How to Save Money if you are Going on a Cruise

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By Y Yakusheva
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Want to save some extra cash while going on a cruise?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

time

Step 1

Cruises have free food - don't schedule the fancy dinner that costs 30 dollars. It will usually have the same food as fancy Captain's dinners, for example, such as lobster and steak.
Step 2

There will be a charge of 50-100 dollars at the end of the cruise for the tips for your waiter, your cleaning staff, etc. In the middle of your cruise, you can change to pay the tips yourself at the end. Tell the concierge office ahead of time that you would like to remove the tips and pay them yourself and do what they say is necessary to remove them. Then, at the end, pay what you think you should, it could be less than what the cruise was going to charge you.
Step 3

Try not to buy coke and other drinks that the cruise charges you for, such as that 5 dollar bottle of water in your room. Don't even touch it. While in a port you can purchase some coke and water if you want before boarding your ship. Also, most ships allow you to bring on a small cooler with a few sodas for personal use.
Step 4

Most cruises also allow you to bring a bottle of wine or two, take advantage of this if you drink as alcohol on the ship is very expensive. You can also buy some beers in cans or bottles or bottles of wine in port. Liquor will be taken away and given back to you at the end of the cruise. Although, I have heard of that happening to beer as well, it never hurts to try. Some people take liquor on board in shampoo bottles, but I do not recommend that as your liquor will taste of shampoo.
Step 5

Do not take shore excursions offered by the cruise. Hop in a taxi and follow the excursion bus and pay for the entrance to attractions yourself. Research each place before you go for attractions and safety. This is where you will save the most money and have a more fulfilling experience with the locals (i.e. taxi drivers, restaurant waitresses) who know the places better.