11 ways to make your dream cruise a reality
Saving for the ultimate cruise holiday? Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Set a goal
It's easy to say “I’m saving for my dream cruise”, but what does that actually mean? Set a firm goal amount, write it down and work out how you can get there.
2. Write down everything you spend
Keeping track of every dollar you spend is tough and you can easily find that you’ve blown the budget without even realising. Prevent this by writing down everything you spend, either in a notebook, on a spreadsheet on your computer or on an app in your phone. The results may surprise you…
3. Create a separate account
It is almost impossible to avoid spending your cruise money when it is just sitting in your everyday account. Create a separate account (most banks will let you do this for free) or just get a good old fashioned shoe box and keep it under your bed.
4. Pay only in cash
Eftpos and Tap and Go have changed the way we pay. The problem is, they also mean we have no idea how much money we have actually spent. To keep a handle on it, withdraw a set amount of cash and use it to pay for everything. When it runs out, withdraw more. That way, there’s no nasty surprises on your monthly statement.
5. Keep the change
Put a simple system in place and it could net you hundreds of dollars. Every time you break a note to pay for something, keep the gold coins aside. Don't spend them! When you get home, put them in a special jar or container. You will be amazed at how quickly they add up.
6. Get the right credit card
Most of us just stick with the credit cards we have and never think if we are getting a good deal. If you want to save, look at applying for a card with a 0% balance transfer offer and you could save hundreds of dollars a month in interest. Many cards will also give you cash back rewards for money you spend or let you accrue reward points to redeem on holiday.
7. Earn some extra cash
Saving is all well and good, but to give that holiday fund a big boost you will need to make some more money. There are plenty of easy ways to drum up extra cash – hold a garage sale or create an eBay account and sell off unwanted goods, get a part time job or start some freelance work, sign up for a sharing platform like Airbnb or Uber. The options are endless!
8. Book your next cruise on your current one
The best time to get a good cruise deal is when you are actually onboard a cruise ship. There will be some exclusive offers available you won’t be able to find onshore or you they will throw in extras like upgrades and drinks packages.
9. Stick with a loyalty program
All cruise lines have a frequent cruiser loyalty program. The more cruises you take, the higher your status. That means you could find yourself sailing in a luxurious suite or extending your holiday by an extra week without paying another cent.
10. Find a deal with added extras
While cruise fares are all inclusive, there are still plenty of little extras that add up quickly – drinks, specialty dining, excursions, spa treatments and more. Find a deal that offers some (or all!) of these as bonus inclusions and you can afford to spring for the trip you really want.
11. Find a good travel agent
A good cruise agent will be your best friend. Tell them what your dream cruise is and they can be on the lookout for the best deal. Then you just wait for the call!