There’s something absolutely magical about setting sail on a dream cruise—whether it's gliding through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean or watching glaciers calve off the coast of Alaska. But let's be real for a second: cruises can get pricey. The ticket alone isn’t cheap, and once you add up the hidden fees, shore excursions, and fancy drinks, that budget can quickly get blown out of the water (pun intended).
But here’s the good news: there are some super-smart hacks that can save you a ton of cash without cutting into your fun.
Here’s the first dilemma every would-be cruiser faces: when to book? Do you jump on the early-bird deals or wait it out and snag a last-minute bargain? The answer is—both can work. Let me explain.
Booking early, like a year or more in advance, often means locking in the best cabins at a lower price. Plus, many cruise lines offer perks like onboard credits or free cabin upgrades to those who commit early. On the flip side, if you're flexible with your travel dates and don’t mind waiting for a bit of spontaneity, last-minute deals can be goldmines. As the cruise date approaches, lines often slash prices to fill remaining rooms.
The key is knowing what kind of traveler you are. Planners can score big early, while free spirits can swoop in for those last-minute steals.
Trip Trick: If you book early, watch for price drops. Many cruise lines will refund you the difference if they lower the fare after your booking—just call and ask!
Cruise lines will tempt you with their array of organized shore excursions, and while some are worth every penny (looking at you, helicopter tours over glaciers), others can be done cheaper—and just as fun—on your own. That snorkeling tour in Cozumel? You can probably find a local dive shop that will take you for half the price of the cruise excursion.
One of my favorite hacks is researching independent tour operators at each port before you even set sail. Many will meet you right at the port, and the experience can be more personalized than the cruise-run ones. Websites like TripAdvisor or Viator are great for finding reputable local companies. Or just wander off the beaten path and chat with a local once you disembark.
For instance, when I visited Juneau, Alaska, I bypassed the $250 helicopter tour offered by the cruise line and booked a local guide for a glacier hike instead. Not only was it more affordable, but it also gave me the chance to explore without feeling rushed by a large group.
Cruise ships are notorious for sneaking in charges you didn’t see coming—especially for things you forgot to pack. Need sunscreen? That's $15 onboard. Forgot your USB charger? That’ll cost you, too.
Here’s a game-changer: Make a pre-cruise packing list and double-check it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a ship and heard people groan about the cost of buying simple items they forgot. Some essentials to remember include: sunscreen, reusable water bottles, snacks for shore excursions, and your go-to medications (even simple things like Advil can get pricey).
Oh, and pro tip: don’t forget a power strip. Cruise cabins usually have limited outlets, and trust me, you’ll want more than one charging port!
If you’re traveling with kids, pack some entertainment for them as well. Coloring books, tablets (with downloaded content for offline use), and some favorite snacks can save you both money and sanity.
Cruise lines make a lot of their money on alcohol sales, and those fruity cocktails by the pool can add up fast. However, many cruises have surprisingly lenient BYOB policies. For example, some lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine or two per cabin or even soft drinks. This can save you big bucks, especially if you enjoy a glass of wine on your balcony while watching the sunset.
Of course, be sure to check your specific cruise line’s policy ahead of time—some even let you pay a small corkage fee to enjoy your bottle at dinner. Other lines, like Norwegian or Royal Caribbean, offer drink packages that might be worth it if you’re planning to enjoy a few cocktails a day. But if you’re a light drinker, bringing your own wine or beer can be a real budget saver.
And while we're on the topic of drinks, bring a refillable water bottle. It’s eco-friendly and can save you from buying overpriced bottled water both onboard and in ports. Cruise lines offer complimentary tap water, so there’s really no need to spend extra on this.
If your cruise allows it, freeze a couple of bottles of water and take them with you on shore excursions. They’ll stay cool for hours, and you won’t need to spend money on drinks while you're exploring.
Most cruises offer incredible specialty dining options that are an upgrade from the regular buffet or main dining room fare. Think sushi, steak, or Italian feasts that rival anything you’d find on land. But these come at a premium cost.
Here’s a sneaky hack: book your specialty dining for nights when the ship is in port. Most passengers will be off exploring, so not only do you get a quieter, more intimate experience, but some cruise lines also offer discounts or special deals on dining during these times.
Some lines even run special promotions—like offering a “dine-all-you-can” package for multiple specialty restaurants. These packages can be a great deal if you're a foodie. But remember, the key to maximizing these deals is knowing when to book. If your cruise line offers discounts on the first or last night, grab a reservation early. These slots fill up fast!
Trip Tale: I scored 50% off a seafood dinner while the ship was docked in Santorini—while everyone else was eating overpriced gyros onshore. It was heavenly, and I had the whole restaurant almost to myself!
I know, I know. The idea of going without Wi-Fi for a week can feel anxiety-inducing. But hear me out: cruise ship internet is notoriously slow and wildly overpriced. If you can manage a digital detox, you’ll not only save money, but you might actually enjoy your vacation more.
But if you really can't live without checking your Instagram or responding to emails, consider finding free Wi-Fi hotspots in your port stops instead of paying for an expensive onboard package. Many coffee shops, local libraries, or even public areas offer free or low-cost internet, and trust me, it’ll be faster than the ships.
On my last cruise, I downloaded all the Netflix shows I wanted to binge before I left port. I spent my sea days catching up on them offline and saved a small fortune on the internet package I didn’t need to buy.
Take this time to truly unplug. Read a book, watch the waves, or just enjoy the company of your fellow travelers. You’d be surprised how freeing it feels to not be tethered to your phone for a few days.
Here’s one of the best-kept secrets in the cruise world: repositioning cruises. These are one-way itineraries that happen when ships need to relocate from one region to another—think going from Alaska to the Caribbean at the end of the summer season.
Repositioning cruises are often longer than standard cruises, and because they’re not as popular, they tend to be cheaper. If you’ve got the time, this is an amazing way to enjoy a more leisurely journey at a fraction of the cost. Just be prepared for more sea days and fewer port stops.
The real benefit here? More time on the ship means you can fully enjoy everything it has to offer—without the rush of port days. Think of it as a floating resort where you can truly unwind.
Trip Trick: Look for repositioning cruises in the off-season. These itineraries can often be 50% cheaper than regular cruises but offer the same (or even better) experience. Sites like CruiseMapper are great for finding these routes.
Timing your cruise can make a huge difference in the price. Peak travel times, like summer vacations or the winter holidays, come with inflated prices. But if you can cruise in the shoulder seasons (think late fall or early spring), you can snag major discounts.
Not only will the fares be cheaper, but you’ll also avoid the crowds. And, let’s be honest, nobody enjoys waiting in line for a sun lounger at the pool. Plus, the weather is often just as beautiful during these “off-peak” periods, without the swarms of people.
If you’re someone who loves to cruise, joining your favorite line’s loyalty program is a no-brainer. These programs reward repeat cruisers with perks like free Wi-Fi, cabin upgrades, and priority boarding. Over time, the benefits really add up. Plus, some cruise lines offer early access to special sales and promotions exclusively for their loyalty members.
If you have a travel rewards credit card, check to see if it offers any specific perks for cruise bookings. Some cards partner with certain cruise lines to offer extras like onboard credits or free shore excursions. Or, you might be able to use your points to cover part (or all!) of your cruise fare.
While this might sound like an unnecessary expense at first glance, hear me out—travel insurance can actually save you a ton of money in the long run. Think of it as a safety net. If your cruise gets canceled, if you have a medical emergency, or if your luggage gets lost, that insurance can cover the costs you’d otherwise have to pay out of pocket.
Many people forget that medical costs on cruises can be exorbitant, especially if you need to be airlifted from the ship in an emergency. For a small upfront fee, travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars.
Cruising is one of those unique travel experiences where you can have a world of adventure without the constant hassle of packing and unpacking at every new destination. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring new ports. But while a dream cruise can sometimes seem like an expensive luxury, it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of planning and these insider hacks, you can enjoy all the perks of cruising while keeping your wallet happy.
