Cruises are generally not a particularly expensive type of vacation.
The average price for a one-week Caribbean cruise ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the type of cabin you choose.
However, what can really increase the price are the extras and all the additional perks that can be added to the experience.
The excursions, the drink packages, the paid activities, the specialty dining, the onboard shopping, and so on.
It’s very easy to get carried away and see the final cruise bill skyrocket.
To avoid this mistake, I want to give you 20 tips that will help keep the cost of your cruise fairly low. Let’s check them out!
1. Monitor the price
The first thing you need to do both before and after booking is to monitor the price.
Generally, the closer you get to the cruise date the more the price will increase, unless you book with special offers (such as during the Black Friday period).
One interesting thing to save money is that some cruise lines are willing to adjust the cruise price if it drops after you book. Remember to make a request if this happens.
2. Don’t spend money on food
There is plenty of food on cruise ships, both in the restaurants and at the buffets. Consider that most of the food is already included in the cruise fare and you don’t need to spend more.
However, what some cruise lines try to do is to make you spend money on food that is considered “extra.”
For example, in the menu below you can see a “premium selection” that includes lobster tail and filet mignon.
I know it’s tempting but if you don’t wanna spend more stick to the included dishes. I assure you that they are equally delicious.
3. Book your next cruise on board
Have you already made up your mind about your next cruise? Then a good idea might be to book it directly on board.
Many cruise lines have a dedicated office on their ships and offer exclusive discounts or promotions if you book on board.
For example, on Royal Caribbean, you can get up to $600 in onboard creditor dollars off your next cruise.
4. Bring your own alcohol
Alcohol is among the most expensive things on a cruise and obviously leads you to spend a lot of money.
If you’re on a budget you can bring your own alcohol onboard.
The only downside is that usually only wine and champagne are allowed, while beer and spirits are not permitted. If you want to know what you can bring, check out the alcohol policies of the major cruise lines.
5. Choose an off-peak period
The time of the cruise is one of the factors that most influence the price.
Traveling during peak season, during vacation periods, or during days when schools are closed will cost you more.
I know that for some there are no alternatives, especially for families, but if you can choose a cruise during a non-peak period.
6. You don’t need excursions in every cruise port
Usually, less experienced passengers book excursions at each port where the ship will stop.
This is not always necessary and can lead to you spending a lot of money.
Some ports, especially the more famous and safer ones, can be easily visited independently.
You only need to check on the Internet based on your itinerary, and you can arrange your own transportation and a tour with the things you want to visit.
7. Avoid the drink packages
I have to be honest, I usually like to have the drink package and recommend it to other passengers.
When I’m on vacation I drink more than usual, so I’ve noticed that for me it is worth adding it.
However, I am aware that it can be very expensive, especially if you are traveling in a group and all the people in the same cabin have to add it to the booking.
Consequently, if you want to save some money you should avoid it and buy only a few single drinks.
8. Only choose the right extras
Apart from the drink package, remember to add to your reservation only the extras that are really worth the money.
Cruise lines will always try to make you spend more by offering additional things. To avoid mistakes, you can check the 7 cruise ship extras that are really worth the money.
9. Take advantage of the free activities
Cruises are full of free activities you can do!
Swimming pools, playing fields, dance classes organized by the entertainment team, zip- lines, climbing walls…in other words, there is really something for everyone.
Watch out, though, some activities come with a fee. For example the spa, fitness classes at the gym, 4D cinema, escape room, and so on.
If you are in doubt ask a member of staff if that activity is free or not, plus check the list of the 50 things you can do on a cruise.
10. Avoid the cruise line transfers
When the ship docks in a port it may be quite far from the city center or points of interest for tourists.
Cruise lines might offer you transfers, but these are much more expensive than normal.
If you can use the city’s public transportation or even cabs. They can be very cheap in some countries and you can split the cost if you are in a group.
11. Limit onboard shopping
There are plenty of stores on modern cruise ships, including those selling luxury items.
In my experience, you have to pay special attention to the price. Some things are reasonably priced while other things are not.
One thing I never recommend buying is jewelry; I have heard many stories of people who spent a fortune on jewelry that was absolutely not worth it.
Before departure, check the list of things you should never buy on a cruise.
12. Do your own laundry
All cruise ships offer a laundry service. I have used it a couple of times.
I always found it efficient and not too expensive, but if you want to save some money you can easily avoid it.
You can do your own laundry using the sink in the bathroom and hanging laundry on the balcony or on the line that is in the shower.
It is a bit hidden so check the article on the 7 hidden things you can find in a cruise ship cabin, I explained how to find it in that one.
In addition, some cruise ships have laundry rooms and ironing facilities. You can check which ones in this article.
13. Get a free or discounted upgrade
I love free upgrades; they make me feel like I’ve just won the lottery.
Unfortunately, they’re not easy to get. I’ve only gotten them twice, and one of those times, I was even given a suite.
There is no technique that guarantees you will get a free upgrade but you can greatly increase your chances by following these tips. I always follow them before booking!
14. Skip the internet package
Unless you need it for work or to stay in touch with family members, you can avoid spending money on the internet package.
Remember that vacations are meant to disconnect from everyday life, and staying away from electronic devices will do you good.
Enjoy the ship, the fun, the parties, the food, and the beautiful sights you’re going to see.
If you really can’t do without it, at least choose an eSIM like the one from GigSky that provides you with data when you are at sea, in port, or touring on land.
You just have to select your cruise itinerary between Americas/Caribbean, Europe, or Asia.
15. Opt for a guaranteed cabin
I don’t know if all of you know what guaranteed cabins are, I’ll explain it briefly.
When you book, you choose the cabin category and then you have two options: choose the cabin number and then the location right away, or have the cruise lines automatically assign it to you shortly before departure.
With the latter type of reservation, you will have a “guaranteed cabin”. You will get a cabin in that category but you do not know the number or its location on the ship.
As you can guess, this type of cabin is cheaper than the others but does not allow you to choose the deck number or location (whether you prefer bow or stern).
For more tips on the cabins look at what I do to get a better cabin on a cruise.
16. Join the loyalty program
Loyalty programs are a must-have, especially if you are a frequent traveler.
They can really save you a lot of money, and it is a good idea to sign up for your first cruise.
Benefits vary by company but there are some very attractive discounts. For example, with MSC you get a 5% discount on the cabin price all year round.
With some cruise lines, you can even get free drinks.
17. Book with special deals
Another thing that might save you some money is to book when you find special offers.
Contrary to what some people would have you believe, finding really good deals is not easy at all.
In my opinion, the best periods are holiday sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas), end-of-summer/back-to-school sales (August to September), and last-minute deals (30-90 days before departure).
If you would like to receive my offers at the bottom of the page you will find the box to sign up for my newsletter.
18. Caution with the cabin type
Everyone loves the balcony, I know. No one seems to want to travel in the inside cabins anymore.
However, if you want to save money ask yourself if it’s really worth spending much more for an exterior cabin.
Sometimes the inside cabin may be the best choice, especially if you are traveling on a tight budget. Check the 7 reasons why an inside cabin can be the best choice on a cruise
19. Choose the right cruise insurance
Travel insurance is an extra expense, but in my opinion, it’s worth the money.
If you don’t have it and something happens, you’ll end up paying much more and will regret not getting it for the rest of your life.
The only important thing is to choose the right one that is not too expensive and covers everything you need.
I explained how to choose the right one in this article.
20. Take advantage of free drinks
Did you know that in addition to food, many drinks are also included in the cruise price?
Tap water is always available throughout the day, and at the buffet, you will find coffee, milk, juices, lemonade, and flavored water.
If you want to know more check the list of the 10 drinks that are free on every cruise ship.
