People
love to cruise. One of the features that consistently attract passengers is the
‘very inclusive’ nature of a cruise vacation. Your traveling resort delivers
you to new and exciting destinations each day, while providing a virtual
smorgasbord of onboard entertainment and dining options. With so much included
with your fare, a cruise provides an incredibly budget-friendly vacation when
compared to a similar land-based offering.
Establish a budget
The
best way to avoid potential ‘sticker shock’ at the end of your cruise is to
create a budget well in advance of departure. Establish the maximum amount for
your out-of-pockets, and consider how you will allocate those funds. Plan for
staff gratuities as a ‘mandatory expense’ since the crew works very hard and
tips constitute a major part of their compensation – amounts vary by cruise
line but generally are in the range of $11.50-$12.50 per person per day. Plan
where you’ll splurge, be it on shore excursions, casino and bar expense,
shopping, spa, or specialty dining. Finally, monitor your onboard account daily
to ensure you’re on track with your plan.
Consider a beverage package
Most
cruise lines offer beverage packages. Some sell a card or sticker that allows
you to consume an unlimited number of soft drinks at costs ranging from $4.50
to $7 per person per day. Other ship packages come with a certain number of
soft drinks at a discounted price. These packages can provide measurable
savings for people who consume 3 or more such beverages per day. Some lines
also offer some variation of a wine and cocktail package. Before you sail,
check the specifics of your cruise line’s offerings to determine whether their
promotions make sense for you.
BYOB
While
virtually all cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing alcohol aboard,
many do permit you to carry on one bottle of wine for each adult over the age
of 21. Most will allow you to bring aboard ‘reasonable amounts’ of soda and
bottled water as well. Assuming you and your traveling companion bring two
bottles of wine and a 12-pack each of soda and bottled water, this should
provide savings in excess of $100. Before heading out, be sure to check with
your travel advisor about your cruise line’s specific policies.
Shore Excursions
Excursions
provide some of the most memorable experiences of a cruise vacation – but they
can also quickly add to the bottom line of that onboard account. Consider
booking an excursion through a reputable independent provider rather than
direct through the cruise line. Chances are you will benefit from a smaller
group experience that also provides significant savings over a similar
excursion booked on the ship.
Timing is everything
Leave
the majority of your onboard shopping until the end of your cruise. The shops
frequently offer 2-for-1 specials on t-shirts and other apparel, as well as
major discounts on watches and jewelry, on the last night of the trip. This is
the perfect time to stock up on souvenirs for the folks you left at home.
Schedule your spa appointment for a port day, rather than sea days. A stop in a
port you’ve previously visited provides the perfect window for an indulgent spa
treatment. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you can likely take
advantage of special discounts offered while most passengers have gone ashore.
Consider a luxury
cruise
What?
Save money with a luxury cruise? For some, it truly can be the more economical
option. If you are a traveler who books suite-level accommodations on a premium
cruise line, you may actually save significantly by booking a luxury cruise
product. Since so many amenities are included on these upscale products– not
only beverages, premium dining, transfers and shore excursions, but sometimes
air fare and pre-cruise accommodations as well – you could actually come out
money ahead by booking the ‘more expensive’ cruise product.
Conclusion
