Cruise money saving hints, tips and tricks.
Hi viewers. Today we are taking you through 10 of our hints, tips and tricks to save money when cruising. You can cruise on a budget and in this video we hope to give you the ideas needed to save you some money on your next cruise. Here are out 10 tips to help you enjoy a cruise on a budget. 1. Book far in advance. Booking a cruise 12 to 24 months in advance is widely considered the best strategy for securing value, choice, and peace of mind. 2. Book last minute deals. Booking a cruise last minute—typically defined as within 90 days of departure—can offer several advantages for travellers with flexible schedules. 3. Sign up to email marketing. Signing up for cruise line emails provides exclusive access to flash sales, early booking discounts, and tailored promotions, often resulting in lower fares and extra onboard credit. Subscribers receive early alerts on new itineraries, plus exclusive member-only loyalty offers like free drinks or internet packages. 4. Play in the casino. Signing up for a cruise line casino club provides a range of benefits that scale with your level of play, from immediate onboard perks to complimentary future vacations. Most programs are free to join and automatically track your activity via your room key or Sea Pass card. 5. Book directly with the cruise line. Booking directly with a cruise line offers direct control over reservations, immediate access to real-time inventory, and direct communication for changes or issues. It is ideal for independent travellers wanting to manage bookings, last-minute deals, or, in some cases, earn loyalty status faster. It eliminates third-party intermediaries, simplifying support. 6. Book close to home. Booking a cruise that departs from a port near your home (a "close-to-home" cruise) offers several logistical and financial advantages: Significant Travel Savings: You can eliminate or drastically reduce the high costs associated with airfare, which is often one of the most expensive components of a cruise vacation. Reduced Logistical Stress: Flying to a cruise port often requires arriving a day early to account for potential flight delays or cancellations. Starting your trip from a local port allows you to bypass airport security lines, baggage limits, and the risk of lost luggage. Faster "Vacation Start": Since you don't have to spend a day traveling to a distant port, your vacation essentially begins the moment you leave your house. Many travellers find that arriving at the terminal by car is a much more relaxed experience. Lower Overall Deposits: While not exclusive to close-to-home cruises, booking in advance for local sailings often allows you to secure your preferred cabin with a lower deposit and take advantage of flexible payment plans. Easier for Groups: Coordinating travel for large families or groups is much simpler when everyone can drive to the port rather than coordinating multiple flight itineraries. 7. Book as many things as you can before you sail. Booking cruise activities online before sailing saves money (often 20–50% on Wi-Fi and packages), secures spots on popular shore excursions, and reduces stress. Pre-booking allows you to plan your itinerary, avoid long lines on board, and guarantees the cruise ship waits if a pre-booked excursion is delayed. 8. Book an interior room. Booking an interior cruise cabin provides maximum value, saving hundreds of dollars compared to balcony rooms by offering a windowless, quiet space ideal for sleeping. These rooms are perfect for travellers who prioritize port activities over in-room time, offering complete darkness for deep sleep, cooler temperatures, and fewer outside noises. 9. Don't book shore tours. Not booking shore excursions through a cruise line can provide several advantages, ranging from financial savings to a more personalized travel experience. 10. Drinks Packages. Drinks packages on cruises offer budget predictability, convenience, and potential cost savings, allowing passengers to pre-pay for unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, specialty coffees, and bottled water. They eliminate, at the link: "nickel-and-diming" effect, allowing for a more relaxed, all-inclusive experience. Time stamps. 00:52 Book far in advance 01:20 Book last minute deals 01:58 Sign up to email marketing 02:20 Play in the casino 02:56 Book Directly 03:46 Book cruises close to home 04:30 Book things online before you sail 05:57 Book an interior cabin 07:07 Don't book shore tours 08:51 Drinks packages 11:08 Bloopers #holiday #cruise #travel #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise