Set Sail Without Breaking the Bank: Your Ultimate Guide to Saving Big on Cruises
Dreaming of a cruise but worried about the cost?
After 45 cruises, we’ve found that this can be an incredibly affordable way to travel, see the world, and even work remotely.
Yep, we crack open the laptop on every sailing and can be quite productive!
Here’s how we get the best overall deal while booking the cruises we want to go on – not just the cheapest ones. That matters since you want your itinerary, cruise line, and ship to match your expectations. Our cruise money saving tips will get you there.
Check out our Video on YouTube
Would you prefer to watch the video version?
You can watch this video here on YouTube, where I outline all 10 steps in just a few minutes for you:
▶️ Top 10 Cruise Money-Saving Tips
Top 10 Cruise Money Saving Tips
1. Fast Action: Strike While the Deals are Hot
The key to unlocking significant savings? Booking early! Cruise lines often reward early birds with the best prices and the widest selection of cabins. Plus, most offer flexible cancellation policies with full refunds before the final payment. Sure, you can try to game a last-minute deal, but almost 90% of the time, when I check the rates of my early bookings compared to current prices, the current prices are 10% to 50% higher. Don’t wait. Book now – and try to get a refundable deposit, even if it costs a bit extra.
Cruise Deals: How We Get the Best Price
2. Double Down on Savings: Book Your Next Cruise Onboard
Why stop the fun when your cruise ends? Many lines incentivize booking your next adventure while you’re still onboard. Sweeten the deal with onboard credits, discounted deposits, or even complimentary upgrades – all for locking in your next voyage before you disembark.
On the cruise we were just on, they gave us SIX free nights on our next cruise, 7% off the price, $600 in Onboard Credit (we can spend it on anything from Wi-Fi to drinks to specialty restaurants or even a massage – great after being hunched over the laptop), not to mention one free Wi-Fi and premium beverage package. Quite a score! It did combine this tip and tip #6 to achieve this. Oh, tip #9? It gave us another $225 in onboard credit 🙂
3. Cruise Deal Websites: Your Secret Weapon
Websites like Cruise Plum are your treasure map for the best deals. Filter by your desired dates, cruise lines, and cabin types to find the most cost-effective options.
Imagine this: a balcony cabin on a premium cruise line for less than $100 a day, including gratuities. Or, if you want to go more luxury – you can but still find the best overall deals.
Flexibility is the key here. If you are not locked in on dates (and usually, as a digital roamad, we are flexible), you’d be amazed at some of the deals out there right now.
4. Cabin Class: Choosing Wisely Can Save Wisely
The type of cabin you select significantly impacts your cruise expenses. Inside cabins, while cozier, are often a steal compared to balconies yet still offer the same fantastic onboard experiences. Don’t be afraid to book a more affordable cabin and wait for potential upgrade offers – you might snag a balcony at an incredible price.
About half the time, I’ll be offered an opportunity to upgrade my cabin. I keep track of what it would cost at booking and bid at most 50% of what it would cost. If I snag the upgrade, I will save a lot; if not? I’m happy with what we have.
Remember, an ocean view cabin will generally be about 25% more expensive than an inside cabin. A balcony is another 25% – 50% above an ocean view. And suites? Add another 50% – 100% from there.
5. New Ship? Not Necessarily New Savings
The latest and greatest cruise ships come with a premium price tag. But if you’re more interested in the journey than the fanciest new features, opting for an older ship can save you up to half or more on your fare.
You’ll still have a fantastic cruise experience without breaking the bank.
Just be aware it might not have all the bells and whistles, but personally, we look for the itinerary and the type of internet onboard (Starlink typically) and focus on our favorite brands.
Yeah, it’s fun to sail the flashiest, newest ships, but paying 50% – 100% premiums is not as fun. Wait a year or two, and you’ll easily save thousands.
6. Loyalty Pays Off: Reap the Rewards of Cruise Line Programs
Frequent cruisers get rewards! Cruise line loyalty programs can be your ticket to savings. From free drinks and onboard wifi to laundry services, these perks can significantly enhance your experience while helping you keep costs down.
Sure, it takes a few cruises to unlock the best benefits truly, but once you do? There are a lot of these perks for you.
Whipped onto the ship first. Legally cutting lines 🙂 Free perks like wifi drinks and more.
We enjoy many perks on some of our favorite cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara, and Virgin Voyages.
7. Status Match Magic: Unlock Instant Benefits
Did you know some cruise lines offer status matching from other travel loyalty programs? This can grant you immediate access to valuable perks you wouldn’t have otherwise. Check if your cruise line offers this and enjoy the benefits from day one.
Just go to Google and search for “INSERT CRUISE LINE NAME Status Match”
It is only sometimes available, but I’ve done this twice and gotten huge value.
8. Maximize Your Credit Card Points: Points that Pay for Voyages
Paying for your cruise with a rewards credit card can rack up points that translate into future travel savings. Some cards even offer bonus points for travel purchases, which could translate into free or discounted flights or other perks to make your trip even more special.
This is how you start to stack your rewards. Think about it.
Book Early + Book Onboard + Pay and Earn Credit Card Rewards + Tip #9 Bonuses = You WIN!
9. Travel Agent Advantage: Expertise at Your Fingertips
A specialized cruise travel agent can be your secret weapon for unlocking incredible deals. They can secure onboard credits or other perks you wouldn’t find booking directly.
We’ve used the same agent for a few years, and while they’re not going to research for you, once you know what you want, I find I get up to 10% of the cost of the cruise back in even more credits and perks.
Contact us if you want a referral (we are not compensated – we just don’t want to overwhelm her.)
10. Stay in the Know: Email Alerts and Social Media to the Rescue
Sign up for email alerts from your favorite cruise lines to stay on top of special deals. They often send out promotions with discounts on excursions, dining, and more. Following them on social media can also alert you to flash sales and last-minute deals – perfect for the spontaneous traveler.
I get emails almost daily – sometimes, they are fluff, but not really much. But occasionally, the deals are jaw-dropping and worthy of a look.
Follow These 10 Cruise Money Saving Tips and Get Started
Remember, it’s not about getting the cheapest cruise on the seas. We’d have no interest in sailing on those.
But if you’re going anyway, why not maximize your savings, get more perks and freebies, and be treated better than almost anyone else?
🛳️ See you onboard!
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