Welcome to the Anti-Corporate Guide to Saving Money on a Cruise
You’ve heard it all before: book early, pick an inside cabin, and maybe—you know—don’t order room service for late-night pizza. But let’s cut to the chase: these tips are dime-a-dozen. If you want to really save money on a cruise, you need to think outside the floating box. Here’s the ShipTea way to keep that bank account afloat while still living your best life at sea.
1. Repositioning Cruises: The Cheapskate’s Hidden Gem
Repositioning cruises are basically when cruise lines move ships from one region to another, typically in the off-season. These cruises can be insanely cheap because, let’s be real, who wants to spend 12 days at sea with limited port stops? Adventurous cruisers, that’s who.
- Cheap tickets: The longest voyages with the fewest stops can go for a song.
- Unique itineraries: Visit ports not usually on the cruise line’s radar.
- Less crowd: Enjoy the ship with fewer people elbowing you at the buffet.
How to Find Them
Search for these elusive gems by checking the cruise line websites under “special offers” or better yet, keep an eye on our Ship Rankings for the latest steals.
2. Exploit the Shoulder Season
Ever heard of the shoulder season? It’s that magical time of year when cruise prices drop faster than a lead anchor. This happens just before or after peak season.
- Lower prices: Fewer people travel during these times, and the savings are passed on to you.
- Better weather: The weather can still be fantastic, minus the summer crowds.
- Unique experiences: Catch local festivals or events unavailable during high seasons.
Check out our Port Guide for tips on when each location’s shoulder season hits.
3. Hack Your Loyalty Program
Cruise line loyalty programs are like a game, and you’ve got to know how to work the system to win. The trick is to dig into the perks offered, which range from discounts to free spa treatments, and then milk them for all they’re worth.
How to Use Them
Know your status and what it can buy you—specialty dining, Wi-Fi, or even cabin upgrades. Some lines even allow you to transfer your airline points into cruise benefits.
4. Onboard Credit: The Secret Weapon
Onboard credits are basically free money to spend on your cruise, but they often come with strings attached. Learn how to squeeze every last drop of value out of these offers.
How to Get Them
- Sign up bonuses: Some cruise lines offer credit when you book with their credit card.
- Travel agents: Book through a savvy agent who can hook you up with extra credits.
- Promotional offers: Keep your eyes peeled for cruise line promotions that include onboard credits.
For more ways to wrangle onboard credit, check out our Cruise Line Dossiers.
5. Book Through a Travel Agent for Perks
Travel agents can be the unsung heroes of cruise booking. They often have access to deals and perks you won’t find on the cruise line’s website.
Why Use Them?
- Exclusive deals: Agents can offer cabin upgrades, free excursions, or dining experiences.
- Personalized service: They do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to spend hours hunting for deals.
- Added security: If something goes awry, they’ve got your back.
Check out which cruise lines have the best policies in our Cruise Line Dossiers.
6. Casino Player’s Club Loophole
This one’s for the risk-takers. If you’re already a gambler, cruise casinos offer loyalty programs that could save you money—or at least make your trip a bit more luxurious.
How It Works
Gamble enough, and you could earn cruise discounts, free drinks, and even complimentary cabins. But here’s the catch: if you’re not careful, you might spend more than you save.
7. Avoid Cruise Line Excursions
Want to see the same sights for less? Avoid those overpriced cruise line excursions and book independently.
- DIY tours: Arrange your own excursions through local providers or platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.
- Small group benefits: Get a more personal experience at a fraction of the cost.
- Flexible timing: You control the schedule, not the cruise line.
Our Port Guide has tips for each stop to help you plan.
8. Bring Your Own Drinks
Okay, let’s not go crazy here. Most cruise lines will let you bring a modest amount of non-alcoholic beverages and sometimes even a bottle of wine. This can save you a ton compared to onboard drink prices.
How Much Can You Bring?
Check the specific rules on your cruise line’s website before you sail. For the tea on which lines are most lenient, head over to the Carnival Hidden Costs dossier.
9. Use Port Day Spa Discounts
Why pay a premium for spa treatments on sea days when you can snag a deal in port? Spas often discount their services when the ship is docked.
- Look for deals: Keep an eye on your cruise newsletter for daily deals.
- Book in advance: Secure your spot to avoid missing out.
- Try something new: Sometimes there are unique treatments you won’t find at home.
10. Go Vegetarian (or Vegan, or Whatever Floats Your Boat)
Some cruise lines offer specialty dining packages that include vegan or vegetarian options at reduced rates. If you’re flexible with your diet, this could save you some serious cash.
The Perks
- Healthy eating: Discover new cuisines that might even be good for you.
- Budget-friendly: Specialty options sometimes come cheaper than standard fare.
Conclusion
Saving money on a cruise doesn’t mean cutting corners on your experience. With these savvy strategies, you can sail luxuriously without maxing out your credit card. For more tips and updates, explore our Ship Rankings and Outbreak Tracker. Bon Voyage, you frugal sea dog, you!
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