There are good ways to save on a cruise vacation and not-so-good ways to save. Simply clicking after the lowest price may seem like a good idea. On the surface, the variables are limited to ship, sailing date and cabin category. Three variables. That's probably fewer variables than we consider when clicking to book an airline ticket. That should work. For many, that strategy does work but that's only part of the story. Great savings can be had both on booking the cruise and what we spend on-board by considering a few guidelines.
None of these 10 ways to save include stiffing the crew to avoid tipping, smuggling booze on to save on the bar bill or otherwise trying to outsmart the system which pretty much makes you a cheapskate.
None of these 10 ways to save include stiffing the crew to avoid tipping, smuggling booze on to save on the bar bill or otherwise trying to outsmart the system which pretty much makes you a cheapskate.
1. Be realistic- Often we get all caught up in the price of the cruise, what we pay for the cruise fare, that we don't pay near enough attention to the other expenses that go along with it. Yes, a cruise vacation does offer a lot for the money. But some cruises are far from all-inclusive as some want to believe. That's nothing to be scared of, just something to investigate and consider first. Consider a luxury cruise that is all-inclusive on lines such as Regent Seven Seas or Silversea Cruises.
2. Shop for travel insurance- As unexpected chaos from weather or politically-related sources continues to play a bigger role in travel plans, travel insurance of some sort is becoming more of a smart move than in the past. Vacationwired.com offers very affordable travel insurance for any trips you take, even if you purchased them elsewhere, to protect your hard earned travel dollars and give you peace of mind.
3. Beverage packages- do the math. Most lines offer soda packages that can be a good value. It all depends on how much you will drink though. The idea of "unlimited" sodas for one set price may be appealing but you may need to drink far more than you might anticipate for it to pay out.
4. Shore excursions- These too may or may not be a good value. Packages that include the word "beach" in them are often more expensive than grabbing a cab and heading to the beach on your own. Almost anything the cruise line offers you can do on your own. Should you? Maybe if it’s a simple trip to the beach. If your interests take you far from the ship and are more complex, maybe not, especially if it is a port you have never been to before. Check out these sailings that offer free shore excursions. Also, check out other sightseeing options independent of those promoted by the cruise lines themselves. You could save a considerable amount and have a better time at your ports of call.
5. Tipping- It's not required but most cruise lines make it easy by automatically adding it on to your shipboard account each day. The easy way out is to accept that and be done with it. Greater value can be gained by opting out of the automatic tips and taking care of that, in cash, with each individual personally IF you let them know that at the beginning of your voyage. Vacationwired.com has exclusive member specials that include pre-paid gratuities, which can be a value of up to $350.
6. “Bribe” people- Some call this “pre-tipping" and it involves slipping your cabin steward and headwaiter or Maitre’d $20 on the very first day saying the words "Take good care of us and we will take good care of you". You're banking on the fact that most other guests on the ship do not do this so you will stand out from the crowd and get better service. Better service = a better overall experience and that means value.
7. Watch pricing- Most people consider the day they put down a deposit the day they have locked in to a price. That's true but other opportunities may come along down the road that will get you the exact same cruise for less money or the same money but you get more with it. Again, "value" rather than "lowest price" is king here. VacationWired.com watches for those opportunities to get you more value.
8. Budget on-board purchases- Simply making a budget and sticking to it works wonders. Casino freaks often bring along an envelope for each day of the cruise, each with the amount of cash they will have to gamble with each day. Once that is gone, that is that. No more gambling until tomorrow. Winnings are often not considered for the most successful gamblers, placing those elsewhere or having win money applied to their on-board account.
9. Try to use a Cruise Travel Agent. Vacationwired.com specializes in cruise vacations and can save you time, money and make for an overall better experience. This is a must-do for first-timers.
10. Pick the right line in the first place. Visit our Cruise Mall to view cruise lines, brochures, videos and additional savings available to our members. You can have a good time, whatever that may mean to you, on any cruise line. Booking with a cruise line with a standard experience that will let you have your good time without having to spend extra to make that happen is the key. A friend who knows you and has cruised a number of lines can help with that as can a good Cruise Travel Agent.
As an member of Vacationwired.com, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts on all types of leisure travel; cruises, hotels, vacation packages, tours. You can register at Vacationwired.com for special member savings and exclusive member discounts. Register today and see how much you can save! Any questions, call one of our experienced sales agents at 866-GO-WIRED.
