Cruise On A Budget

Introduction

Cruising is often perceived as an expensive vacation option. But with proper planning it can actually be an affordable getaway for couples and families. In this post, we will share tips and strategies for enjoying a cruise without breaking the bank. Previously we added up the cost and realized that per day cruising can be less expensive than a land vacation. Of course, a lot of this depends on your style and tastes but if you want to cruise as inexpensively as you can, here are some suggestions.

How To Plan a Budget Friendly Cruise

• Shop Around Before Booking  

You’ll need to decide which cruise line you want to sail with. Some might think a cruise is a cruise but brand matters if you want certain things. There are three levels of luxury and service starting with “budget” cruises, some have a premium line, and then luxury lines. If you are a family wanting to sail with other families, there are lines that are great for that. You can get water slides, surfing simulators, ziplines, rock climbing walls, even roller coasters and water parks making them great for families. If you prefer an older crowd without all of the toys, there are cruise lines for that too. Some emphasize food quality, some fun factor, and others itinerary. There are a lot of choices and they are all good. It just depends on what you want. Research will help you decide which line is for you and at what cost.

• Research Off-Peak Seasons and Destinations

Cruise pricing is dynamic and can vary due to factors such as time of year, demand, and destination. We learned that during the summer when families typically take vacations is a high demand season for cruising. When we were both in career mode and could only plan one big trip per year, it had to be scheduled around work. When we had kids in school it usually meant spring break or summer time. With demand high during holidays, school breaks, and summer vacations, you will certainly not get the best deal on your cruise vacation. If you can be flexible, you will find that, for example, there are deals to had during late hurricane season for Caribbean cruises. Likewise, we have found it is a little less expensive to cruise when kids are generally still in school. Do your research and you will come up with other examples too.

• Look For Early Booking Discounts 

In general, the farther out you book, the better the price. We have bookings that are as much as two years out and notice that as the ship gets more booked up the prices trend higher. A typical booking for us is about a year out which has the pricing advantage and some other benefits that we’ll discuss later. One tip that I would like to pass on is this- when you are on a cruise, you can book your next one right on the ship and the deposit will typically be lower and you will likely receive some amount of onboard credit. For example, we are cruising in May, so we book a cruise for May of next year and get good pricing, lower deposits, and onboard credit.

• Consider Interior Cabins Over Balconies 

This concept may seem obvious but it is worth discussing. Like any hotel, the ship will have some different cabin types to choose from, from the inside room mentioned to multi-bedroom suites. In between there are different sizes, some have balconies, better view, and so on. The best way to cruise on a budget is to choose the cheapest room, which is an inside cabin with no balcony, windows, or other features. We have found that we spend very little time in the cabin (sleeping, dressing). An inside cabin is as little as half the price of a balcony depending on when you book.

• Opt For Shorter Cruise Duration

Here is another obvious one; the shorter the cruise the cheaper the price. Most of the time when you think of cruising, the 7-day itinerary is what comes to mind. But there are 3,4,5,6, day cruises as well as longer ones too. To save on costs you may want to look at a cruise that is a little shorter as the price goes down along with the length of the cruise.  If you want to try cruising without committing too much money the first time out, a short cruise might help you to find out if it is something you want to do again.

• Take Advantage of Onboard Dining Options

While a cruise is not exactly all inclusive like some resorts, you will find that there is very little to buy in addition to the cruise fare if you are careful. To be sure there are many upgrades and extras that you can spend your money on, but none are required. Included in your fare are three meals a day, usually in a choice of several venues along with grab and go options and snacks available just about around the clock.  Be aware that there are also so-called specialty restaurants which are an upcharge in addition to your base cruise fare. These are nice and a notch or two above the dining room in quality and service but they are optional. We have found that the included dining is normally very good and do not often partake of the optional restaurants.

• Plan Excursions Independently

This advice comes with a huge warning! When at your ports of call, there will be various excursions for purchase from the cruise line. These are a great way to experience the local culture but can get pricey if you reserve one for every port. Many people deal directly with the tour vendors at the port. This is usually a good bit cheaper. It is a great way to save a few dollars if you are planning on any excursions. Now the warning! When on a ship sponsored tour, you are guaranteed that if you are late getting back to the ship, the captain will wait if possible until you arrive back at the pier. If the delay is such that the ship cannot wait, the cruise line will usually make arrangements to get you to the next port to meet the ship. With excursions booked independently this is not true! The ship may wait for a short time if allowed by the port officials but it is not guaranteed. Make sure you have a plan to get back to the ship on time if something goes wrong!

• Buy Drink Packages With Caution 

On a ship, any alcohol you drink is usually not included in the basic fare. With the exception of a few lines that include alcohol this can add significantly to cost when cruising. If you are going to partake, there are two options: The first is to pay as you go for each drink; and the second buying a drink package. Whether or not a package is worth it for you all depends on the amount you drink. For us, it’s worth it. After doing the math and including all of the included beverages, we usually get our money’s worth with a package. You will need to do the math for yourself based on how much you expect to drink to figure this out for yourself. Some things to remember are that drinks are pricey on the ship and that most cruise lines will require that all adults in a cabin purchase the same package.

Conclusion

Cruising on a budget is not only possible but can also be a rewarding and memorable experience. By following the tips here and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a fantastic cruise vacation without breaking the bank. Start planning your budget-friendly cruise today and set sail for an unforgettable adventure!