How to Cruise on a Budget

Want to know how to cruise on a budget? Despite what you may believe, a cruise is one of the cheapest ways to travel in today's economy. If you want to find out about cheap vacation opportunities, you've GOT to check out the tips below!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• an Internet connection

1. If you want to cruise on a budget, you must first shop around. Good deals can often be had in the off-season (which depends on your destination). Sign up for travel tips, such as the Travelzoo Top 20, to keep an eye on the best deals.

2. 
   cruise terminal - courtesy of foxypar4 (flickr)

   The second step to take toward a cheap vacation cruise is to choose a departure port that is close to home. Cruises are so cheap that the flight to the cruise terminal is often almost as expensive as the cruise itself, so flying is not an option for a budget cruise. Choose a departure port that is within a 10-12 hour drive from your house, so you can make the trip by car. Try to arrive a day before departure and book a cheap, but respectable hotel for the night--you'll save money in the end.

3. 
   alcohol - courtesy of nexthttp (flickr)

   On the cruise ship, you *must* set an alcoholic beverages quota for yourself. Cruise lines make a large portion of their profits from sales of alcoholic beverages, and understandably so, considering their cost. It can really add up! Do yourself (and your pocket) a favor by limiting yourself to a certain number of drinks per day and sticking to it.

4. Additionally, you *must* be selective when purchasing photos on the cruise ship. Cruise lines often hire several photographers to take your pictures at every opportunity, so they can later sell you the photos for a pretty steep price. Some of these photos are priceless and should probably be purchased, however, don't let yourself fall into the trap of thinking you must purchase every single picture that is available. Choose the best and toss the rest out--you won't miss them a few weeks from now, and you've doubtless taken several hundreds of photos on your own.

5. 
   casino - courtesy of Markyboy81 (flickr)

   Avoid the casino AT ALL COSTS. Yes, casinos are fun, but they are incompatible with a "budget" cruise vacation.

6. While on the ship, take advantage of free meals and entertainment. You've already paid for this stuff, so why not? I've found that the quality of the FREE food and entertainment on cruise ships is often simply outstanding!

7. 
   the sun - courtesy of kevindooley (flickr)

   Enjoy the sun! It's free...

8. Research shore excursions on your own and book independently of the cruise line, if necessary. Sometimes cruise lines will offer shore excursions through a company that is much more expensive than local competitors, so be aware that you might be able to do the same thing for much cheaper if you book on your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Budget cruise vacations are arguably just as much fun as lavish cruises. :)
• Food is often available 24/7 for FREE--take advantage of this.
• If you book a shore excursion independently, remember that the cruise ship will NOT wait for you if you are late returning from your excursion.

Resources

• Travelzoo Top 20

[eclecticprof]

on 6/22/2009 We always skip the drinks unless they are free, skip the excursions and the photos, miss out on the gambling and have an absoulutely ridiculously good time on a cruise - very cheaply. You are right, the sun is free!

[dorigillman]

on 6/22/2009 thankfully, i don't drink!! i'd save alot.

[femwriter]

on 6/21/2009 This is a great article, thanks for sharing. It truly deserves a 5* + Recommendation!

[whoodo]

on 6/21/2009 Will remember your tips if I can ever afford to go on a cruise

[waters]

on 6/21/2009 Good information on how to cruise on a budget 5* and recommended.