Do you have any tips for saving money on a cruise?

Question

Do you also know any good websites, books, DVD's that would be helpful for getting the most out of a cruise?

Answer 1

there is a very good site for cruise travel

http://www.cruisevisit.com

Answer 2

I have been on 8 cruises so I do have some tips for saving money. First, be careful how much you drink. That adds up faster then you think. I try to have one cocktail a night and wine with the formal dinner. Forget about buying many pictures. They are expensive, but if you must, just buy one. Be very careful which shore excursions you buy from the ship. Pick your favorite, but forget about ones like a bus tour or a shopping trip. You can do this on your own as long as you are very careful to get back on the ship on time. Every cruise I have been on, I have seen people miss getting back on the ship on time.Watch your Internet usage on the ship. This is another thing that adds up. Also the ships have many stores where you can shop on board.Spend very little on the ship. If you like to drink soda's or other drinks that you must pay for, I have seen people bring back on the ship from a port, like a 6 pack of coke or other non alcoholic drinks. Lots of people also like to keep their receipts and add them up as they go so they know what to expect. Lastly, your tips will come on your bill automatically, so plan on $10 a day per person. One great deal on board ship is the art auctions if that is your thing. The prices are great, but if you plan on buying art, be prepared for that.

Answer 3

http://cruises.cheapcaribbean.com/index....

At the bottom are helpful links for cruisers!

Have fun!

Answer 4

1. Decide what's important to you.  Some people insist on having a balcony.  Other people are happy in a cabin with no window, and save a lot.  Similarly, some people want a small ship (always pricey), and others are happy in a resort-sized setting.  

2. Cruise in the off-season.  Avoid summer and school vacations because all the families drive up prices.  October, November, February and March are generally the best.

3. Skip the internet.  It's over a satellite connection, so it's super-expensive.  I know people who spent more getting online -- at 75c a minute -- than they spent on booze.  

4. Watch your alcohol consumption.  It's not any more expensive than at a restaurant on land, but it's easy to go nuts and get a big shock at the end.

5. Shop around for a good price.  Carnival may have a flat pricing policy, but most cruise lines don't, so internet discounters will sometimes give you a better deal.

6. Read the daily program.  It'll be in your cabin when you arrive, and delivered each morning.  It tells you what's going on.  You don't have to do anything, but it's always good to know your options.  =)

For more info, check out ...

How to Choose a Cruise

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/ch...

and How & When to Buy a Cruise:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/bu...

You might also want to read up on what costs are and aren't included:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/in...

Hope that helps!

Answer 5

no, but I have gone on two, so I can speak from experience.

To get the most out of ur cruise, take part in the activities that are offered. I once jokingly took a napkin folding class and it was actually lots of fun!!  Go to the shows etc, they are free!

Watch what u are drinking as that is what u pay for and it adds up quicker than u think. You don't get a statement until half way through ur trip and using the "credit card" they give u is WAY too easy. Watch what u spend in photo's they take of u...they add up too!, u can use ur own camera!

If u get sea sick (unlikely) then u can go to the perser(sorry about spelling) and they give sea sickness meds. and crackers for free.

Take the earlier seating for dinner. This way u can always eat off the ship or elsewhere if u want...and u have lots of room in ur belly for the midnight buffets which are amazing!!!!  Make sure u go!

Answer 6

Talk (phone or email) with a CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor.

Buy Early.

Short cruises will be more expensive per day than longer cruises.

What ever you do, Don't go CHEAP!  Go for VALUE.  Look for the cruise line and itinerary that best suite you, then look for the best price on that cruise.

Answer 7

Check the cruise price on 5 web sites and also call a local travel agent. Don't book on an automated web site and if you want the best deals don't book direct with a cruise line.

Only 10% of all cruises are booked direct.

You will get amenities from travel agents like shipcredit or pre-paid gratuties.

Good luck!

Answer 8

CruiseCritic.com has a board called "Money Saving Tips".  Click on "Boards" at the top of the page, then go to that board.

Also, check your library for books on cruising.