Ways to Save on Cruise Excursions and Onboard Expenses

Published:

Updated:

Shore Excursions - Worldwide Cruise Excursions - Best Price Guarantee

Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Are you tired of breaking the bank on cruise excursions and onboard expenses?

Planning Ahead Can Save You Money

When it comes to cruising, one of the biggest expenses is often the cost of excursions and onboard activities. However, with a little planning and research, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your next cruise. From booking excursions in advance to taking advantage of onboard discounts, there are several ways to cut costs without sacrificing the fun.

Booking Excursions in Advance

One of the easiest ways to save money on excursions is to book them in advance. Many cruise lines offer discounts for early bookings, and some even offer bundle deals or package discounts. By booking your excursions early, you can often save up to 20% or more compared to booking onboard.

Here are some popular cruise lines that offer early booking discounts:

Cruise LineDiscount Amount
Royal CaribbeanUp to 20% off
Carnival Cruise LineUp to 15% off
Norwegian Cruise LineUp to 10% off

Researching Independent Excursion Providers

Another way to save money on excursions is to research independent providers. While cruise lines often offer a range of excursions, they can be pricey. By researching independent providers, you can often find similar excursions at a fraction of the cost.

For example, a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas might cost $100 per person through the cruise line, but an independent provider might offer a similar excursion for $60 per person. Just be sure to research the provider thoroughly and read reviews from other customers to ensure you’re getting a quality experience.

Taking Advantage of Onboard Discounts

In addition to saving money on excursions, there are several ways to cut costs onboard. From discounts on drinks and dining to savings on spa treatments and Wi-Fi, there are plenty of ways to save without sacrificing the fun.

Drinks Packages

One of the biggest expenses onboard can be drinks. Whether you’re a wine lover or a cocktail enthusiast, the cost of drinks can add up quickly. However, many cruise lines offer drinks packages that can help you save money.

Here are some popular drinks packages and their costs:

Cruise LineDrinks PackageCost Per Day
Royal CaribbeanDeluxe Beverage Package$60 per person
Carnival Cruise LineCHEERS! Beverage Program$50 per person
Norwegian Cruise LinePremium Beverage Package$65 per person

Wi-Fi Packages

Staying connected at sea can be expensive, but many cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages that can help you save money. Whether you need to stay in touch with family and friends or simply want to stay connected for work, a Wi-Fi package can be a cost-effective option.

Here are some popular Wi-Fi packages and their costs:

Cruise LineWi-Fi PackageCost Per Day
Royal CaribbeanVoom Surf + Stream$25 per device
Carnival Cruise LineSocial Wi-Fi$15 per device
Norwegian Cruise LineUnlimited Wi-Fi$30 per device

Spa Treatments

Finally, spa treatments can be another area where you can save money onboard. Many cruise lines offer discounts on spa treatments, especially during port days or on shorter cruises.

Here are some popular spa treatments and their costs:

Cruise LineSpa TreatmentCost
Royal Caribbean50-Minute Massage$120 per person
Carnival Cruise Line50-Minute Facial$100 per person
Norwegian Cruise Line50-Minute Body Treatment$140 per person

Other Ways to Save

In addition to booking excursions in advance and taking advantage of onboard discounts, there are several other ways to save money on your cruise.

Budgeting for Gratuities

One of the biggest expenses onboard can be gratuities. However, by budgeting for them in advance, you can avoid surprise bills at the end of your cruise. Many cruise lines offer a daily gratuity charge, which can range from $12 to $15 per person per day.

Seeking Out Free Activities

Finally, there are plenty of free activities onboard that can help you save money. From fitness classes and live music to trivia contests and game shows, there’s always something to do without breaking the bank.

Here are some popular free activities onboard:

ActivityDescription
Fitness ClassesYoga, Pilates, and more
Live MusicBands, duos, and solo performers
Trivia ContestsTest your knowledge and win prizes
Game ShowsParticipate in live game shows

Conclusion

Cruising can be a cost-effective way to see the world, but it’s up to you to be mindful of your expenses. By booking excursions in advance, taking advantage of onboard discounts, and budgeting for gratuities, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your next cruise. So why wait? Start planning your cruise today and take advantage of these cost-saving tips!

Meta description suggestion: “Save money on your next cruise with these 6 expert tips on booking excursions, taking advantage of onboard discounts, and budgeting for gratuities. Get ready to set sail without breaking the bank!”