How to Plan a Cheap All-Inclusive Cruise

Member

By Lauren Engelman
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(7 Ratings)

Learn how to plan a cheap all-inclusive cruise

One of the most inexpensive vacations you can take is to sail on an all-inclusive cruise. What could be better? Endless food, nightly entertainment, and all the fun comes straight to you! Learn tips and tricks so you can book a cheap all-inclusive cruise.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cruise websites and brochures
A reputable cruise agent

Step 1

Browse Cruise Itineraries

Browse and research itineraries to get an idea of where you want to go on your all-inclusive cruise vacation. There’s no need to narrow down the agent you want to buy from at this time – simply go to every website and read every cruise book that you can. Get an idea of what is offered at each port and determine what region you want to travel to.
Step 2

Buy from a Reputable Agent

Get recommendations from friends who have cruised before on who you should use to book your all-inclusive cruise (see Resources below). Some people book with the cruise line directly, and others book at discount sites. A rule of thumb is that you will never see vastly different prices in the cruise industry – what booking from the right person or agency can do is land you great amenities for when you are on the ship. These include coupon vouchers, shipboard credits and welcome gifts to name a few. Be sure your cruise agent has sailed many times and takes time out to visit ships – these people will be able to recommend specific cruise ships and cruise lines that are tailored to you based on their own personal experiences. A great cruise agent will be on the lookout for any price drops and will refund you accordingly – but be sure to periodically check on the sailing price after you’ve booked, just in case.
Step 3

Sail in the Off-Season

Book a sailing for an all-inclusive cruise in the off-season. Generally right before school gets out and right before it starts up again is when you will find cheap cruise rates.
Step 4

Gather a Group

Assemble a group to score a cheap all-inclusive cruise. Some cruise lines require 10 cabins being booked, and some just require 2 or more to have your party considered a “group.” Booking multiple rooms may result in a big discount and other extra perks!
Step 5

Choose a Stateroom

When booking an all-inclusive cruise, you’ll notice that room prices vary depending on where they are on the ship. Generally, the higher the deck and the more towards the middle of the ship the room is located, the higher the cost. Save money by booking a “guaranteed stateroom.” Inside of picking a specific room, just choose what class of room you’d like – inside room, outside room, balcony, etc. You’ll be guaranteed a stateroom at the lowest price possible, but you could be placed anywhere on the ship. Usually if there is extra space/empty rooms when it comes time to board, if there is a more desirable room (i.e. mid-ship vs. all the way at the front) you’ll be upgraded to the better location. The cost savings may be worth the gamble!
Step 6

Book Entertainment

Most on-board entertainment on an all-inclusive cruise is free, but off-ship that is a different story. If you plan to take a shore excursion to see the sights at your ports-of-call, consider booking through a private company or booking them last-minute at the actual port. Prices are considerably higher when you book directly with the cruise line (but your agent may be able to get some great discounts!). Spa services are coveted on cruises, but not all cruise lines include them in the sailing price. To land cheap spa services, speak with your cruise agent, or book them when you get on the ship. While it’s true that spa services book quickly (especially on at-sea days), you may be able to land a last-minute appointment as a result of a cancellation. Also, many cruise lines provide notification of specials on spa services and other entertainment throughout the sailing, so be on the lookout for coupons in your room at night, or, check with the Activities Director for more information.