Nearly every cruise liner advertises deals on cruise vacation packages. There are so many offers, especially in the fall and off-seasons, which vary on the ports being visited. But there can often be some misleading package deals that can get travelers into trouble if they don’t read the fine print. Of course, asking your travel agent or cruise representative detailed questions will help avoid issues, but there are some general cheap cruise tips that will make any sea-bound vacation easier to budget for.
Here are a few tidbits of advice that will help you navigate the stormy seas of misleading cruise packages:
- Cruises are a place to have fun, but if you get carried away on the slots, you may also get carried away by your credit card bill at the end of the month. Save yourself the heartache by only using cash for gaming; this way you can set a limit appropriate for your budget.
- Most cruises have a large variety of eateries that range in style and cost from free to quite expensive. It may not be obvious at first glance which is which, so ask before you’re seated so you won’t be blown away by the charges when you go to check out. If you’re unable to tell, ask your cruise director or other staff member which restaurants are free and which are not.
- Many people are under the misconception that “all inclusive” literally means that everything offered on board the ship is included. This is absolutely not so. Examples of these costly extras are the spa treatments, massages, and so on. Instead of using these expensive services, relax by the pool, use free exercise equipment, enjoy a fun and calming yoga session or a sit in the steam room for free or at a much cheaper cost.
- There are times and places on various cruises when wine and cocktails are free and other times/places where they are not — the price of booze on a cruise is comparable to airline cocktail prices — the mark-up on your margaritas may end up costing more than all the other extras combined. The same is true for coffee, espresso drinks and other beverages, so find out before ordering when and where the free drinks are.
- One of the best cheap cruise tips is to take advantage of room service. Nearly all cruise packages include food, and this is where you can really stretch your dollar. Of course, check ahead of time to ensure this is the case for your cruise, and remember, if you order cocktails when you order in they will most likely not be free.
- Taking vacations on the same cruise liner may be one of the best cheap cruise tips out there. Almost every cruise liner will offer a number of discounts for travelers who give them repeat business. That means that you could potentially sail for cheaper than using a cruise package — or they may add extra discounts in conjunction with the package rate.
Photo via ecstaticist
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