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

Cruises can provide luxurious escapes that whisk you away to exciting places, all while offering mind-blowing amenities and experiences on board.

But all those extras come at a price — and it can get quite hefty, especially if you add excursions, specialty dining and on-ship entertainment into the mix.

If you’re planning a cruise and hoping to get the most out of it without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place.

From booking strategies to savvy choices once you’re on board, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy a great cruise vacation and stick to your budget.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you cruise without breaking the bank.

1. The Best Time to Book for the Best Deals

When it comes to nabbing good deals on cruise tickets, timing is everything.

Cruise costs vary by time of year, and tend to be affected by destination, season of the year, and booking home windows.

If you want an ideal rate, follow what’s known as the “wave season, when the travel companies tend to release their best prices, usually between January and March.

Cruise lines frequently provide hearty discounts, bonuses or onboard credits during this period.

For those with flexible timing, last-minute deals — often within 90 days of departure — can be a great way to save.

Or: early bookers can often land competitive rates by reserving six to 12 months ahead of time, which also gives more options in terms of room types and locations on board the ship.

2. Pick an Interior Room or Mid-Ship Cabin

Booking an interior cabin or a mid-ship room, however, can help lower costs substantially when saving on accommodations.

Although oceanside and balcony accommodation provide striking views, you will likely spend more time out and exploring the ship and going on excursions than in your room.

Interior rooms can cost half as much as balcony rooms, leaving you with more money for experiences and excursions.

Centrally located cabins — which are often less desirable because they don’t have windows — can be less expensive but offer the added benefit of being more stable (perfect for the delicate stomach).

Moreover, the selection of an interior or mid-ship room can also lead to lower overall spending on tips and add-on services your rooms higher up will lead to needing to pay.

3. Make the Most of Free Dining Options

Just because many cruises list high-end specialty restaurants doesn’t mean to overlook excellent options included in your fare.

While cruise ships typically provide a selection of free dining venues, such as main dining rooms, buffets and casual restaurants,

This makes enjoying a variety of great food without any added cost simple, as these free dining options serve quality meals — sometimes with a rotating menu.

If you’re interested in a specialty restaurant, see if there are lunch deals or discounts on the first night, when many cruises offer lower rates to stimulate bookings.

You’ll often find comparable quality to dinner for a lower price point — a chance to try something special, but not to go overboard.

4. Don’t Rely on Cruise-Organized Outings for Possible DIY Adventures

Cruise-organized excursions may be convenient, but they can be pricey with a significant markup.

If your goal is to visit ports of call on a budget, think about booking home-grown tours with reputable local operators or even going the do-it-yourself route.

Some of the more popular ports have public buses or low-cost taxis that will take you where you want to go without the need for a tour.

Do your trip planning in advance by searching up popular attractions.

User reviews and ideas for self-guided tours can be found on websites such as TripAdvisor or AllTrails.

This will not only save you money, but you’ll end up with a more personalized and individualized experience, often opening up opportunities for a deeper exploration of local culture.

5. Know Your Spending Limits and Avoid the Casino

Onboard purchases are one of the quickest ways to accumulate expenses.

On most ships, shops, spas and casinos are conveniently located but often pricier than you would find on land.

Set a cap on these indulgences so you don’t bust your budget to do more of them.

For example, spa treatments may cost twice what they do at home, so you may want to wait until you’re in port to find a cheaper one.

Casino play on cruise ships can also be a money-drainer; if you think you’ll be tempted, set a strict budget beforehand and adhere to it.

Remember that cruises offer no shortage of entertainment (live shows, dance classes, movie screenings) that doesn’t cost a penny, so finding something fun to do without spending is possible.

6. Be Wary of Cruise Line Drink Packages

Drink packages can make sense to save money on beverages, but only if you’ll actually use them.

Most cruise lines give you the option to purchase packages for soft drinks, coffee, cocktails and, in some cases, water bottles, but these extras can quickly add up if you aren’t careful.

Most wine shops offer tasting packages, but before you buy, calculate your consumption to see if the package is worthwhile.

If you don’t drink heavily, paying as you go may be cheaper.

Or, hit up free drinks that are usually served at welcome events, receptions, or during themed parties.

Using a reusable water bottle can spare you from buying bottled water, particularly on ships with refill stations.

7. Capitalize on Onboard Perks and Loyalty Programs

Most cruise lines have loyalty programs that reward repeat travelers with fun extras onboard, like onboard credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, or reduced-price excursions.

Before you book, see if the cruise line you’re considering has a loyalty program you can sign up for, even if this is your first cruise.

You can begin receiving benefits from some programs right away, which may reduce your cost.

Also look for “free at sea” deals, which tend to be periodically offered by major cruise lines.

They also frequently roll in valuable perks, such as drink packages, Wi-Fi and specialty dining credits, so you can save even more on each booking.

8. Bring Your Own Essentials

One more easy way to save: pack the necessities to avoid purchasing them for inflated prices onboard.

Sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and toiletries can add up on the ship, as can small snacks, so pack a few travel-sized essentials ahead of time.

Then, you won’t find yourself waiting until the last minute to buy anything at exorbitant prices.

For budget-conscious cruisers, there are even things like seasickness bands or ginger candies (another common anti-nausea treatment) that might be worth packing since these prices tend to be inflated on ships.

Check out my comprehensive piece on how to pack for a cruise: The Cruise Packing Checklist: 37 Things You MUST Bring

9. Choose Free or Low-Cost Activities on Board

Cruise ships boast a dizzying array of activities, and the ticket price often includes many of them.

Try the free offerings (often including dance classes, cooking demonstrations, trivia games and live shows).

Many ships have no-cost gym or outdoor jogging track access for the fitness-minded, thereby saving you money on onboard classes.

If your cruise offers onboard workshops, create a list of those that are free of charge and that you’ll attend.

This is an excellent option for someone looking to get involved and meet other fellow travelers without the extra costs.

Conclusion

Saving money on a cruise doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun.

By planning ahead, being choosy about what you buy on board and concentrating on experiences instead of extras, you should be able to take a cruise to remember without a hefty price tag.

From savvy excursion choices to loyalty rewards and strategic reservations, there are innumerable ways to cruise on a budget while still enjoying every minute.

The goal isn’t to remove all indulgences—but to identify ones that offer value to your experience.

So as you embark make note of these tips, relax, and enjoy the journey without anxiety. Your cruise is on hold — and so are the savings!