25 Great Ways to Save on a Cruise

8. Use loyalty points

Cruisegoers tend to get hooked after their first experience. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, 90 percent of people who have cruised plan to cruise again, and 28 percent sail two or more times per year. Signing up for loyalty programs is a no-brainer for frequent cruisers. “Perks like priority boarding, free laundry, and drink or specialty dining credits add real value once you reach mid-tier status,” says Bucolo. Sticking with the same cruise line is the fastest way to a bonus, but “some cruise lines may recognize your loyalty with another brand, so you don’t have to start from scratch,” Schattauer says. For instance, the Royal Caribbean Group brands — Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea — allow you to transfer points among its three lines.

9. Pick the right cruise line

You can get a lot of bang for your buck on newer boats with elaborate entertainment options like an onboard amusement park or Broadway-style shows, and Disney Cruise Line has a plethora of dining choices and activities geared toward children. McDaniel says you need to ask yourself whether the premium charge for your group is worth it, or whether just the boat and excursions are enough. She advises skipping the bells and whistles if you don’t need them, noting that older ships tend to be substantially cheaper.

10. Sign up for newsletters and alerts

You can’t take advantage of a discount you don’t know about. That’s why McDaniel recommends subscribing to the newsletters of any cruise lines you’re considering. This is where you’ll learn about key dates and itineraries. You can also set alerts on third-party websites such as Cruiseline.com, CruisePlum and Cruisewatch. “Keeping an eye on price drops is really, really smart,” says McDaniel. A pro tip from Schattauer: Check the fares after booking. Some cruise lines allow repricing if the fare drops before final payment. 

11. The Caribbean is cheaper

If your journey is more important than the destination, the cheapest cruises for Americans are generally to the Caribbean. They offer more savings than Mediterranean or Alaska cruises, McDaniel says. Excursions in Alaska, for instance, tend to be pricier than beach days on an island. The Caribbean is available essentially year-round from ports in Florida, New Orleans and Texas, while McDaniel notes that Alaska has a limited window from April to October, with departures typically out of the Pacific Northwest.

12. Cruise during shoulder season

If you are retired, semiretired or have accrued lots of time off, flexibility is on your side. Consider going before or after the high season. “If you can avoid school breaks, major holidays and peak summer weeks, you can often save money and have a wonderful cruise experience,” says Schattauer. Bucolo says trips to Alaska run about 20 to 30 percent less than in July, with the “same ship, same glaciers.” As a bonus, “You also trade summer crowds for quiet ports,” he adds. The trade-off is that many popular tours and cabin categories may not be available. Pro tip: The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the most affordable times of year, says Brunvoll.

13. Drive to the port

You’ll take high airfare out of the equation by driving to your port, McDaniel says. If you drive, Schattauer suggests looking into “off-site parking lots near the port, which are often less expensive than parking at the cruise terminal. Park-and-stay hotel packages can also offer good value, allowing you to stay overnight and leave your car parked for the duration of your cruise.” Some hotels may offer free or inexpensive shuttles to the port.

14. Seek out deals for children and other guests

According to CLIA, 24 percent of cruisers traveled with three or more generations within the past year. Cruise lines encourage large parties with occasional promotions such as “kids sail free packages” or discounts on a third and fourth passenger, McDaniel says. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises offer such perks. Celebrity Cruises offers complimentary fares to third and fourth passengers on select trips. 

15. Start using amenities on board right away

There’s a temptation to settle in and relax once you’re on board the cruise. But go-getters could find discounts on amenities by getting in line first. Spas, for instance, tend to charge more as demand increases during the trip, so McDaniel reserves her massage for the first night. She advises booking ahead of time, as cruises often use the strategy known as “dynamic pricing,” in which they adjust prices in real time based on demand, inventory and other factors.

16. Do the math on drink packages 

Without the need to get behind the wheel, cruise vacationers may be more inclined to have an extra drink or two. Give your credit card a rest by purchasing a prepaid drink package. Alcohol and soda packages are usually offered, and the former, as expected, costs more. Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America charge about $60 to $90 per person per day, while Royal Caribbean passengers may pay more than $100 per day for packages that include alcoholic drinks, according to The Points Guy, a platform focused on travel discounts. Soda packages are often under $10 per passenger per day.

McDaniel prefers to buy alcoholic beverages à la carte because she’s not a big drinker — “It just really doesn’t mathematically work out for me,” she says — and suggests that cruisers likewise consider how much they’ll want to drink before springing for a drink plan. Bucolo says another workaround is to review guidelines about bringing your own wine or champagne aboard. Many, but not all, cruise lines allow passengers to bring two bottles of wine or champagne per cabin. 

17. Use the included dining venues

Like all-inclusive resort hotels, cruises build in meals at certain restaurants and charge extra for premium dining experiences. If you are looking to budget, there’s no need to try the fancy steakhouse on your trip. “You will absolutely still be able to enjoy your cruise and enjoy your food by eating at the included restaurants,” McDaniel says.

18. Take longer cruises …

The freedom of retirement or flexible work schedules is an opportunity to stretch your dollars by extending your trip. Cruise lines often bundle several itineraries to form voyages lasting two weeks or more, according to Bucolo. A longer cruise allows for an in-depth exploration of both the western and eastern sides of the Mediterranean, for example. Such pairings yield “considerably lower fares than purchasing the two cruises separately,” Bucolo says.

19. … Or try a ‘taster’ cruise

If you are just getting started with cruising, McDaniel says another option is to take a short voyage to get a taste of a vacation at sea before going all in for a weeklong (or longer) cruise. Short cruises are generally one to four nights and available in many major cities, including Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and Tampa, all in Florida; New York; Seattle; Los Angeles; and Southampton, England. Since a shorter cruise is typically less expensive than a longer one, it may also allow budget flexibility for premium options such as specialty dining, drink packages or luxury cabins.

20. Book a ‘guarantee’ cabin

Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the companies that occasionally allow you to book a stateroom of a guaranteed category type (interior, ocean view, balcony or suite) on your chosen ship and cruise. The ship maintains control of the exact cabin assignment in that case, which can be a gamble depending on your preferences, but the reward could be paying less than standard pricing for in-demand room categories, says Duiser of Dreamworthy Destinations. “The biggest bonus is that it also leaves you open to complimentary upgrades,” she says.

21. Don’t book excursions in every port

Docking at a port is a chance to stretch your sea legs and explore a destination you may have dreamed of visiting for years. While it’s one of the best things about taking a cruise, it can also become a major financial commitment. “I wouldn’t skip excursions altogether, because some are absolutely worth it. However, you may not need to book one in every port,” Schattauer says. Bucolo recommends choosing your spots, then making your time on land elsewhere a DIY experience. “We mix one or two big-ticket excursions with do-it-yourself days, low-cost walking tours and free attractions,” he says. Multigenerational families should also consider private tours, which can be a better deal per person than large-group tours, says Brunvoll. Pro tip: Book high-demand tours early, suggests Bucolo, adding that the best ones sell out months in advance, and most can be canceled up to 48 hours before sailing.

22. Consider a repositioning cruise

A repositioning cruise is a one-way ticket to a longer and more economical trip. These cruises occur about once or twice per year, when a ship moves from one region to another to accommodate seasonal travel demand, usually because of weather conditions. A transatlantic cruise is an example of one such ride. Bucolo describes the trips as a bargain, albeit a different experience from a traditional cruise. “The per-night rate drops,” he says. “It is the same ship, same food and same amenities, just more sea days and fewer ports. It’s not right for everyone … but if you want a relaxing trip with time to enjoy the ship, it is a great option.” 

23. Be flexible about cabins

Having an open mind about your cruise could lead to savings in many areas, including your room. The idea of opening a door to a view of the ocean may sound appealing, but it comes with a hefty price. “A balcony can run several hundred dollars more, sometimes over a thousand,” says Bucolo, noting there could be savings on an inside cabin during shoulder season. Schattauer says cabin selection is a perfect example of travelers setting priorities. “The key is to spend money on the parts of the cruise you’ll actually enjoy and use,” she says. “Choosing the right cabin, ship and itinerary for your travel style will often provide better value than simply booking the lowest-priced option.”

24. Protect yourself with insurance

In the event of a delay, missed connection, cancellation or medical emergency, you should protect yourself with insurance. “You have to pay a little more, but it’s always good to do,” says VanHouten. Cruise insurance may reimburse you for delays, interruptions, medical situations or other problems during the voyage, but it would not cover travel to and from the cruise, according to NerdWallet, which reports on the financial aspects of travel. Bucolo recommends buying from a third-party agency rather than directly through the cruise line — a tactic favored by Cruise Critic readers, who cite better rates and broader coverage. Top-ranked providers include IMG, Tin Leg and Seven Corners.

25. Book your next cruise while on board

Many cruisers are ready to jump on the next boat once the trip concludes. McDaniel says cruise lines often offer onboard credits or discounts to entice passengers to schedule their next cruise before disembarking. Perks may include a lower-than-usual deposit per passenger, and deals can be combined with other ongoing promotions, according to Cruise Critic. The deposits can be open-ended, so you don’t have to reserve an exact itinerary or time of year while on board. Check the terms before booking to see whether deposits are refundable.