It is always best to check with the specific cruise line or travel agent to confirm the cost and availability of all services to save money on a cruise. They can inform you of any and all deals and discounts that may be available on your particular cruise.

Save Money on a Cruise – Shore Excursions

1. Book through the cruise line: Many cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions at different price points. These excursions are not necessarily more expensive than booking on your own. They are a convenient option, as they are timed to match the ship’s schedule and the cruise is not leaving until you return.
2. Book in advance: Many times discounts are available for passengers who book shore excursions in advance.
3. Book online: Booking your shore excursions online can save you money. You may be able to find deals and discounts on various websites for shore excursions.
4. Consider independent excursions: Consider booking an independent excursion from a local tour operator. This can save you money and give you a more authentic experience. But beware, if there is a problem, the cruise line takes no responsibility and you may be stranded.
5. Do your own thing: Instead of booking an excursion, consider exploring the ports of call on your own. You’ll save money and have more flexibility to explore on your own schedule.
6. Share the cost: If you’re traveling with friends or family, consider sharing the cost of a shore excursion. This can significantly reduce the per-person cost.
7. Look for deals and discounts: Look out for deals and discounts offered by the cruise or by travel agents. They may have special promotions or discounts on certain excursions.
8. Seasonal differences in costs: Some destinations have a high and low season, and the price of excursions vary accordingly. Try to plan your excursions during the low season to get a better deal.

Save Money on a Cruise – Specialty Dining

1. Take advantage of the ship’s free dining options: All cruise ships offer complimentary dining options, such as buffets or casual dining spots.
2. Book during off-peak hours: Some cruise ships offer discounts for specialty dining reservations made during off-peak hours.
3. Look for promotions or package deals: You may be able to find promotions or package deals that include specialty dining as part of the package.
4. Try to book specialty dining at the start of your cruise: There may be promotions for the first few nights of the cruise.
5. Share a meal: Specialty dining often includes large portions, so consider sharing a meal with a friend or family member, if allowed on your cruise.
6. Take advantage of the ship’s loyalty program: Repeat customers or members of the loyalty program may be offered discounts or perks.
7. Book a table at a less popular spot: Specialty restaurants with less demand may offer a lower price or a special deal to fill the table.

Save Money on a Cruise – Alcohol and Beverages

1. Take advantage of drink specials and happy hours: Many cruise ships offer drink specials and happy hours throughout the day, so keep an eye out for those specials.
2. Consider purchasing a drink package: You may fare better if you take advantage of pre-paid drink packages if offered. If you drink a lot, this can save you money.
3. Bring your own alcohol: Some cruise ships allow you to bring your own alcohol, but have a limit on the amount and charge a corkage fee.
4. Order drinks during meal time: Check if your drinks are included in your meal.
5. Limit your drinking: It’s easy to overspend on alcohol while on a cruise, so beware of what you are purchasing and you may want to limit the number of drinks you order.
6. Be mindful of the location: Drinks purchased on the ship are generally more expensive than those purchased in port.
7. Avoid premium drinks: Stick to domestic drinks, which are generally less expensive than premium or imported options.
8. Order water or non-alcoholic drinks: Water and non-alcoholic drinks are usually less expensive than alcoholic drinks.

Save Money on a Cruise – Cruise Spa and Salon Treatments

1. Take advantage of specials and promotions: Sometimes specials and promotions on spa and salon treatments are offered, so be on the lookout for these discounts.
2. Book treatments in port: Some ports of call offer spa and salon treatments at a lower cost than those offered on the ship.
3. Book treatments during off-peak hours: Some cruise ships offer discounts for spa and salon treatments booked during off-peak hours.
4. Look for package deals: There may be package deals offered that include spa and salon treatments.
5. Try to book treatments at the start of your cruise: You may find promotions for the first few nights of the cruise.
6. Take advantage of the ship’s loyalty program: Discounts and perks for repeat customers or members of the loyalty program may be offered.
7. Book a treatment during a less popular spot: Treatments at less popular times may be offered at a lower price.

Save Money on a Cruise – Activities

1. Take advantage of free activities: Many cruise ships offer a variety of free activities, such as fitness classes, pool games, and trivia. Be sure not to miss them.
2. Book activities in advance: Sometimes it is cheaper if you book early.
3. Look for package deals: Some cruise ships offer package deals that include activities as part of the package.
4. Take advantage of port days: Some ports of call offer activities at a lower cost than those offered on the ship.
5. Try to book activities at the start of your cruise: Sometimes activities on the first few days of a cruise are cheaper than the later cruise days.
6. Take advantage of the ship’s loyalty program: Often repeat customers or those belonging to the loyalty program get a less expensive price.
7. Avoid peak times: Less popular times are often less expensive than the most desired time.
8. Do your own thing: Instead of booking an excursion or activity, consider exploring the ports of call on your own or doing your own activities.

Save Money on a Cruise – Laundry

1. Pack enough clothes: Make sure you pack enough clothes so you don’t have to do laundry too often. But beware, over-packing can cause problems also.
2. Hand-wash clothes: If you need to do laundry, consider hand-washing clothes instead of using the ship’s laundry service, which can be expensive.
3. Bring laundry detergent: Bring your own laundry detergent, if you’re planning to hand-wash clothes or use the ship’s self-service laundry room.
4. Use the self-service laundry: Some cruise ships have self-service laundries that you can use for a lower cost than the ship’s laundry service.
5. Take advantage of port days: Some ports of call offer laundry services at a lower cost than those offered on the ship.
6. Avoid peak times: Some ships charge extra for laundry during peak times, so try to avoid these times.
7. Bring wrinkle-release spray: Bring wrinkle-release spray or a portable steamer to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and avoid the need for ironing.

Save Money on a Cruise – Souvenir Shopping

1. Compare prices: Compare prices at different shops and vendors, both on the ship and in ports of call. In many locations, it is common to”haggle” the price. Nothing is set in stone.
2. Shop in ports of call: Prices for souvenirs may be lower in ports of call than on the cruise ship.
3. Take advantage of sales and discounts: Always look for sales and discounts when shopping.
4. Avoid peak shopping times: Some shops and vendors may charge higher prices during peak shopping times. Many times, they will charge a cheaper price at the end of the day just to sell their merchandise.
5. Bring cash: Cash is always king.
6. Be mindful of the location: Some ports of call may have cheaper prices than others. The problem is if you wait till the end of the cruise, you may lose out on a less expensive item that you “have to have.”
7. Avoid impulse buying: Don’t buy something just because it’s there, that is how most of the merchandise is sold. Prior to shopping know what you want to buy.
8. Consider non-traditional souvenirs: Instead of buying traditional souvenirs like t-shirts or magnets, consider taking pictures or videos to remember your trip, or buying a locally made product like a piece of jewelry or a hand-woven basket.

Save Money on a Cruise – Wi-Fi

1. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi: Many cruise ships offer free Wi-Fi in certain areas, such as the library or the atrium.
2. Purchase a Wi-Fi package: Some cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages at a discounted rate.
3. Use your phone’s hotspot: If you have a mobile device with a hotspot feature, you can use your phone’s data plan to connect other devices to the internet. This can save you money on internet access.
4. Wait until you’re in port: Some ports of call offer free Wi-Fi, so wait until you’re in port to use the internet if you can.
5. Use apps that work offline: Some apps, such as maps, e-books, and music apps, allow you to download content for offline use.
6. Limit your usage: Be mindful of how much data you’re using and limit your usage when possible.
7. Use social media apps with offline mode: Some social media apps, like Facebook and Instagram, have an offline mode that allows you to view and interact with certain content without an internet connection.
8. The time of day affects the cost: Some ships offer discounts on internet access during off-peak hours. Try to use your wifi only during those times, if your ship offers this discount.

In Conclusion

Saving money on a cruise is not always easy. Carnival helps in that they answer your question: Can I afford a cruise?

Celebrity cruises have the answers to many questions under their frequently asked questions that will help you save money on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean has a list of cruise deals on its website.

Always check the website of the cruise lines you are thinking of using before booking a cruise. Be aware of important cruise secrets so that you can save money on your cruise. It can be done!

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