Cruising is a fantastic way to vacation, but the extra costs can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. The good news is there are several simple ways to save money on a cruise without sacrificing the fun.
These money saving cruise tips will help you keep more cash in your pocket while still enjoying everything a cruise ship has to offer.

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This list will include ways to save money booking a cruise as well as ways to save money once you are on your cruise vacation.
Consider older ships
Older ships often come with lower price tags, but still offer great amenities and experiences. It is definitely worth comparing one of the older ships to the newer ones.
It is important, however, to research your ship carefully. The amenities, restaurants, and entertainment will vary ship to ship.
Book an interior cabin
Booking a cabin without a window can save a significant amount of money. You still get to enjoy all the ship has to offer, just without a view from your stateroom.
If you are wondering, are interior staterooms are really that bad, this will help.
Avoid cruising during the holidays
Holiday cruises are in high demand, which means higher prices. If you can be flexible with your dates, cruising outside of peak holiday seasons can save you a lot of money.
Cruising during school holidays are often more expensive as they are in higher demand.
Choose itineraries with more sea days or private islands
Sea days are easier on the wallet since you’re not spending money on excursions or pricey port activities. There are many fun free activities to take advantage of onboard.
If you are planning a cruise with Carnival, here are some of the free things you can do onboard a Carnival cruise. If you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, here are 29 things that cost extra on Royal Caribbean, so you know what to expect.
Many of the cruise lines have their own private islands in the Caribbean. Enjoy a beach day without needing a shore excursion. Some of the private islands even have pools that you can use free of charge.
If Harvest Caye Belize, NCL’s private island is on your itinerary here are mistakes to avoid when visiting Harvest Caye.

Stay pre-cruise at an airport hotel
Hotels near the cruise port are often more expensive than airport hotels. Price out both options to see if there is a significant savings for you.
Also keep in mind transfer costs. Some hotels have free airport or port shuttles.
Skip the specialty restaurants
If you are cruising on a budget, here is one easy way to save money on a cruise. While specialty restaurants offer unique dining experiences, they come with an extra charge.
Stick to the included dining options, which are usually excellent and offer plenty of variety.

Check out the specialty restaurants for lunch
If you had your heart set on one of the extra cost specialty restaurants, check to see if they offer lunch. Some offer a lunch menu at a lower price.
This allows you to experience a greater variety of food and a different atmosphere at a reduced price.
Skip the drink packages (if you’re not a heavy drinker)
Drink packages can be a good deal for some, but if you’re not a heavy drinker, you might be better off paying per drink or sticking to the included beverages like water, tea, and juice.
Consider the drink package
I know I just said to skip the drink package if you don’t drink much and for some that is a money saving tip, for others though, they will save money by purchasing the drink package.
If you like to have a few yummy frozen cocktails throughout the day, they can add up quickly.
If you are looking for something different to try on Carnival, check out these 25 best Carnival cruise drinks. If you are on Norwegian cruise line, here are some of my favorite NCL drinks.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Skip buying bottled water onboard by bringing your own reusable bottle. You can refill it at the ice and water stations around the ship, keeping you hydrated without the extra cost.
Be sure to bring your full water bottle with you ashore, this will save you from buying water in ports.
You can also fill your water bottle with the free iced tea, lemonade or the other free beverages offered at the buffet. The selection varies depending on the cruise line.

Pack Water Flavor Packets
To add even more variety to your free drink options, pack your own water flavor packets. This way you can fill your water bottle with free water and then add your own flavor.
Bring Your Own Tea Bags
If you’re a tea lover, bring your favorite tea bags from home. While basic tea is usually available, your preferred blends might not be, and bringing your own saves you from splurging at the onboard coffee shop.
Hot water is readily available at the beverage stations in the cruise ship buffet restaurants.

Carry On Wine (If Permitted)
Many cruise lines allow you to carry on a bottle or two of wine. This can be a great way to enjoy a drink in your cabin without paying the premium prices at the bars.
Be sure to check the cruise line’s latest policy for exactly what you are allowed to bring onboard. Not all cruise lines permit this.
Keep in mind that if you want to bring your bottle of wine to the main dining room, cruise lines often charge a corkage fee. On Carnival, it is currently $15, however this can change.
Bring a Case of Soda (If Permitted)
If you’re a soda drinker, bring your own case onboard if permitted. Cruise ship soda packages can be expensive, so bringing your own is an easy way to save.
Be sure to check with the cruise line for their policy as each cruise line is different. Carnival cruise line allows each passenger to bring a 12 pack of 12 oz canned soda, but this must be in their carry on (can’t be in checked luggage). Bottles are not allowed.
If you are cruising on Carnival, you can find their latest information here, under “What is Carnival’s liquor and beverage policy” tab.
Skip Paid Cruise Activities
While cruise activities like bingo and Deal or No Deal can be fun, they come with a fee. Skip these paid activities and enjoy the many free options available onboard.
Cruises offer a wide range of free entertainment options like live shows, trivia, sporting activities, movies, and themed parties. Make the most of these complimentary activities instead of spending on paid experiences.

Book Spa Treatments on Port Days
The cruise ship spas come with an additional cost but, if you’re planning to indulge in a spa treatment, book it on a port day when prices are often lower. You’ll get a discount and enjoy a quieter spa experience while most passengers are off the ship.
Don’t forget toiletries and medications
Forgetting the essentials can be a costly inconvenience. The shops onboard have a very limited selection of toiletries and medications at a premium price. The shops themselves have limited hours.
On our last cruise I noticed that a medium sized tube of toothpaste was $7.00 and sunscreen was close to $30.
Think through and pack for every ailment. If you had a headache, what would you take? If you had a sore throat? A stomach issue?
A printable cruise planner with packing checklists like this is a great way to get and stay organized on a cruise. It is one I created.

Bring cash for the casino
While staying out of the casino completely is probably a better money saving cruise tip, for many it is a part of their vacation that they enjoy. If you are going to gamble a little bit, you might as well save a few dollars.
Bringing cash to gamble with makes it easier to stick to a budget and can save you on fees. Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line charge a fee (3% on our last NCL cruise) for charging your slot or table play to your onboard account.
Consider staying on the ship during a port day
I know not everyone will agree with this one, because for some, the port days are the highlights of their trip. I have stayed on the ship in more than one port and love those days.
The ship is a resort in itself and it is great to experience it with so few people onboard. No issue finding chairs by the pool and no lines for food or at the bar.
Plus, from a money perspective, it is a great way to save some money. Not only are you not paying for a shore excursion, which can be pricy, you aren’t paying for food. You can drink the free drinks (water, iced tea, lemonade, etc.) or make good use of your drink package.

Book a guarantee stateroom
When you book a guarantee cabin, you choose the cabin type but let the cruise line assign the exact room. This can save you money, especially if you’re flexible and don’t mind where your cabin is located.
It is important to keep in mind though, that your cabin can be anywhere on the ship. It could be below the pool deck (noisy location) or at the very front of the ship (more prone to movement).
Bring a floatie
This is something I have started doing, especially for itineraries with their private island or stops that I plan on going to the beach.
Floaties cannot be used in the pool but can be used in port.
I recommend a water hammock. It takes up so little space in your luggage and is very easy to blow up. You can sit in it or lay on it.
Bringing your own saves you from having to rent something similar or going without.

Saving money on a cruise doesn’t mean missing out on the fun—it’s about being smart with your choices. From booking the right cabin and cruising during off-peak times to bringing your own essentials and skipping unnecessary extras, there are plenty of ways to keep your vacation budget-friendly.
With these tips, you can enjoy an amazing cruise experience while keeping more money in your pocket for the things that really matter, maybe even another cruise.
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