How to Save Money on a Cruise: 9 Tips for Affordable Excursions, Dining & More

Cruises can be luxurious escapes that transport you to exciting destinations while offering incredible amenities and experiences onboard. 

However, all those extras can quickly add up, especially when you factor in excursions, specialty dining, and on-ship entertainment. 

If you’re planning a cruise and want to make the most of it without overspending, you’re in the right place.

From booking strategies to smart choices onboard, there are countless ways to experience a fantastic cruise vacation while staying on budget. 

Let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips to help you cruise without compromise and keep costs low.

1. Book at the Right Time for the Best Deals

Timing is everything when it comes to snagging affordable cruise tickets. 

Cruise prices fluctuate throughout the year, often influenced by destination, season, and booking windows. 

To get the best price, consider booking during the “wave season,” which typically runs from January to March. 

During this period, cruise lines often offer substantial discounts, perks, or onboard credits.

For those flexible with timing, last-minute deals—usually within 90 days of departure—can offer fantastic savings. 

Alternatively, early birds can often find competitive rates by booking six to twelve months in advance, which also allows for more choices in room types and locations on the ship.

2. Choose an Interior Room or Mid-Ship Cabin

When it comes to saving on accommodations, selecting an interior cabin or a mid-ship room can lower costs significantly. 

While ocean-view and balcony rooms offer stunning views, you’ll likely spend more time exploring the ship and participating in excursions than in your room. 

Interior rooms can be half the price of balcony rooms, giving you extra funds for activities and experiences.

Mid-ship cabins, typically less desirable due to lack of views, can also be cheaper but have the bonus of being more stable (ideal for those prone to seasickness). 

Additionally, choosing an interior or mid-ship room means less overall expenditure on tips and additional charges that come with higher-end rooms.

3. Take Advantage of Free Dining Options

While many cruises boast high-end specialty restaurants, don’t overlook the excellent options included in your fare. 

Cruise ships often offer a range of complimentary dining spots, including main dining rooms, buffets, and casual eateries. 

These free dining options provide quality meals, often with rotating menus, making it easy to enjoy diverse, delicious food without paying extra.

If you’re keen to try a specialty restaurant, check for lunch deals or discounts on the first night, as some cruises offer reduced rates to encourage bookings. 

You’ll often find comparable quality to dinner at a lower cost, allowing you to sample something special without overdoing it.

4. Skip the Cruise-Organized Excursions for DIY Adventures

While cruise-organized excursions are convenient, they come with a hefty markup. 

If you’re looking to explore ports of call on a budget, consider booking independent tours through trusted local operators or even planning a DIY adventure. 

Many popular ports have straightforward transportation options, such as public buses or affordable taxis, that make it easy to navigate independently.

Look up popular attractions and plan your route beforehand. 

Websites like TripAdvisor or AllTrails offer user reviews and ideas for self-guided tours. 

Not only will this save you money, but you’ll also have a more personalized and flexible experience, often allowing for a deeper exploration of local culture.

5. Limit Onboard Purchases and Avoid the Casino

One of the fastest ways to rack up expenses is through onboard purchases. 

Shops, spas, and casinos are conveniently located on most ships but are often overpriced compared to what you’d find on land. 

Set a limit for these indulgences to avoid breaking your budget. 

For instance, spa treatments can be twice as expensive as those at home, so consider waiting until you’re in port to find a more affordable option.

Casinos on cruise ships can also be a money drain; if you’re tempted, set a strict budget before you start and stick to it. 

Remember, cruises provide plenty of entertainment options that don’t involve spending, from live shows to dance classes to movie screenings, making it easy to find fun alternatives.

6. Use Cruise Line Drink Packages Wisely

Drink packages can be a great way to save on beverages, but only if you’ll actually use them. 

Many cruise lines offer packages for soft drinks, coffee, cocktails, and even water bottles, but these can add up if you’re not careful. 

Before purchasing, calculate how much you’d actually drink to determine whether the package is worth it.

If you’re not a heavy drinker, it may be cheaper to pay for beverages as you go. 

Alternatively, take advantage of free drinks often served at welcome events, receptions, or during themed parties. 

Bringing a reusable water bottle can also help you avoid the need for bottled water, especially on ships with refill stations.

7. Take Advantage of Onboard Perks and Loyalty Programs

Many cruise lines offer loyalty programs that provide additional perks for frequent travelers, like onboard credits, free Wi-Fi, or discounted excursions. 

Before booking, check if your cruise line has a loyalty program you can join, even if it’s your first cruise. 

Some programs allow you to start earning benefits immediately, which can help reduce your costs.

Additionally, keep an eye out for “free at sea” deals, which are periodically offered by major cruise lines. 

These often bundle valuable perks like drink packages, Wi-Fi, or even specialty dining credits, allowing you to maximize savings on each booking.

8. Bring Your Own Essentials

Another quick way to save is by bringing essentials with you to avoid buying them at marked-up onboard prices. 

Sunscreen, over-the-counter medications, toiletries, and small snacks can all be pricey on the ship, so pack a few travel-sized basics in advance. 

This way, you won’t be caught needing to buy anything last-minute at inflated prices.

For budget-conscious travelers, even items like seasickness bands or ginger candies (for nausea) can be worth bringing, as these items tend to be priced high on cruise ships.

Read my in-depth article on Cruise Packing Checklist: 37 essentials you MUST bring.

9. Opt for Free or Low-Cost Onboard Activities

Cruise ships are known for their wide array of activities, and many of these are included in the price of your ticket. 

Take advantage of the free options, which may include dance classes, cooking demonstrations, trivia games, and live shows. 

For those with fitness goals, many ships offer free access to the gym or outdoor jogging tracks, saving you the cost of onboard classes.

If your cruise offers onboard workshops, make a list of the complimentary ones and plan to attend.

It’s a great way to get involved and meet fellow travelers without adding extra expenses.

Conclusion

Saving money on a cruise doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun. 

By planning ahead, being selective with purchases, and focusing on experiences rather than extras, you can enjoy a memorable cruise without straining your budget. 

From smarter excursion choices to loyalty perks and careful booking strategies, there are countless ways to cruise affordably while still making the most of every moment.

Remember, it’s not about cutting out all indulgences—it’s about choosing the right ones that bring value to your experience. 

So as you set sail, keep these tips in mind, relax, and enjoy the journey without worry. Your cruise awaits, and so do the savings!