Here are 8 budget-friendly strategies I utilized on my most recent cruising adventure:

I’m a budget cruiser. Here are 8 easy strategies I used on my recent …

Setting the Stage

One of the best ways to indulge in a vacation is by embarking on a cruise, but these can often be heavy on the pocket. But don’t worry – being a budget conscious traveler doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your cruise experience! I recently enjoyed an amazing journey without breaking my bank and I am going to share all my cruiser strategies that might help you too.

Being on a budget taught me how to make smarter choices and find value-for-money deals every step of the way. It opened up new possibilities and gave me a chance to think outside the box! Therefore, having a limited budget doesn’t necessarily translate into a limited experience.

So, drop your concerns about money because what follows are eight easy strategies I used during my recent cruise that not only helped me stick to my budget but also allowed me to get the most out of my journey!

Believe it or not – I managed to snag a luxury cabin at the price of an economy one!

Now imagine this: cruising under starry skies, dinner at a top-rated restaurant, a stunning sea-view room, all within your budget. Sounds impossible, right? Here’s how I did it:

• I booked during off-peak times when prices were significantly lower.
• I scouted for early bird specials and last-minute offers.
• I bundled accommodation, meals and entertainment into a package deal to save extra dollars.
• I compared deals from different booking sites before settling on the most cost-effective option.
• I intentionally overlooked those enticing (and costly) optional excursions.
• I made use of onboard facilities as a free source of entertainment.

Knowing the Game

Knowledge is power, especially when looking to cut costs. Understanding everything there is to know about your cruise can lead to significant savings. That’s why my second strategy is a no-brainer: research, research, and research some more!

You’d be surprised at how many hidden costs there are just waiting to add up and inflate your budget.

And so, I dug – into the nitty-gritty of cruise booking, fees, port taxes, gratuities, dining charges, onboard activities cost and what not!

Every dollar saved was a dollar earned.

Let’s take a simple scenario: You’ve booked a cruise trip without realizing that gratuities aren’t included. Upon checking, they happen to be $15 per day (Ouch!). Say you’re on a 7-day cruise. You would end up paying an extra $105 which could have been avoided with a little bit of investigation.

• I always checked whether gratuities were included in the package or if they were an additional expense.
• I refrained from using ship Wi-Fi as it tends to be pricey.
• I opted for a drink package as it proved cheaper compared to purchasing individual drinks.
• I discovered that having breakfast delivered to my room didn’t cost anything extra.
• I watched for discounts on onboard services during days when the ship was docked.
• I understood the tipping culture of the destination beforehand to avoid over-tipping.

Dining Cheap Yet Chic

Choosing where and what to eat on the cruise might seem trivial, but trust me, it’s not. In fact, dining fees made up a substantial chunk of my expenses. However, I managed to keep this part of my budget under control without compromising on quality!

How did I achieve this seemingly impossible task, you ask?

For starters, taking advantage of all the complimentary meals provided by the cruise was one thing. After all, who doesn’t love free food? Apart from this, I kept my eyes peeled for dining deals throughout the journey.

The goal wasn’t just to eat cheap, but to dine smart.

Consider this: a buffet style breakfast and a pizza dinner or a tucked-away restaurant onboard offering a meal deal. Not only is it economical, but it’s also satisfying!

• I always filled up on complimentary meals and snacks available throughout the day.
• I chose buffets instead of à la carte to get more variety for less money.
• I acclimated myself with the ship’s layout early on to easily locate all dining venues.
• I booked specialty restaurants in advance to make use of any discounts or promotional offers.
• I limited my soft drink and alcoholic beverage consumption as they can quickly rack up a hefty bill.
• I opted for shareable dishes during group meals to reel in extra savings.

Planning Ahead

My fourth strategy was straightforward: the better planned I was, the lighter on my pocket the trip would be! Little changes done beforehand, like packing smart, opting for reusable water bottles, bringing along essentials that are steeply priced onboard can save a whole lot of unnecessary spending.

I realized that many of my fellow travelers were shelling out big bucks for basics that could’ve been brought from home.

It’s always costly or inconvenient (or both!) to buy onboard what you can bring from home.

Visualize this: Why pay $5 for a small bottle of water when you can fill up your reusable bottle for free at the ship’s hydration station?

• Packing sufficiently allowed me to avoid pricey clothes shopping at the ship’s boutique.
• Bringing my own medications saved me from traveling to a local pharmacy or needing onboard medical attention.
• I planned my onshore activities in advance to avoid overpriced shore excursions from the ship’s crew.
• I packed two types of outfits: casual attire for daytime and formal attire for evenings, eliminating the need for renting expensive clothes.
• Carrying travel-size toiletries saved luggage space and a trip to the onboard mini mart.
• I brought my own reusable water bottle and coffee mug to limit purchasing expensive beverages.

Exploring On a Shoestring

Moving on to the next strategy – making the most of your time while the ship is docked. Ashore excursions can be quite costly but with some planning and initiative, you can create your own memorable and affordable adventures!

Renting a bike or just walking around the town can prove much more economical than those touristy guided bus tours.

If it’s accessible, why not take the journey less traveled?

Imagine being able to explore a new city on your own, stopping at hidden gems off-the-beaten-path that aren’t included in your typical tourist routes.

• I frequently opted for cheaper public transportation, like buses or trams, to get around.
• Walking tours, biking, or simply exploring on foot allowed me to absorb the culture without hurting my pocket.
• I stopped by local eateries instead of upscale tourist traps to experience authentic local food at reasonable prices.
• Educating myself about the destination beforehand saved me from falling for common tourist scams.
• In certain places, I split taxi fares with fellow travelers to cut down on costs.
• I tried to visit attractions during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds and higher entry fees.

Bonding Over Budget Entertainment

There’s plenty of cost-effective entertainment available onboard if you’re willing to look! Organized activities, complimentary onboard facilities, and fun DIY games are just some of the many things you can enjoy without burning a hole in your wallet.

I discovered that free entertainment is often the most enjoyable.

Picture this: You’re sitting poolside reading a thriller or playing cards with newly-made friends on deck while sailing into the sunset. Doesn’t sound too bad for zero dollars, does it?

• I always kept an eye out for organized onboard activities like movie nights or dance lessons.
• Reading books by the pool or playing games on deck served as enjoyable means of free time pass.
• Accessing the ship’s athletic resources or fitness center didn’t cost anything extra.
• Taking part in onboard contests could mean valuable prizes (or at least a good laugh).
• Cashing in on complimentary seminars or workshops proved to be both educational and entertaining.
• Catching sunsets/sunrises from the open deck became a daily (and economical) ritual.

Purchasing with Purpose

My penultimate strategy was being a wise shopper. The variety of duty-free goodies and exclusive products available aboard cruise liners can be tempting but spending wisely is the key.

All I needed to remember was that ‘want’ isn’t equivalent to ‘need’.

For instance, opting for a luxury brand perfume in a duty-free shop might not be necessary if a similar scent can be purchased back home at a more reasonable price.

• I set a daily spending limit in order to easily track my expenses.
• Shopping on the last day of the cruise can score better deals as many boutiques put items on sale.
• I stayed away from novelty items or branded merchandise that will only gather dust once home.
• Bargaining when onshore shopping saved me a lot of money in countries where haggling is a norm.
• I used cash instead of my credit card to avoid international usage fees.
• Instead of pricey souvenirs, I opted for local crafts or food items which are often cheaper and more authentic.

Rallying Resources

The final strategy involved pooling resources with fellow passengers or forming groups for shared benefits. Be it teaming up for shore excursions or dining together, going as a group often paves the way for added perks.

It’s surprising how helpful combining resources can be!

For example, striking a deal with a local tour operator for a party of six turned out much cheaper per person than if arranged separately.

• Group discounts were readily available for many activities, both onboard and ashore.
• Teaming up for shore excursions proved much more cost-effective.
• Sharing specialty meals together divided the cost and offered a fun social experience.
• Scheduling our onboard spa visits during port days earned us significant discounts.
• We pooled resources to rent equipment like snorkeling gear or bicycles when exploring ashore.
• Getting a table together at pay-per-drinks parties resulted in split bills and more revelry.

In Summary

Here is a handy summary:

In conclusion, maintaining a budget on a cruise doesn’t mean you miss out on the fun. All it requires is smart planning, informed decisions, and a willingness to engage in economic alternatives. So, go ahead, plan your dream cruise and remember – a penny saved is a penny earned!