How to Save Money on a Cruise Vacation

Woot! You’re going on a cruise! You spent a bundle on the package, but it includes everything you need, right? Not so fast. Once you’re on the ship, you’re captive to the goods and services offered—many of them at a premium. But there are still ways to save.

We asked some seriously experienced cruisers to share their tips on how to save before you set sail and what to avoid once you’re on board.

BEFORE YOU GO

Book either way in advance or last minute

“Booking nine months to a year [in advance] will net you some great deals,” says Cynthia Drake, author of Budget Travel for the Genius ($27.95 at For the Genius Press).

Or, says David Bakke, a travel expert at Money Crashers, book last minute. “Many cruise line websites, such as Cruise Critic, have a section where you can book last-minute cruises for cheaper,” Bakke says. “Although you’ll need to be able to travel usually within one month or less.” Be aware that during “wave season,” from January to March, cruise lines typically offer their best sales.

Pro tip: Unlike with air travel, using a travel agent is beneficial. “An agent has
 access to discounts and perks like complimentary Champagne or chocolate-covered strawberries in your room,” Drake says. “And he or she can also monitor fares in
 case prices drop and should be able to get you further discounts if they 
are announced by the cruise line.”

Park for free or cheap

Barbara Barns, a Muskegon, Michigan, resident who has gone on more than 25 cruises, says you should pay for a night in a nearby hotel that will let you park while you’re gone. “This can save up to $20 a day in parking fees depending on the port.”

Pro tip: Hotels won’t just save you on parking. Barns says that some even offer a free or cheaper shuttle service to the port along with free breakfast.

ONCE YOU’RE ON BOARD

BYOB

Yes, you’re classy like that. Once aboard, booze comes at a premium, but in many cases, you can bring your own, says Christine Hardenberger, the owner of MMP Travel, a full-service travel agency that specializes in cruises. Some lines allow you to bring your own alcohol.“Most guests don’t realize that all the most popular cruise lines—Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival—all allow 
you to bring [some] alcohol on board, typically on the day of embarkation,” Hardenberger says. “No, you don’t
 have to sneak it in shampoo bottles! The amount and type of alcohol varies
 from cruise line to cruise line, but many allow it.”

Pro tip: If you bring a bottle of wine to the dining room, you can expect to pay a corkage fee, but that’s still probably less expensive than buying the bottle there. If you want to bring liquor on board, just be sure to check your cruise line’s policy before trying to board with your liter of Stoli.

Bring Your Own Everything

If you can think of something you might need, take it with you. That includes things like soda and bottled water because the cruise will charge you for almost everything. “Make sure you prepare a survival kit,” says Glenda Oakley, a self-described fanatical cruiser from San Antonio, Texas, “so you
 don’t have to pay a premium for something you forgot or need like 
sunscreen, allergy medications, motion sickness pills, aspirin and even 
upset-stomach remedies.”

Pro tip: If you’re going to take advantage of snorkeling lessons and the like, bringing your own gear, which is expensive to rent, is also advised. You can also save big by booking your own excursions.

Gamble! Yes, gamble!

Oakley says she’s gotten free cruises this very way. “If you gamble,” she reveals, “always turn in 
your room key to the table host or the slot machine. You get points. And
 like major casinos, they will track the amount of time/money you are
 spending/losing. You may be rewarded at the end of your stay with a comeback cruise offer.”

Pro tip: If you’re given a free cruise for gambling, know that most of the trips offered match the duration of the cruise you’re on and give a wide span of travel time. Most food onboard is included, so you can eat your fill for free.However, some require you to take the trip within two months from the date of issue—you might want to pass on those.

Eat on board

This may seem obvious, but since food on the boat is included, you should eat it. While you might like to sample the local victuals at the ports, Ian Aronovich, an avid traveler who often has his family in tow, says you should do otherwise. “We also take some snacks from the cafeteria, such as 
bagels, rolls and sandwiches, with us when we go on tours at every port,” Aronovich says. “So we don’t have to spend lots of additional money on food.”

Pro tip: If you want to eat at one of the specialty restaurants, book before you get on board and save cash, from 25 to 40 percent. For instance, Royal Caribbean discount dining packages will save you up to 30 percent and give you credits to use on food and other services.

Don’t pay for Wi-Fi

You’ll likely suffer from Internet withdrawal, but part of being on vacation is freedom from the demands of the world. Skip the cruise ship’s Wi-Fi, Bakke says, as it’s expensive, up to $1 a minute.

Pro tip: Use onshore Internet cafes instead.Have fun taking your own photos while on the ship.

Take your own pictures

This should be self-evident, but you have an iPhone or camera phone for a reason. Don’t fork over the cash to have an official cruise photo. “Professionally staged photos on the ship can add up,” Oakley says.

Pro tip: Chances are good that you’ll end up liking your own candids much better anyway—and not just because they were free.