8 ways to stretch your cruise budget
When it comes to cruising there are plenty of ways you can make your budget stretch further without have to give up on the quality of holiday you want to have.
Be flexible
You can snag a great deal if you’re flexible with dates and open to new destinations. Fares can fluctuate on a daily basis so, if you aren’t locked in to a certain schedule, you could grab a great last minute bargain. Plus, you might discover an amazing new destination you’d never thought of.
Shop the sales
The cruise industry has sales on all year round and plenty of cruise lines, travel agents, forums and cruise websites will have deals pages or newsletters you can sign up to. If you stay abreast of all the special offers that are coming out, you can be sure to grab the best one.
Buy a package
Dining at the main restaurants will be included in your fare, but each ship will have a few specialty restaurants that come at an extra charge. If you want to try them all, buy a package that will come at a significant discount. Same goes for alcohol. If you think you’re likely to drink a few cocktails in the afternoon and wine with dinner, buy a daily drinks package to lower the cost.
Save on port days
Onboard spas are expensive, often even more expensive than you would find on shore. But most ships will have specials on offer during port days when most people are off the ship. If you don’t mind missing the destination you can get a great deal. The onboard shops will often have special sales or events on port days too. Check your daily cruise calendar.
Watch your tips
Almost all lines will add a daily gratuity to your account, usually around $12to 15 per person per day. You’ll also find an extra 15 to 18 per cent gratuity added to bar bills or spa treatments. That means you don’t have to tip any extra – even though they leave a space for it on the bill. You don’t want to end up tipping 30 per cent on a round of beers.
Disconnect at sea
Internet and phone calls are the two most expensive things on a cruise – which makes sense when you realise you’re in the middle of the ocean. Mobile roaming charges are steep and cruise ship wifi extortionate, so the best thing to do is unplug your devices. You can always find a free wifi hotspot or payphone when you’re on shore.
Guide yourself
Shore excursions are a great way to experience a port, but they can also be really expensive. And many of them aren’t worth the money, like beach days or city bus tours. At most places you can get a taxi to take you to the beach for a fraction of the price or find a local bus that will take you on the same route. Do a little internet research before you go and reap the rewards.
Use an agent
A lot of money saving tactics come from a little DIY, but using a specialist cruise travel agent can actually save you money in the long run. They will help you find the right ship, the right cruise and the right cabin, plus they will know how to take advantage of the added value extras that cruise lines always have on offer.
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