What No One Tells You Before Booking Your First Cruise – How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

So, you’re thinking about booking your first cruise? Honestly, you’re going to love it – but there’s a lot they don’t tell you before you hop on board. 

Cruising is amazing, with all the luxury, adventures, and endless food, but there are definitely some things you’ll want to know ahead of time. Trust me, a few smart tips can help you get way more out of your trip without draining your wallet.

Here are 12 things I really wish I’d known before booking my first cruise – and how you can make the most of every penny.

1. All-Inclusive? Not Exactly!

So, here’s the thing – when a cruise is advertised as ‘all-inclusive’, don’t automatically think everything is truly covered. ‘All’ can be a bit of a stretch. You’ll often find there are still bits you need to pay for.

Ultra-luxury cruises are a bit better with inclusivity, but even then, you might find that not every speciality restaurant or excursion is in the package. And the more mainstream ‘all-inclusive’ deals? They might cover some alcoholic drinks but leave out others, and you could still end up paying for gratuities. Moral of the story? Always double-check what’s actually included.

And before you add on the drink package, do the math to make sure it’s actually a good deal.

2. Pick Your Cabin Wisely!

When you’re booking your cruise, you’ll get to choose from different cabin types – like Inside cabins, Balcony cabins, and Suites. That part’s pretty standard. But here’s what the cruise lines don’t advertise too loudly – not all rooms are created equal. Some are much better than others, and they’d rather not talk about the less desirable ones.

If you get to pick your cabin, do it carefully. Take a look at the ship’s deck plans and avoid rooms that are a long hike from the elevators or right above or below the theatre or nightclub. Trust me, rooms under the pool deck can be noisy first thing in the morning! Ideally, aim for a cabin with other cabins above and below it to avoid noise, but always keep an eye out for any other sneaky drawbacks.

3. Are Upgrade Packages Worth It? Sometimes, Not So Much…

Cruise lines love to tempt you with upgrade packages and different fare options, but they’re not always the best value. It’s worth doing your homework – check what’s included, price out each perk separately, and think about how much you’ll actually use them.

For example, P&O Cruises has a basic Saver rate, or you can go for the Select fare, which might include perks like onboard credit, parking in Southampton, or coach travel to the port – plus, you get to choose your cabin. But if you’re not fussed about those extras, the Saver fare can offer better value.

On the flip side, packages like Princess Plus or Princess Premier often work out cheaper than buying each perk individually. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here – it really depends on what you want, so weigh it up carefully!

4. When to Book for the Best Cruise Deals

If you want to get the best price on a cruise, booking as early as you can is usually the way to go. Prices tend to be lowest then, though if you’re feeling adventurous (and a bit lucky), you can sometimes snag great last-minute deals. Just remember, ships can sell out quickly, especially during school holidays, so waiting can be risky.

January and February are prime times to book, too. Most cruise lines offer special deals then, making it a great window to score a bargain. There are other sales throughout the year, but January is often seen as the ‘peak’ booking season.”

5. Watch Out for Dynamic Pricing!

Just like with many holiday bookings, cruise prices don’t stay still. They’ll shift up and down throughout the year based on demand and other factors, which can be frustrating.

You might book your cruise and then spot the exact same one going for a cheaper price later. Some cruise lines offer a price guarantee, where they’ll give you onboard credit if the price drops, but you’ll need to keep an eye on prices to take advantage – and there’s often a time limit to make your claim.”

6. Think Twice About Cruise WiFi

Cruise ship WiFi packages can get pretty pricey, and accidentally leaving your mobile internet on while it connects to roaming can cost you a small fortune – definitely avoid that!

If you’re not working during your cruise and just want to check in online occasionally, it’s usually smarter (and cheaper) to wait until you’re in port. Free WiFi spots are often easy to find, and the crew usually know the best places, so don’t be afraid to ask them for tips.”

7. Save Big on Shore Excursions

When your ship docks, you’ll find loads of amazing shore excursions on offer – from cultural tours to foodie experiences and adrenaline-packed adventures. But heads up: booking through the cruise line can be pricey.

You can often find the same experiences for less through third-party providers. The risk is usually low, and you’ll likely save quite a bit compared to the cruise line’s prices. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, skip the organised excursions altogether and explore on your own – many ports even offer free shuttle buses into town.

8. Free Options Are Always Around!

Cruise ships have loads of things that can cost extra – think afternoon tea, speciality restaurants, or fancy smoothies and juices in the spa. But don’t worry, there are usually free alternatives if you want to save a bit of cash.

For example, you can grab sandwiches and cakes from the buffet to create your own afternoon tea. The Main Dining Room often offers themed nights or special dishes similar to what you’d find in a speciality restaurant. And for fresh fruits and juices, just head to the breakfast buffet or dining room. If you’re looking to keep costs low, there are plenty of clever ways to enjoy without spending extra!

9. Free Drinks? Yes, Please!

While most drinks on a cruise cost money, there are a few ways to score a free glass of bubbly. Head to events like art auctions or special spa showcases – they often offer complimentary drinks to warm you up for potential purchases. 

The catch? There isn’t one. You can enjoy your drink and walk away without buying a thing, no strings attached.

10. Wine Tip: Go Cheaper by the Bottle

If you’re a wine lover, make sure to check out the bar’s price list. It’s often more cost-effective to buy a bottle instead of individual glasses. And don’t worry if you can’t finish it – you can take the bottle back to your cabin or have the waiter save it for tomorrow night.

Just keep an eye out, though – sometimes three large glasses of wine can end up cheaper than a full bottle. Oh, and if you’ve got a drinks package, remember that bottles usually aren’t included, but glasses are.

11. Avoid Corkage Fees the Sneaky Way

Most cruise lines let you bring a bottle or two of your own wine onboard, but there’s usually a rule – you’re meant to enjoy it in your cabin. If you want to drink it at dinner, they’ll charge you a corkage fee. 

But here’s a cheeky workaround: fill up a wine glass in your room and bring it to dinner with you. The cruise staff won’t have a clue!

12. Go Ahead – Try All the Dishes!

If you’re new to cruising, this might surprise you – when dining in a complimentary spot like the Main Dining Room, you’re not limited to just one starter, main course, or dessert. Yep, you can ask for more if you’re torn between options.

Don’t worry about seeming greedy – it’s completely normal, and loads of people do it. Plus, portions are often on the smaller side, especially if the cruise caters to older guests with lighter appetites. So if you’re feeling peckish, two dishes won’t be a problem.

Just a heads-up: some cruise lines now charge a small fee if you order more than two main courses, but it’s usually not much. And, of course, try to avoid wasting food – no one wants to be the person with eyes bigger than their belly!

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