7 Ways to Plan a Cruise on A Budget

Despite what you may have been led to believe, it is feasible to take a cruise without going over budget, believe it or not. If you haven’t taken a cruise yet, you might be surprised at some of the affordable vacation packages available. Cruise enthusiasts are well aware that cruising offers some of the best discounts around.

You can visit multiple destinations while cruising without all of the hassle of booking flights, transfers, and dragging your luggage around, so it’s already a tremendous value, as you are essentially getting numerous visits for the price of one. Along with a host of other benefits, traveling onboard a cruise ship offers a variety of experiences. Some of them include exclusive activities, spotless service, and a large selection of eating options that are either completely free or available at a discounted rate. 

With that said, there are several things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most for your money, here are 7 ways to plan a cruise on a budget…

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 1 – Sign Up for Mailing Lists and Save Big

While doing an online search can yield some decent offers, subscribing to the mailing lists of the cruise lines you wish to travel with is the best course of action. They might provide you with discounts that you can’t get elsewhere. (The majority of them won’t bombard you with spam, so you shouldn’t be concerned if your inbox gets full in five minutes.) Join your travel agent’s list as well if you have one. Additionally, don’t be scared to compete for better offers. You can always contact the cruise company to see if they can offer you a better bargain if your travel agent does, and vice versa. Even though it won’t always work, it can’t harm in this day and age. However, by signing up for these newsletters, you’ll get access to the most up-to-date information on the best offers and discounts that are now on offer. If you’re lucky, you might even get a peek at some new offerings or features. 

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 2 – Be Sure To Book Early

Your trip may get more expensive the longer you put off planning, particularly if you miss out on those enticing last-minute offers. Plan ahead of time rather than waiting for deals that could never materialize. This will allow you plenty of time to feel around for your possibilities before they become unavailable. In this manner, you can seize the opportunities that are scarce and go fast to avoid missing the boat (literally!). The true advantage of booking in advance is getting to choose your cabin on the cruise.

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 3 – Delve Deep For Discounts

Typically, the greatest and most efficient method to reduce costs on your cruise vacation is to research ways to save money on the actual fee. Start by visiting the cruise line’s website, then proceed to other suppliers and your travel agency. You may get a sense of the baseline by first visiting the cruise line’s website; from there, you can determine what constitutes a true bargain in terms of pricing and the itineraries that go with it. On the cruise line websites, you may typically find a good number of offers and discounts, such as reduced inclusions or complimentary meals at select specialty restaurants. 

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 4 – Purchase An Onboard Drinks Package

When you buy on a per-drink basis, whether that is soft drinks, tea, coffees, or cocktails, the cost can add up in a hurry. This is where a decently discounted unlimited beverage package will save your budget and allow you to enjoy the drinks that you want. For one set, frequently low price, many packages contain everything from spirits, daiquiris, margaritas, and wine by the glass to specialty coffees (which typically don’t include iced coffees) and soda. 

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 5 – Book Excursions ASAP

Probably one of the best strategies to reduce the expense of your cruise vacation is to reserve your shore excursions in advance. You can set aside that money in advance by taking advantage of bargains before boarding the ship, so you won’t be surprised when your sail-and-sign card bill arrives on the last night of the trip. Knowing what is around the corner makes cost-cutting easier every time. The nicest thing about organized trips, in my opinion, is that everything is prearranged and planned for you, so you know precisely what to expect ahead of time. This eliminates any need for concern or tension. Making reservations for your shore excursions in advance at the ports with respectable travel agencies has several advantages as well. By contacting them directly, you can avoid the middleman and save a significant amount of money. 

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 6 – Indulge in Duty-Free Shopping

Make sure to budget money for duty-free purchases before you even leave your house. Certain products, including perfume, aftershave, and premium spirits, will almost certainly save you half of their original price. Products made of tobacco can also be a good way to save money, but be sure to check the limits on alcohol and tobacco when you return to your home port. Duty-free shopping is offered on cruise ships and in some cruise ports, but to make sure you don’t miss out, we suggest looking over your itinerary and doing some homework. 

Cruising on a Budget: Tip No. 7 – Take Opportunities for Freebies

Surprisingly, there are plenty of opportunities to receive freebies while on board, such as participating at an auction or going to a sales pitch. You can win anything from free beverages to perhaps even another holiday, it’s always worth taking the time to see what you may get. 

Now that you are armed with these helpful tips, you are ready to plan your next or even first cruise trip safe in the knowledge you will not have overpaid, with hopefully a few extra pounds in your pocket to spend on your off ship excursions, treating yourself to local delicacies, or to buying some trinkets to take home to family and friends – Bon Voyage!

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