Let’s face it—cruising is one of the best ways to travel, but it’s not always easy on the wallet. With rising prices and the temptation of onboard extras, it’s all too easy to blow your budget before you’ve even set sail. But don’t worry! Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, there are plenty of clever ways to save money without sacrificing the fun.
From scoring the best deals on cabins to finding budget-friendly excursions, these tips will help you stretch your cruise budget further than ever before. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to cruising smart and saving big
1. Know When to Book
Timing your booking can make a huge difference to your cruise budget, and one of the best opportunities to save is during wave season. Never heard of it? It’s the cruise industry’s version of January sales, running from late December to mid February. This is when cruise lines roll out their most tempting promotions—think reduced fares, free cabin upgrades, onboard credit, and even perks like reduced deposits.
Why this time of year? After the festive season, people start daydreaming about their next holiday, and cruise lines are keen to fill their ships for the months ahead. Booking during wave season not only helps you save money but also means you’ll have a wider choice of cabins and itineraries. Want a balcony with the perfect view or a room in that ideal mid-ship location? Acting early during this prime booking window could secure it for you.
If you’re not booking during wave season, consider two other approaches. One is to book far in advance, as prices are often at their lowest when cruises are first released (usually 18-24 months out). This gives you the added advantage of flexible payment plans. The other option is to wait for last-minute deals, typically within 90 days of sailing, when cruise lines drop prices to fill unsold cabins.
Whichever strategy you choose, be prepared to act fast—popular cabins and itineraries are snapped up quickly. And don’t forget to read the fine print on any offers during wave season to ensure you’re getting true value for your money.
2. Know When to Sail
Timing your cruise not just by when you book, but when you sail, can save you a significant amount of money. Peak travel seasons tend to drive up prices as demand soars, so avoiding these busy times is a smart way to stretch your budget. For most destinations, shoulder seasons—those quieter months just before or after peak season—offer lower fares, smaller crowds, and often better deals on excursions and activities.
For example, if you’re dreaming of an Alaska cruise, consider sailing in May or September. These months fall outside the peak summer window of June to August but still provide stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Similarly, the Caribbean is much more affordable from September to early December, outside the busy holiday season.
Heading to the Mediterranean? Look at April, May, or September to October. The weather is still warm, but you’ll dodge the summer tourist crush. Plus, sailing during these shoulder months often means fewer families onboard, as school holidays typically drive up demand. By planning your cruise around these off-peak periods, you can save money while still enjoying an incredible experience.
3. Monitor Prices After You Book
One of the easiest ways to save money on a cruise is by keeping an eye on prices even after you’ve booked. Cruise fares can fluctuate, and if the price of your cruise drops before your final payment is due, you might be able to snag a better deal. Many cruise lines allow you to adjust your booking to reflect the lower fare or offer onboard credit for the price difference, so it’s worth monitoring.
Set a reminder to check prices weekly or monthly on the cruise line’s website or use tools like CruiseLine.com, which can notify you of price drops via email. Some travel agents even offer price monitoring as part of their service, so they can make the adjustments for you.
4. Find a Family Cruise with Free Child Places
If you’re cruising with kids, nothing beats the magic words: “Kids sail free.” This is one of my absolute favourite cruise promotions, as it can save you a small fortune. Children on cruises are often charged nearly the same fare as adults, so if you can snag a free child place, you could slash your family holiday costs nearly in half!
Cruise lines that have offered this deal include P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Ambassador Cruise Line. However, these promotions aren’t available year-round, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on their websites and newsletters to catch them. Kids-sail-free deals are often tied to term-time cruises, as cruise lines don’t have any trouble filling their kids’ clubs during school holidays.
That said, don’t assume it’s impossible to find these deals during peak travel times. With a bit of persistence and good timing, I’ve managed to book free child places on school holiday cruises, including an unforgettable Easter cruise on P&O’s Britannia.
The key is to act fast when you spot these deals—they’re incredibly popular and tend to sell out quickly. If you’re flexible with dates and ready to book when the promotion pops up, your family cruise dreams might just become a lot more affordable!
5. Work With a Travel Agent
If you’re looking to save money and reduce stress, a travel agent might just be your secret weapon. Most agents don’t charge booking fees, and they can often secure exclusive discounts, group rates, or perks like onboard credit that you wouldn’t get booking directly. Their industry knowledge also helps them match you with the best promotions and itineraries to suit your budget and preferences.
One of the biggest benefits of using a travel agent is their ability to monitor prices after you book. If the fare drops before your final payment, they can adjust your booking to reflect the new price or secure onboard credit for you. Essentially, they do all the legwork, leaving you to focus on planning your holiday wardrobe and dreaming of life at sea. For cruisers who want maximum value with minimal effort, a travel agent is a no-brainer.
6. Book a Repositioning Cruise
Repositioning cruises are one of the best-kept secrets for budget-savvy travellers. These cruises occur when ships need to relocate from one region to another—for example, from the Caribbean to Europe in the spring or vice versa in the autumn. Since these itineraries often involve fewer ports of call and more days at sea, they tend to be much cheaper than regular cruises.
While you might miss out on a packed schedule of destinations, repositioning cruises offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities and activities at a more relaxed pace. They’re perfect for those who love sea days or want a more affordable way to cross the Atlantic or Pacific.
Just be aware that one-way flights may be required to get to or from the ship, so factor that into your budget. If you’re flexible with dates and destinations, a repositioning cruise can be an incredible way to save money.
I’ve been on a couple of these repositioning cruises and had some great bargains. You can read about my experiences here: I Sailed on Queen Anne’s Cheapest Cruise—Here’s What Surprised Me the Most and I Tried One of the Cheapest MSC Euribia Cruises – Here’s What Happened.
7. Book an Inside Cabin
If you’re not planning to spend much time in your stateroom, an inside cabin can be a fantastic way to save money. These budget-friendly options are typically the most affordable on the ship, offering all the same basic amenities as more expensive cabins, like comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and access to the ship’s facilities. While they lack windows or balconies, they’re perfect for cruisers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or enjoying excursions.
The cost difference can be significant, often saving you hundreds—or even thousands—compared to ocean-view or balcony cabins. Some cruise lines even offer virtual portholes or smart TVs in inside cabins to make the space feel less enclosed.
8. Consider Guarantee Cabins
If you’re not too fussy about the location of your cabin, booking a guarantee cabin can save you a significant amount of money. With this option, you choose the cabin category—such as inside, ocean-view, or balcony—but leave it up to the cruise line to assign your specific room. While you won’t know your exact cabin until closer to departure, this is often the most affordable way to secure a spot in your preferred category.
The downside is that you might end up in a less desirable location, such as near a noisy area like the engine room or under the pool deck. However, there’s always a chance you could get lucky and score an upgrade or a better location than expected. If saving money is your priority and you’re flexible, a guarantee cabin is a risk worth taking!
9. Bid for Cabin Upgrades
Want to enjoy a more luxurious cabin without paying full price? Many cruise lines now offer the option to bid for a cabin upgrade. After you’ve booked your cruise, you may receive an invitation to participate in a bidding programme where you can name your price for a higher cabin category, such as upgrading from an inside cabin to an ocean-view or balcony stateroom.
While there’s no guarantee you’ll win, this can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your cruise experience if your bid is successful. The key is to bid strategically—don’t overbid to the point where it would’ve been cheaper to book the upgrade outright, but don’t bid so low that your offer is overlooked.
Remember, you won’t be able to pick your cabin location with this option, so weigh the potential savings against the risk of ending up in a less ideal spot.
10. Sail From a Local Port
If you’re lucky enough to live near a cruise port, you can save a significant amount of money by driving instead of flying to your embarkation point. Airfare can often be one of the biggest expenses of a cruise holiday, so eliminating that cost is a huge win for your budget.
Additionally, many hotels near cruise ports offer park-and-cruise packages, which include parking for the duration of your trip and a shuttle to the terminal—perfect for added convenience and savings.
However, this option isn’t available to everyone, depending on where you live. If you’re far from a major port, you might need to factor in flight costs, but you can still look for deals on flights or consider repositioning cruises that start or end closer to home.
11. Choose Older or Smaller Ships
While new mega-ships with all the latest bells and whistles are tempting, don’t overlook older or smaller ships in the fleet. These vessels often come with significantly lower price tags while still delivering excellent service, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of onboard activities.
They may not have the newest water slides or virtual reality experiences, but they make up for it with a more intimate atmosphere and better crew-to-passenger ratios, meaning more personalised service.
Older and smaller ships also tend to visit smaller, less crowded ports that the larger ships can’t access, giving you a chance to explore unique destinations. Plus, they’re often perfect for travellers who prefer a more traditional cruising experience without the hustle and bustle of larger ships. If your priority is value for money and a relaxing holiday, opting for one of these ships can be a fantastic choice.
Related Reading: 7 Things to Consider When Cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Older Ships
12. Book Independent Excursions or Explore on Your Own
Booking shore excursions directly with the cruise line might feel like the easiest option, but let’s be honest—it’s often overpriced and can feel a bit like being herded around in a big group.
One of my favourite ways to enjoy a port day is to skip the organised tours altogether and explore on my own. With a little research before you arrive, you can plan your own adventure that’s tailored to your interests—and often at a fraction of the cost.
There are plenty of options to consider. You can book independent tours through platforms like Viator or Shore Excursions Group, which often provide smaller groups and more personalised experiences. Or, you might decide to just wing it and soak up the local culture at your own pace.
Either way, it’s important to do your homework beforehand to make sure you know how to get back to the ship on time (and maybe leave a little buffer, just in case!). Exploring independently not only saves you money but also gives you the freedom to create your own unforgettable port-day experience.
13. Book Your Next Cruise While Onboard
If you’re already having an amazing time on your cruise, why not lock in your next adventure while you’re still at sea? Most cruise lines offer exclusive deals to passengers who book their next trip onboard. These perks often include reduced deposits, onboard credit, or discounted fares—benefits that can save you money and make planning your next holiday even easier.
The best part? You don’t have to commit to specific dates or itineraries right away. Many lines let you book an open-ended placeholder, giving you time to decide later while still securing the onboard offer.
Plus, if you work with a travel agent, you can often transfer the booking to them for added perks or assistance. Booking onboard is a hassle-free way to save money and keep your cruising plans rolling!
14. Take Advantage of Status Matching
If you’re already part of a loyalty programme with a cruise line or hotel, you could unlock extra perks by taking advantage of status matching. When I went on MSC for the first time, I submitted my Royal Caribbean Diamond status, and they matched it—no questions asked. This meant I got a few brilliant perks, including a free spa session, which was amazing!
The process was so simple. I just sent proof of my status to MSC before the cruise, and they took care of the rest. Not all cruise lines offer status matching, but if you’re thinking of trying a new one, it’s definitely worth checking. It’s such a fantastic way to get more value and make the most of your loyalty without having to start from scratch. Who doesn’t love extra perks for free?
15. Use Cruise Line Credit Cards
If you’re a frequent cruiser, signing up for a cruise line credit card can be a smart way to save money and earn rewards. Many of these cards come with enticing sign-up bonuses, such as onboard credit, free drinks packages, or discounts on future cruises. Plus, you’ll earn points for every pound you spend, which can be redeemed for perks like cabin upgrades, speciality dining, or even your next cruise fare.
Before applying, it’s important to check the terms and conditions to make sure the card aligns with your spending habits. If you’re someone who pays off your balance in full each month, the rewards can really add up. For example, some cards offer double or triple points for purchases made with the cruise line, letting you earn rewards faster.
Just keep in mind that these cards are most valuable for loyal cruisers who sail regularly with the same brand. If that sounds like you, it might be worth considering!
16. Pack Smart
Packing smartly for your cruise can save you money—and a lot of unnecessary stress. Cruise ships tend to charge a premium for everyday essentials like toiletries, sunscreen, and medications, so it’s worth double-checking that you’ve got everything you might need before you leave. I always make a list ahead of time to avoid those pricey onboard purchases.
Another tip? Pack light if your cruise line offers free or affordable laundry facilities. This means fewer checked bag fees if you’re flying to the port, and you’ll still have plenty of fresh clothes for your trip.
If you’re planning any DIY excursions, bringing your own snorkelling gear, beach towels, or even reusable water bottles can save you from rental costs and make your days ashore easier.
17. Be a Cruise Line Shareholder
Did you know that being a cruise line shareholder can unlock special benefits for your trips? If you own at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation (stock ticker: CCL), you’re entitled to onboard credit for every cruise you take with any of the cruise lines under the Carnival umbrella. This isn’t a one-time perk—it’s available for every cruise as long as you hold your shares.
The amount of onboard credit you receive depends on the length of your cruise. For example, you’ll get $250 for cruises of 14 days or longer, $100 for cruises of 7-13 days, and $50 for cruises of 6 days or fewer.
These benefits apply across Carnival’s brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Holland America Line, and even selected Cunard and Costa sailings. For cruises that operate in currencies other than US dollars, the credit is adjusted to match the local currency.
If you’re a frequent cruiser, this can be a fantastic way to add value to your trips. The onboard credit can be spent on drinks, excursions, spa treatments, or even speciality dining. However, keep in mind that if you decide to sell your shares, you’ll lose the benefit. If cruising regularly is part of your lifestyle, being a shareholder could be a savvy investment that pays you back in onboard perks!
18. Make the Most of the Cruise Casino
Cruise ship casinos can be a lot of fun, but they’re also a great way to score a few perks—if you know how to play your cards right (pun intended!). Many cruise lines offer loyalty programmes specifically for casino players, which can lead to rewards like free drinks, onboard credit, or even discounted or complimentary future cruises. If you enjoy a flutter, make sure to join the casino loyalty programme and use your player card every time you play.
Another tip? Look out for “casino offers” when booking your cruise. Frequent players can often score discounted fares or even free cruises if they’re part of the casino’s mailing list. Even if you’re not a high roller, spending time in the casino on your cruise can sometimes lead to small perks, like drink vouchers or entry into raffles.
Finally, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. While the idea of earning rewards is tempting, casinos are ultimately designed to make money for the cruise line. Treat it as entertainment first and any perks as a bonus! With the right approach, you can enjoy the thrill of the casino and maybe even walk away with a little extra in your pocket—or at least a free cocktail.
Related Reading: Cruisers Are Using These Casino Tricks for Free Carnival Cruises and How Playing at Royal Caribbean’s Casino Could Land You a Free Cruise
19. Bring Your Own Drinks
One of the easiest ways to save money on a cruise is to bring your own drinks. Many cruise lines allow you to bring a small amount of alcohol, like wine or champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages onboard—just check the policy for your specific cruise line. For example, some lines allow each guest to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of soft drinks, which can save you a small fortune compared to buying drinks onboard.
If you’re a wine lover, this can be a great way to enjoy your favourite bottle during dinner without splurging on the ship’s wine list. Just be aware that corkage fees may apply if you drink it in the main dining room.
Even bringing a reusable water bottle is a smart move—it’ll help you avoid paying for bottled water, and you can refill it at water stations throughout the ship. A little planning before you pack can help you quench your thirst without draining your wallet!
20. Use Cruise Wi-Fi Alternatives
Staying connected while cruising can be pricey, with Wi-Fi packages often costing a small fortune. Instead, consider a few budget-friendly alternatives. If your cruise itinerary includes stops at ports, you can use mobile data or connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots ashore—many cafes, restaurants, and even tourist centres offer complimentary internet access.
Before your trip, download everything you might need, such as offline maps, music, movies, and books, so you won’t need to rely on Wi-Fi. For messaging, apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger often work with mobile data in port, saving you from purchasing a full Wi-Fi package.
Another smart option is to use the cruise line’s app. Many cruise lines offer free messaging features through their apps, allowing you to stay in touch with your travel group without paying for a full Wi-Fi package. It’s perfect for coordinating plans or keeping track of everyone onboard.
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Thanks for reading!
I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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