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10 ways to save money on a cruise without being a cheapskate
There are good ways to save on a cruise vacation and not-so-good ways to save. Simply clicking after the lowest price may seem like a good idea. On the surface, the variables are limited to ship, sailing date and cabin category. Three variables. That's probably fewer variables than we consider when clicking to book an airline ticket. That should work. For many, that strategy does work but that's only part of the story. Great savings can be had both on booking the cruise and what we spend on-board by considering a few guidelines.None of these 10 ways to save include stiffing the crew to avoid tipping, smuggling booze on to save on the bar bill or otherwise trying to outsmart the system which pretty much makes you a cheapskate.
- Be realistic- Often we get all caught up in the price of the cruise, what we pay for the cruise fare, that we don't pay near enough attention to the other expenses that go along with it. Yes, a cruise vacation does offer a lot for the money. But a cruise vacation is far from all-inclusive as some want to believe. That's nothing to be scared of, just something to investigate and consider first.
- Shop for travel insurance- As unexpected chaos from weather or politically-related sources continues to play a bigger role in travel plans, affecting more than ever before, travel insurance of some sort is becoming more of a smart move than in the past. Look beyond the cruise line for options, starting with your personal life/home/auto insurance agent.
- Beverage packages- do the math. Most lines offer soda packages that can be a good value. It all depends on how much you will drink though. The idea of "unlimited" sodas for one set price may be appealing but you may need to drink far more than you might anticipate for it to pay out.
- Shore excursions- These too may or may not be a good value. Packages that include the word "beach" in them are often more expensive than grabbing a cab and heading to the beach on your own. Almost anything the cruise line offers you can do on your own. Should you? Maybe if its a simple trip to the beach. If your interests take you far from the ship and are more complex, maybe not, especially if it is a port you have never been to before.
- Tipping- It's not required but most cruise lines make it easy by automatically adding it on to your shipboard account each day. The easy way out is to accept that and be done with it. Greater value can be gained by opting out of the automatic tips and taking care of that, in cash, with each individual personally IF you let them know that at the beginning of your voyage.
- Bribe people- Some call this pre-tipping" and it involves slipping your cabin steward and headwaiter or Maitre 'd $20 on the very first day saying the words "Take good care of us and we will take good care of you". You're banking on the fact that most other guests on the ship do not do this so you will stand out from the crowd and get better service. Better service = a better overall experience and that means value.
- Watch pricing- Most people consider the day they put down a deposit the day they have locked in to a price. That's true but other opportunities may come along down the road that will get you the exact same cruise for less money or the same money but you get more with it. Again, "value" rather than "lowest price" is king here.
- Budget on-board purchases- Simply making a budget and sticking to it works wonders. Casino freaks often bring along an envelope for each day of the cruise, each with the amount of cash they will have to gamble with each day. Once that is gone, that is that. No more gambling until tomorrow. Winnings are often not considered for the most successful gamblers, placing those elsewhere or having win money applied to their on-board account.
- Try to use a Cruise Travel Agent. I say "try" because travel agents are not all created equally. A general travel agent that books everything from land tours to airline tickets is often a waste of time. One that specializes in cruise vacations may save you time, money and make for an overall better experience. This is a must-do for first-timers. Seasoned cruisers either swear by travel agents or swear at travel agents. The difference is if they have a good one or not.
- Pick the right line in the first place. I saved this for last because it is one of the very most important ways to save money on a cruise without being cheap. You can have a good time, whatever that may mean to you, on any cruise line. Booking with a cruise line with a standard experience that will let you have your good time without having to spend extra to make that happen is the key. A friend who knows you and has cruised a number of lines can help with that as can a good Cruise Travel Agent.
Flickr photo by bradipo
Filed under: North America, China, Canada, United States, Caribbean
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
chris Feb 27th 2011 1:12AM
Chris,
Can you please elaborate on how those of us who don't ONLY do cruise vacations are...as you put it... "a waste of time"?
Having the experience with other aspects of travel...hotels, air, destinations... actually benefits the clients. Cruise only agents, generally can only use what the cruise line offers in the way of airfare or pre/post cruise hotels. Not always the best price, or most convenient, or both.
Why wouldn't someone want to book with an agent who will give them well rounded advice and feedback...especially one, like my self, who works for one of the largest retail travel agencies and has just as much access, OR MORE, to special sailings, group blocks of space, or exclusive pricing?
Please qualify your point a little more on this, as I will use it as constructive criticism to make myself better.
Thank you,
Chris
jharna Mar 24th 2011 1:38AM
I do not think when we going for cruise vacation we should save money. Before going on this vacation save how much money you can save but on vacation no saving . It does not mean a thing cast of 100 bucks you will pay 300 bucks that is foolish.
http://www.whatisguide.net/0311-ways-to-save-money.html
Mary-Kate Mar 30th 2011 8:40PM
Great tips lol I go on one cruise a year and they can be very expensive. I found a way to save BEFORE going on your cruise and even after. Cut back on every day expenses in any way you can - seems vague I know, but if you make a list it really helps. For example, I switched my cell phone contract over to prepaid and am saving an extra $60 a month which can really add up. I use Straight Talk and haven't had a problem with it yet - very satisfying service. So when it came time for my cruise, I had saved a good amount just from my cell phone switch, not including all the other things I cut back on!