Introduction
Cruising is a popular vacation choice for many, offering the chance to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. While it's an all-inclusive experience, it's no secret that cruises are notorious for tempting passengers to spend extra money on various onboard amenities and services. However, with a little planning and discipline, you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank. Here are 25 ways to avoid spending any extra money onboard a cruise.
1 Set A budget And Stick To It
Before you board the ship, set a realistic budget for any additional expenses you may encounter on your trip. Allocate funds for specific categories such as drinks, souvenirs, and excursions. Throughout the cruise, monitor your spending and adjust your behavior accordingly to ensure you don't exceed your budget.
2 Prepay For Extras
Many cruise lines offer the option to prepay for certain items or services, such as gratuities and drink packages. By prepaying, you can avoid unexpected charges at the end of the trip and better manage your overall budget.
3 Bring Your Own Supplies
Before embarking, pack essential items such as toiletries, sunscreen, and over-the-counter medications. Purchasing these items onboard can be expensive, so bringing them from home will save you money.
4 Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcoholic beverages are often a significant expense on cruises. To avoid racking up a large bar tab, consider limiting your alcohol intake or taking advantage of happy hours and drink specials. Alternatively, some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard. Check your cruise line's policy and take advantage of this option if available.
5 Dine In the Main Dining Room Or Buffet
Instead of splurging on specialty restaurants, stick to the main dining room or buffet, which are typically included in your cruise fare. The food is often just as delicious, and you can still enjoy a variety of options.
6 Utilize The Ship's Free Entertainment
Cruise ships offer a wide array of free entertainment options, from live shows and poolside games to movie nights and trivia. Take advantage of these offerings rather than spending money on activities like the casino or paid attractions.
7 Skip The Spa
While the spa may be a tempting way to unwind, treatments can be pricey. Instead, find relaxation in other ways, such as lounging by the pool, taking a walk around the deck, or enjoying the ship's free fitness facilities.
8 Say No To Professional Photos
Professional photographers will often be on hand to capture your vacation memories, but these photos come at a cost. Instead of purchasing expensive professional shots, take your own pictures with a camera or smartphone.
9 Research And Book Your Own Excursions
Shore excursions booked through the cruise line can be quite expensive. Save money by researching and booking your own excursions in port. Not only will this often result in a more affordable experience, but you'll also have the freedom to customize your itinerary.
10 Resist The Upsell
Cruise lines are skilled at upselling passengers on everything from premium dining experiences to upgraded staterooms. Be prepared to politely decline these offers, and remind yourself that your original selections were carefully chosen to fit your budget and preferences.
11 Avoid Onboard Shopping
While it may be tempting to browse the ship's shops, remember that you'll likely find better deals on souvenirs and other items in port. Resist the urge to make impulse purchases, and save your shopping for when you're off the ship.
12 Use The Ship's Wi-Fi Sparingly
Internet access on cruise ships can be costly. Disconnect from the digital world and enjoy your vacationunplugged. If you must use the internet, purchase a limited data package or use free Wi-Fi in port to check your email or social media.
13 Participate In Free Activities And Classes
Many cruise ships offer free activities and classes, such as dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, or arts and crafts workshops. Take advantage of these offerings to enrich your cruise experience without spending extra money.
14 Bring A Reusable Water Bottle And Snacks
Staying hydrated is important, especially when you're out in the sun. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at the ship's water stations, which will save you from purchasing overpriced bottled water. Additionally, pack some snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit to curb your appetite between meals and avoid spending money on extra treats.
15 Be Mindful Of Gratuities
While gratuities are an expected part of the cruise experience, be mindful of how they can add up. If you've prepaid your gratuities, you won't have to worry about this expense onboard. However, if you haven't, be aware of the daily gratuity rate and factor it into your budget. Additionally, avoid adding extra tips for services that are already covered by the standard gratuities, unless you feel the service was truly exceptional.
16 Plan And Pack Your Wardrobe
Carefully plan and pack your wardrobe to avoid the need for laundry services onboard, which can be expensive. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, and consider bringing travel-sized laundry detergent to hand-wash small items in your cabin if necessary.
17 Attend The Art Auction For Free Champagne
Many cruise ships host art auctions that offer complimentary champagne to attendees. While it's important not to get carried away with bidding on expensive artwork, you can enjoy a free glass of bubbly without making any purchases.
18 Take Advantage Of Loyalty Programs
If you've cruised with the same cruise line before, sign up for their loyalty program. These programs often offer perks such as complimentary drinks, priority boarding, or discounts on various onboard services, which can save you money.
19 Bring Your Own Entertainment
Although the ship offers plenty of entertainment options, you might still want to enjoy some downtime in your cabin. Bring your own books, e-reader, deck of cards, or board games to avoid spending money on renting or purchasing these items onboard.
20 Share A Cabin With Friends Or Family
If you're traveling with a group, consider sharing a cabin to save on accommodation costs. Many cabins can comfortably accommodate three or four people, and splitting the cost can significantly reduce your overall cruise fare.
21 Seek Out Free Food Events
In addition to the main dining room and buffet, many cruise ships offer special food events or tastings for free. Keep an eye on the daily schedule for these opportunities, such as a chocolate buffet or sushi demonstration, to enjoy unique culinary experiences without additional costs.
22 Use A Travel Agent
A knowledgeable travel agent can help you find the best deals on cruises and ensure you're aware of any promotions, discounts, or onboard credits available. They can also help you choose the most cost-effective cabin and itinerary for your budget.
23 Avoid Room Service Charges
While room service can be a convenient way to enjoy a meal in your cabin, some cruise lines charge fees for this service. Opt for the included dining options, or grab a snack from the buffet to enjoy in your room instead.
24 Be Mindful Of Currency Conversion Fees
When traveling to a port, you'll want to plan ahead for the currency conversion fees so that your purchases don't cost more than expected. Look for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or exchange money before leaving and you can save money on these fees.
25 Walk Or Use Public Transportation In Port
Rather than booking expensive transportation through the cruise line, explore your destination by walking or using public transportation. This can be a more affordable way to experience the local culture and see the sights at your own pace.
Conclusion
With a little planning, discipline, and creativity, it's possible to enjoy a fantastic cruise vacation without spending any extra money onboard. By following these 25 tips, you can focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones without worrying about your wallet. Bon voyage!
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
