Here’s a list of money saving cruise tips that I’ve put together with the help of other frequent cruisers. Some you’ll probably expect while others you may have never thought of before, especially if you’re new to cruising.
Table of Contents
Research Cruise Lines and Ships
Some cruise lines are cheaper than others and ships within that specific cruise line vary in cost.
Stick with the Same Cruise Line
If you plan to become a regular cruiser, plan to stay with the same cruise line for most, if not all, of your cruises. You earn perks and freebies the more you use the same cruise line. For now, we have been sticking with Carnival.
Purchase the Cruise Line’s Internet Package Before Embarking
If you think you may want the internet package, look into purchasing it before embarkation day as it may be cheaper.
Purchase the Alcohol Package Before Embarking
Many people like to drink on their cruise vacation. If you’re one of those people who enjoy drinking what you want when you want, and as many (almost) as you want, then look into purchasing the cruise lines alcohol package. Purchase before you embarkation day to save yourself more money.
Purchase a Bottle of Alcohol Through Your Cruise Line
If you don’t purchase an alcohol package, some cruise lines allow you to purchase a full bottle of alcohol to keep in your stateroom. The cost tends to be high for one bottle but cheaper than buying individual drinks or purchasing the alcohol package if you don’t want to drink that much.
Bring Wine and Corkscrew
Look into carrying on the wine you’ve already purchased, don’t forget a corkscrew or plan to pay a corkage fee. Be sure to check with your cruise line for details and restrictions. We love utilizing this tip from the money saving cruise tips list. Pack the bottles well so they don’t break. Sadly, I’m speaking from experience!
Avoid Roaming Before You Embark
If you need to have your phone available to make calls during your cruise than definitely look into purchasing your carrier’s travel data plan. You’ll want to avoid those expensive roaming charges.
Text Free Apps
There are text free apps that allow you to make a call on WiFi if you don’t purchase a plan through your carrier If you purchase WiFi on the ship and it’s fast enough you can make calls through text free app.
**USA territories, and some other countries, you don’t need to purchase your plan to make calls and text. It’s included. Check with your phone carrier for details.
Use a Travel Agent
Sometimes, using a travel agent can get you more perks on your cruise.
Book the Cheaper Room
If you’re ok with actually staying in the cheaper stateroom then book it. There’s always a chance you may be offered a great deal to upgrade.
Save if You’re Single!
If you’re single, some cruise lines allow you to pay a single person rate.
Book While You’re Cruising
Sometimes, if you book a future cruise before your current cruise ends or right after your current cruise ends, they will offer you a discount or great onboard credits.
Research Your Ports and Save on Excursions
Some ports it’s highly recommended you book an excursion or get a local taxi/transportation to get to your destination. Other ports you can walk to where you want to go right from the port. A few ports where you definitely don’t need an excursion or transportation are: San Juan, St. Thomas, Mahogany Bay, Grand Turk, and there are more. Just take some time to research and also ask on Facebook cruising groups. This is probably the biggest money saving cruise tips for us. We choose not to do many excursions with our two small kids and that really saves a lot of money. We still have experiences and enjoy the different ports/countries we visit.
Book a Spa Room
If you enjoy the spa consider booking a spa-level room because you’ll get free perks and discounts.
Also, you can wait until the last day for a spa discount.
Book on Embarkation Day
If you book spa treatments, specialty restaurants, etc. the day you board you typically get discounts and freebies.
Enjoy a Specialty Restaurant for Free
Some specialty restaurants that are an extra cost for dinner are actually free at lunch. Check your cruise line for details and availability.
Purchase the Cruise Lines WiFi
It only allows one person at a time to be on, but you can share it with others they just need your password. Usually, there are multiple packages to choose from.
Hotel with “Park and Cruise” package
Many hotels around the port will offer Park and Cruise Packages. They will usually save you money versus paying to stay at a hotel and then having to pay to park at the port or offsite parking.
Wait on Souvenirs
Don’t buy souvenirs at the sticker price on your cruise ship. Purchase souvenirs when they go on sale during your cruise. People tend to go crazy with the t-shirt sale, try to get there early if you want a certain style, or wait until the end if you’re no picky about what’s left in your size.
Bring a First Aid Kit
Make sure to bring your own basic first aid kit. they are much more expensive if purchased on the ship. While cruise ships have medical facilities and basics supplies in their stores, why spend the extra time and money. Use that money saved for a drink! This is a huge money saving cruise tip that we use.
Purchase the Photo Package
If you like to have a lot of pictures then it’s definitely worth looking into your cruise lines photo package options. Some cruise lines do offer a bigger discount if the photo package is purchased before embarkation day.
Cruise During Off-peak Times
If you’re not worried about a tropical storm or a hurricane messing with your cruise plans then look into cruising during those seasons.
Final Thoughts
There are many money saving cruise tips and they each add up if you do more than one.
You may only choose to do only a few money saving cruise tips or do as many as you can. The choice is entirely yours. We don’t follow each of them all at once. There’s also a list available of the best places to eat on a Carnival cruise and most are completely FREE, find it here!
Xoxo,
Heather and Jason
What money saving cruise tips do you have? Share in the comments below.
