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 Line | Discount Amount |
---|---|
Royal Caribbean | Up to 20% off |
Carnival Cruise Line | Up to 15% off |
Norwegian Cruise Line | Up 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 Line | Drinks Package | Cost Per Day |
---|---|---|
Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | $60 per person |
Carnival Cruise Line | CHEERS! Beverage Program | $50 per person |
Norwegian Cruise Line | Premium 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 Line | Wi-Fi Package | Cost Per Day |
---|---|---|
Royal Caribbean | Voom Surf + Stream | $25 per device |
Carnival Cruise Line | Social Wi-Fi | $15 per device |
Norwegian Cruise Line | Unlimited 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 Line | Spa Treatment | Cost |
---|---|---|
Royal Caribbean | 50-Minute Massage | $120 per person |
Carnival Cruise Line | 50-Minute Facial | $100 per person |
Norwegian Cruise Line | 50-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:
Activity | Description |
---|---|
Fitness Classes | Yoga, Pilates, and more |
Live Music | Bands, duos, and solo performers |
Trivia Contests | Test your knowledge and win prizes |
Game Shows | Participate 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!
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