After dozens of sailings and hundreds of bookings, we’ve boiled down the moves that actually save real money on cruises. These are practical, line-agnostic tactics—some save a few hundred dollars, others can shave off thousands. Below are 25 actionable tips you can use on any cruise line, from budget to luxury.
How to use this list
Read the tips that match your priorities—price, perks, status, or comfort—and combine several together. A few of these stack naturally: status matching plus loyalty offers, booking early while tracking price drops, or prepaying WiFi and gratuities to avoid surcharges on board.
Top 25 money-saving cruise hacks
- Book early and set repricing reminders.
Booking early gets access to the best promotions. Put reminders on your calendar at 91, 76, and 61 days before final payment and recheck fares. If the price drops, you can often reprice—just weigh any lost perks like onboard credit before you change.
- Book on board, then transfer the reservation to your travel agent.
Onboard booking specials are usually the best. If you assign that booking to a travel agent afterwards, the agent can stack additional perks and handle logistics without losing the on-board deal.
- Use status matching where available.
Many brands let you match elite status across sister lines. Example: matching a top Celebrity status to Royal Caribbean earned Diamond Plus benefits, including multiple complimentary drinks per day—worth hundreds to thousands for long sailings. If you can match, do the math on the perks.
- Consider guarantee cabins to save on fare class.
Guarantee cabins (interior, ocean view, balcony, etc.) let the cruise line assign your exact cabin later. Save roughly 10 to 20 percent versus choosing a specific cabin—good when you just want the category and price matters more than placement.
- Play the price steps with cabin categories and locations.
Interior is cheapest, then ocean view, then balcony, then suites. Location matters too—midship and lower-deck balconies often cost more. Expect 10 to 20 percent variation by location and 25 to 60 percent between interior and balcony. Be flexible and target the category that fits your budget.
- Run the numbers on all-inclusive packages.
Drink and wifi packages can be worth it even if you don’t drink much. Smoothies, specialty coffees, and sodas add up. Compare the cruise-only price plus a la carte spending versus an all-in package to see which is cheaper for your habits.
- Track your final payment date—it’s your repricing deadline.
Final payment is the point after which your leverage drops. If price rechecks matter, act before final payment. Conversely, after final payment you might spot last-minute cabin availability because of cancellations, so it pays to check right before and after final payment.
- Bid for upgrades smartly—don’t overpay in the frenzy.
If you bid for an upgrade, use a rule of thumb: don’t bid more than half the difference between your booked cabin and the cabin you want. That way, if the bid succeeds you still saved versus originally booking that higher category. Upgrades are often invitation only and never guaranteed.
- Opt for older ships to get big value.
New ships command premium prices. Older ships, especially those refurbished, can deliver great service and save 40 to 50 percent on comparable itineraries. They also often sail more interesting routes.
- Avoid peak season—choose shoulder months.
Travel during shoulder season for lower fares and fewer crowds. Examples: Alaska in May and late September; Caribbean in late April, May, September and October; Europe in April, May, and September–October.
- Consider repositioning cruises for steep nightly savings.
Repositioning sailings (transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii repositionings) often have long sea days but offer excellent per-night pricing—sometimes 25 to 50 percent cheaper than standard itineraries.
- Use cruise planner price trackers for extras and the cruise fare.
Book extras like specialty dining, excursions, spa, and WiFi early and rebook if prices drop. Many cruise planners and third-party trackers will watch fares and addon pricing for you. When an addon drops, cancel and rebook if the policy allows.
- Take advantage of first-day and port-day onboard discounts.
The best onboard deals often arrive while the ship is filling. Day one and port days frequently offer discounted spa treatments, shore excursions, and dining offers—plan to buy those when you see a real discount.
- Book a small group to unlock perks.
Groups don’t have to be huge. Often five to eight cabins (around 16 people) qualifies for group benefits: extra onboard credit, priority boarding, complimentary specialty dining, or special amenities.
- Eat specialty dining at lunch instead of dinner.
Many specialty restaurants offer substantially cheaper lunch menus with the same signature dishes. A steakhouse might charge $65 for dinner and $29 for lunch. Use sea days to enjoy premium meals at a lower price.
- Pay in full early when it yields real perks.
Some lines offer discounts or onboard credit if you pay in full early. Example: certain premium lines add onboard credit for early full payment. Confirm refund policies before locking in the cash, and watch for bank-transfer discounts that avoid processing fees.
- Always ask about state, military, teacher, or other affinity discounts.
Discounts exist but are inconsistent. Tell your agent about any affiliations; you might qualify for special pricing on certain sailings.
- Buy WiFi in advance—streaming plans jump in price onboard.
Pre-purchase WiFi for a better rate. Newer Starlink connections improve onboard internet quality, but streaming plans are still often a separate, more expensive tier bought best in advance.
- Be loyal to lines that reward repeat business.
Loyalty programs build real value. Early benefits are small, but higher tiers unlock free drinks, WiFi, excursion discounts, and onboard credits. Returning to a handful of lines can yield measurable savings over time.
- Charge deposits and final payment to the right credit card.
Use a card that rewards travel to maximize points or multipliers. Also check the card’s travel protection and never choose dynamic currency conversion. Pay in the local currency and let your bank handle the conversion.
- Work with a cruise specialist travel agent.
Specialist agents can add blocked inventory, extra onboard credit, and perks you might not see. Using an expert often costs you nothing and can produce surprising savings or upgrades.
- Sign up for emails, social, and stack offers.
Many promotions are combinable. Sign up for cruise line emails, follow them on social, and coordinate with your agent. Stacking a sale, onboard booking, loyalty perk, and a payment discount can multiply savings.
- Be smart as a solo traveler.
Some lines offer true solo cabins that avoid a double supplement. River cruises sometimes waive solo fees on select cabins. Flexibility with dates or sailings usually yields the best solo pricing.
- Choose travel insurance that actually covers you.
Insurance sold through cruise lines is convenient but often limited. Compare third-party policies for door-to-door coverage and preexisting condition waivers. Buy policies early if required by the insurer for preexisting coverage.
- Price and prepay gratuities so there are no surprises.
Gratuities add up, especially in suites. Some lines include service charges; others do not. Prepaying gratuities can simplify budgeting and sometimes unlock small discounts.
Combining hacks for maximum impact
Layer several strategies for the biggest wins. Example: book an older ship during shoulder season, buy a prepay WiFi plan and specialty lunch, assign the booking to a specialist agent, and track the price until final payment. That combination can produce major savings without sacrificing experience.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Repricing without checking what perks you will lose.
- Bidding for upgrades above the reasonable threshold and regretting it later.
- Waiting until embarkation to buy costly WiFi or upgrades that are cheaper in advance.
- Letting dynamic currency conversion take place at foreign ports.
Frequently asked questions
When should I recheck prices after booking?
Set calendar reminders at 91, 76, and 61 days before final payment. Check often but act before final payment if repricing results in a lower fare—just confirm whether you would lose amenities like onboard credit.
What is a guarantee cabin and is it worth it?
A guarantee cabin means you buy a cabin category without a specific cabin assignment. It can save 10 to 20 percent, but you will be assigned a cabin later and may end up in a less desirable location. Great when price matters more than exact placement.
How much can status matching really save?
It varies, but status matching can deliver perks equivalent to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Examples include complimentary drinks, priority boarding, and onboard credits. Always calculate the value of matched perks against the effort to obtain them.
Is it better to buy an all-inclusive package or pay a la carte?
Run the numbers for your travel style. If you consume multiple drinks, specialty coffees, or frequent specialty dining, packages often win. If you rarely use extras, a la carte may be cheaper. Compare total expected spend to the package price.
Can small groups get group benefits?
Yes. Many lines grant group benefits to as few as five to eight cabins. Benefits can include onboard credit, priority boarding, and complimentary amenities. Ask a specialist agent to set up a small group block.
Should I buy travel insurance from the cruise line?
Policies sold by cruise lines are convenient but can be limited. Third-party insurers often offer broader door-to-door coverage and better value. Compare coverage details and purchase deadlines, especially for preexisting condition waivers.
Final thoughts
Small decisions add up on a cruise. Be proactive: track prices, use the right payment method, stack perks, and lean on specialists when it makes sense. With these 25 hacks, you can protect your budget and still enjoy the trip—sometimes for a fraction of the usual cost.
Which tip will you try first?
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