10 ways to save money on a cruise

We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks so you don’t overspend on your next cruise. Of course, cruising is about having a good time, and you shouldn’t spend the entire voyage counting your pennies. But with some prep work and knowing what you like to spend money on (and what you don’t), you can make smarter decisions and save a lot.

1) Don’t overpay in the first place

There are two ways to save money on cruises: booking during one of the annual sales (such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Wave Season) or waiting for last-minute discounts.

Booking during big sales is usually best for early-bird savings. It also means you’ll have a large choice of ships, itineraries and dates. If you have specific requirements, this is your best bet.

On the other hand, if you’re a highly flexible traveller, you may bag great deals by waiting for last-minute discounts. If some sailings aren't selling well enough, you’ll usually see prices drop around 12 weeks before departure.

Learn more about the best time to book a cruise. 

2) Consider adding a hotel stay before or after your cruise

We sometimes see cruises with hotel stays before or after the sailing cost almost the same (and sometimes less) than the cruise alone.

How is that possible? Cruise lines offer lower fares to tour operators if they can package them with hotel stays and other experiences.

Cruise lines use these fares and cruise-and-stay packages to discount voyages discreetly.

Learn more about how cruise-and-stay packages can save you money. 

3) Think before paying for drink packages

Drink packages can seem top value, but do the maths to see if you’ll get your money’s worth.

In most cases, all adult guests in the cabin will have to purchase the same package. If you love a tipple, but your partner is a teetotaller – the maths might not add up.

Before spending money on a package, check the average prices for drinks on your ship and ask yourself how much you’ll likely drink on a typical day. If the package comes out cheaper, go for it.

And don’t forget you can often bring one or two bottles of wine onboard. But check your cruise line’s policy before bringing two cases of Malbec to Southampton.

4) Compare excursion prices

While booking excursions with your cruise line has benefits, it's rarely the cheapest option.

You can bring the bill down by booking with local tour companies or, cheaper still, by adventuring on your own.

But remember: third-party companies don’t coordinate directly with the ship if there are issues or delays during the excursion.

On the other hand, official excursions give you peace of mind that the cruise line will do its best to get you back on board if something goes wrong.

5) If you book packages or excursions, do so pre-cruise

While drinks packages and cruise line excursions might not be the best way to save money, if you still decide to book these, it’s cheaper to do so before your departure.

Most cruise lines charge less for packages, including drinks, speciality dining and Wi-Fi, and excursions if you book them early. 

6) Don’t forget to bring the essentials

Have you ever paid massively over the odds for toothpaste at the airport? Cruise ships are no different. You’ll find what you need at the onboard shop, but don’t expect the prices to be those of your local Tesco.

Pack toiletries, sunscreen, painkillers, chargers and all the small essentials you’ll need onboard.

Of course, buying a pack of paracetamol onboard won’t be the end of the world – but why spend over the odds when you don’t have to?

Learn more about what to pack when going on a cruise.

7) Keep an eye on what you spend onboard

Once onboard, temptation is everywhere and not necessarily included in the fare.

Of course, you’re on holiday and should feel free to treat yourself. Fancy a spa treatment? Go for it. Cocktail at sundown? Don’t mind if I do.

But other things might be an easy pass. Do you need to buy a professional photograph of your time on board? Smartphone cameras are excellent these days. And it doesn't have to be a selfie. You can politely ask other guests to take a snap of your family.

Similarly, consider how much Wi-Fi you need or whether you need it. Wi-Fi packages can be expensive – a digital detox may be just what you need.

And if you're looking after the pennies, avoiding the casino might be the best course of action. 

8) Choose your cabin wisely

Are you the sort of cruiser who spends their morning by the pool, afternoon exploring a port of call, evening socialising at the bar and night at the theatre? In this case, do you need an outside or balcony cabin? Save money by booking an inside cabin and have fun.

Similarly, if you’re crossing the North Atlantic aboard the QM2 on a cold December week, how much time will you spend on your balcony? Maybe an outside cabin is enough.

You can also save money by booking a cabin on the lower decks. These are usually cheaper because they are further away from the pools, restaurants and other facilities. But they are a solid option if you want to save a bit of cash and don’t mind spending more time navigating the ship to get to your next meal.

9) Book your flights separately

Fly/cruise packages often cover flights with a flag carrier and checked bags. If you’re happy to travel light with a low-cost airline, booking a cruise-only fare and your flights separately could be cheaper.

This is especially true for voyages departing from major cities served by Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling and Wizz Air.

This tip comes with a caveat: if you book your flights separately, you will not be ATOL-protected. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you won’t be financially protected or receive assistance from the cruise line or tour operator.

Learn more about what happens when guests return to the ship late or miss their departure.

10) Make the most of the free facilities and promotions

A recent report by Cruise Trade News revealed that many feel cruising isn’t good value for money. But people often don’t realise how much the fare includes.

Every cruise will include several options for meals, snacks, activities and entertainment at no extra cost. There’s plenty to keep yourself busy without spending a penny.

And if you want to experience speciality dining, promotions and discounts may be available on some nights. Make sure to take advantage of them.

Bonus tip: Book your next cruise during your current cruise

Cruise lines know that people are way more likely to book their next cruise when they’re having a great time on their ships. That’s why they try to incentivise future bookings by offering deep discounts to anyone willing to commit to their next voyage here and now.