Cruising on a Budget

Cruising is a fantastic way to travel on a budget.  Considering your cruise covers transportation, lodging, and meals, it is one of the most cost effective ways to travel. If done properly you can save yourself hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and have the opportunity to visit multiple amazing destinations! If you’ve always wanted to see the world but cash flow is holding you back cruising is the way to go!

Book During Wave Season: Wave Season, January through March, is the cruise industries Black Friday Sale.  Wave Season began several years ago because travelers would usually book their cruise vacations January through March. This prompted cruise lines to compete with their very best deals and promotions. As a result,  shoppers can find the best bang for the buck! During this time you can find tons of deals and specials including discounted rates, BOGOs, onboard credits, and free upgrades!

Cruise During Off-Peak Times: If you’re looking to save money take a cruise during off-peak times. Prices go up when the kids are out of school and during certain holidays. For instance, sometimes prices almost double during Christmas. If you plan to travel during December try to stay away from the week of Christmas and the prices should be much lower.

Check out Last Minute Deals: When cruises aren’t full prices sometimes drop. You can check out Last Minute Deals for some of the best offers! If you are flexible with travel times this can be the best way to go!

Get Social: If you want to be informed about the best prices and receive the biggest discounts join some free clubs or online portals. CruiseExperts.com has a free Inner Circle club that provides exclusive offers and useful information for members. You can also join a social media platform like Facebook to stay up to date on cruise deals and specials.

Make a List: Don’t forget anything you might need on your cruise. The shops aboard the cruise ships are often overpriced. Port stops can also be a bit pricey. If you’re going somewhere it may rain, don’t forget your umbrella. For sunny locations bring your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and sandals. If you plan to do a lot of walking don’t forget your comfiest sneakers!

Also, remember to pack laundry soap. Laundry service aboard a cruise line can be expensive.  If something needs to be washed immediately or you decide to wear it twice, the do it yourself method can save you a ton of money.

Drink Packages: Depending on your needs, the drink packages can save you a ton of money or be a complete waste. Alcoholic beverages aboard a cruise ship can be anywhere from five to ten dollars. Most drink packages are approximately forty to fifty dollars per day. If you plan to have more than eight alcoholic beverages a day the drink package is perfect for you! If you only plan to have a few cocktails while aboard you may want to skip the drink package.

It should be noted that some refreshments, such as coffee and tea, are free aboard the cruise ship. However, soda and bottled water must be purchased separately. With a drink package non-alcoholic beverages are included. If soda and bottled water are going to be your financial downfall some cruise lines will allow you to bring your own aboard. Sometimes wine can be brought aboard to but may require a corkage fee.

Talk to a Travel Advisor: Travel advisors are walking cruise encyclopedias. They have a wealth of knowledge that will save you time and money, and provide you with the best experience. They can help find you free onboard credits, tell you about current specials, and arrange the most cost effective shore excursions for when you’re in port. Call our CruiseExperts today for the best deals!

Un-Plug:  Internet and phone, while aboard a cruise ship, can be extremely expensive.  There are few things you can do to help keep the cost reasonable.

• Un-plug! Trust me it’s nice to get away from the cyber world sometimes and a cruise is the perfect time to do that.
• Call your phone provider. They usually have a package you can purchase during your cruise.
• When stopped in port find a location that offers free Wi-Fi

Find the Daily Specials: Cruise lines will offer special discounts or prizes during your cruise. Upon arrival take advantage of the tours. Most cruise lines will offer a tour of their spa the first day, during that time you may receive special coupons or be placed in a drawing for a free gift certificate to the spa. Keep a look-out for other specials too; usually there are daily drink specials or discounts at certain shops aboard the cruise ship. Or, you can always wait until port days. Many items for purchase aboard the cruise ship drop when the ship is in port.

To find the best deals on your next cruise, call our expert agents today at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) . You can visit us at www.CruiseExperts.com or email us at info@cruiseexperts.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our Inner Circle for more exclusive offers!

If you have more advice you would like to share about how to save on your next cruise contact Kimberly@cruiseexperts.com. I would love to hear your ideas and I will feature them in a upcoming blog!

Looking for more cruising tips and advice?

• When is the best time to go to Alaska on a budget?
• Need to find a cruise getaway for the holidays from the West Coast? Now’s the time to book for the best deals.
• Relaxation lovers: Prepare to enjoy ship activity discounts on days in port
• What are the benefits of joining a cruise line loyalty program? A review of Carnival, Celebrity and Holland America’s rewards (part 1 of 5)
• What are the benefits of joining a cruise line loyalty program? A review of Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Princess (part 2 of 5)
• What are the benefits of joining a cruise line loyalty program? A review of Oceania and Azamara (part 3 of 5)
• What are the benefits of joining a river cruise line loyalty program? A review of Avalon, Viking, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways (part 4 of 5)
• What are the benefits of joining a luxury cruise line loyalty program? A review of Regent, Crystal, & Cunard (part 5 of 5)