additional wine or champagne bottles if they are willing to pay a $15 corkage fee.
