There was a pause to the multi billion dollar cruise industry during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but believe it or not, most cruises have already started departing with strict safety measures in place. Covid testing, social distancing, hand sanitizing and temperature checks are all now standard procedures and due to the lesser demand you also now don't have to go broke to enjoy a fun cruise getaway.
3,000 people boarded MSC Grandiosa, which was the first cruise liner to return to the Mediterranean and now there is a lot more choice to visit countries all over the world.
And one of the benefits of booking at the moment is that cruises which once cost thousands of dollars can now be booked a fraction of the price.
If you're you thinking about your next cruise and looking for ways to save money, there are plenty of ways to now travel without spending a small fortune.
Here are some top tips to help you save money on your next cruise vacation.
1. Book Early or Find Last-Minute Deals
If you're a known planner, then this method of traveling may give you anxiety. However, if you don't mind a little adventure, then it can be beneficial to wait until the last minute to get a deal on your cruise. You can find awesome deals on so many trips now, you could take a cruise from Florida and explore the Caribbean or go around the world journey, by waiting until the last minute to book.
The key is to be flexible with your dates and ready to go within a couple days of booking. You may be surprised to find deep discounts on these types of vacations, which can free up money to enjoy sightseeing while you're on your trip. As an additional tip, if you can, aim to book your travel mid-week for arrival/departure, when flights tend to be at their lowest. This will give you even more savings on your last-minute trip.
Another way to save money is to book well in advance of your prefered departure.
2. Travel in the Off Season
Another tip for saving money on your next cruise break is to plan it for the off season. This usually coincides with weather patterns and school calendars, which is why people usually flock to vacation destinations in spring and summer. However, if you don't have a school schedule to worry about and aren't afraid of some unexpected changes in the weather, then planning an off-season can save you hundreds of dollars on your trip.
3. Book an Inside Cabin
Cabins with a balcony and sea views come at a premium, but if you choose a inside room usually comes without a outwards facing balcony you will pay a fraction of the cost.
4. Skip the Beverage Package
Drinks onboard cruises are expensive, but you really need to be drinking a lot to make the beverage packages worth it. Unless you are planning to be drinking a lot everyday then the packages really aren't worth the money. There are lots of free drinks available throughout the ship too.
5. Eat on the Ship
Eating out is usually one of the biggest expenses, especially if you don't dine smart. To save money during your stay, eat smart to maximize your savings. Take advantage of all the free food onboard the ship and avoid eating out when you dock at destinations.
6. Don't Use the Cruise Line’s Shore Excursions
Transportation and sightseeing is another one of the biggest expenses you'll have while on vacation.
Organised packaged tours booked direct with your cruise liner are usually very expensive and you can save a lot of money either booking in advance or on arrival in your destination.
In some locations you can also walk to nearby tourist locations which can save you money or, if the destination has a good local public transportation system, choose that instead. Finding ways to save on your transportation while there can provide big savings over the duration of your stay.
7. Find Free Things to Do
There are lots of free things to do onboard a cruise ship and also at the destinations you travel to. Ask the front desk for their recommendations of things to do in the area that are low cost. Many places offer walking tours at no cost, which are a great way to explore the area while getting some exercise. You may even be able to find museums that offer free or reduced admission days, which allow the savings to add up quickly during your stay if you plan on visiting multiple museums. If you're traveling with children, be sure to ask what reduced or free options there are available for them as well, as most places have discounts for the kiddos.
8. Skip the Internet Package
Internet on cruises is really expensive, liek crazy expensive sometimes around $25 per day or more. But if you can be patient and wait till you arrival in ports, you can usually get internet for free.
Hopefully our tips will help you save hundreds of dollars on your next cruise. If you have any recommendations we have missed off our list let us know in the comments section below.
