If you're looking into taking a cruise, then you're gonna need these cruise tricks and tips so you can save more money from the start.
Cruises, in my opinion, are the best bang for your buck vacations out there!
In fact, it's such a good deal I've been trying to go on another one soon.
If you're willing to look for bargains, there's always a way to lower the cost of your cruise vacation.
These cruise tips and tricks will help you find the deals and the savings so you can save more money on your next trip.
Plus, when you learn how to save money on a cruise, it gets easier to find the money to go on another one!
So let's dive into these cruise saving money tips so you can get on your next vacation sooner!
Here are 6 tips to help you save when booking your next cruise.
Be Flexible With Your Dates
The more flexible you can be with your dates, the lower the cost of your cruise will be.
When booking my spring break cruise my senior year of college, we could have saved $120 each if we had booked our cruise for just one week later.
BONUS FREE DOWNLOAD
Create A Plan For Your Money
These FREE Budgeting Spreadsheets will help you keep a pulse on your money (from the palm of your hand).
When you find a cruise you'd like to take, check the dates and pricing tab to see the difference in cost.
It's these cruise tips and tricks that you'll want to know so you know when the best time to strike a deal!
Book Your Next Cruise Onboard
Sometimes cruise lines will offer special deals and incentives for booking your next cruise onboard, and sometimes even at a reduced deposit.
Many cruise lines don't even require you to pick your sailing date, rather purchase a future cruise credit to be applied to your next booking.
If you know you are going to be sailing again during a specific time, check to see if there are any special offers onboard.
It's how to save money on a cruise while you're still on a cruise! Make sure to keep these cruise tricks and tips in mind while you're on your next cruise.
Watch For Sales
Not all of the big promotions result in big savings on your cruise fare.
The best way to see if a special or sale is worth it is to monitor cruise prices over the next several weeks. When you know what the average price for the cruise is, you'll know if the offer is a good deal or not.
The best offers will come from sales that add value to your experience while onboard, such as onboard credit, beverage packages, etc. while keeping the cruise fare low.
These cruise saving money tips and cruise tricks and tips will help you save more each time.
Sign Up For Cruise Line Newsletters
While I'm usually against inbox clutter, cruise newsletters are worth it for these cruise tricks and tips!
When you sign up for a cruise newsletter, exclusive deals and sales are emailed straight to your inbox. These include deals directly through the cruise line AND travel agency deals!
I regularly get deals in my inbox for free drink packages, free wifi, and other special perks while onboard.
Check out Cruise Critic's price drop tool to find out which cruises have been discounted during the past week
Choose A Port Closer To Home
Ships sail from New York, Seattle, Baltimore, Charleston, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Houston, and Tampa areas, along with many other coastal cities year-round.
The most popular location to travel from is Florida, in cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral.
BONUS FREE DOWNLOAD
Create A Plan For Your Money
These FREE Budgeting Spreadsheets will help you keep a pulse on your money (from the palm of your hand).
There are so many cruise ships that sail from cities all across the US, that the vast majority can drive less than five hours to get to a port, which will help you save big on travel. It's these cruise tricks and tips that will help you get to a port close to you so you don't have to waste money just getting to another port.
Without the cost of a plane ticket, a trip to the Bahamas just got a little cheaper. This could mean an extra $300 plus in your pocket to use towards something else! And that's one way you learn how to save money on a cruise.
If You Can, Book At The Last Minute
Some of the best deals can be found on bookings made close to the sale dates. You can almost always snag a great deal by waiting anywhere from three to six weeks before departure. However, be warned that you will have to settle for whatever cabins are left.
If you are sailing during a slower time, or even during the hurricane season in the Caribbean, last-minute deals are extremely easy to come by.
Cruise lines may continue to drop prices in order to fill up the ship as the sailing date gets closer, so be on the lookout for those deals!
You can do all the bargain hunting in the world to find an amazing deal on your cruise with these cruise tricks and tips, but if you blow your vacation budget on board it doesn't matter.
Cruise ships are designed to make you want to splurge. Be sure to find out ahead of time what is included in your cruise fare and what you pay extra for.
Some ships such as Norwegian charge extra for room service, while Carnival does not.
Before you leave, create a budget for extra expenses and make sure to stick to it during your trip.
So as you can see, these cruise tips and tricks will help you find the deals and the savings so you can save more money on your next trip.
Plus, when you learn how to save money on a cruise, it gets easier to find the money to go on another one!
These cruise saving money tips can be helpful so you can get on your next vacation sooner!