Comments on: How to Save Money on Cruises

By: Ian

Ian — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:40:20 +0000

Re-positioning cruises determine the shoulder season in most locales. For example, the Alaska cruise season begins with ships repositioning to San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver in late April and early May. They re-position to warmer climates during September and October. With regards to alcohol or soda, if you need them, there are “drinking packages” available from cruise lines offered on a daily basis. Cruise lines do not use cash, except as a final payment on the cruise. Everything is charged to your room.

Booking in far in advance may have some advantages; however, there is also a “short market” for unsold staterooms that occurs when potential passengers have to make their final payment for the cruise. Sometimes, prices drop, because an “unsold” stateroom is never sold once the ship has sailed. The goal is full occupancy.

Stateroom preferences are an individual consideration, and it is important to realize that you are renting real estate for the duration of your cruise. Some basic rules come into play like, “location, location, location”. To be near the waterline, next to the infirmary at the bow of the ship, is not as desirable as to be mid ship (bow to stern, keel to topside). Being at the waterline means you are going to need elevators all the time, and you may experience long waits. There may be an increase in noise. If you are on an upper deck toward the bow or stern, you may experience more ocean movement. Close to a service door or elevator, you have the potential to hear noise at all hours. These are some of the considerations. Spending a little extra, and getting the location that you want can enhance your experience.

Size and types of staterooms go together. Insides are the smallest, and suites are the largest. Depending on the type of experience you want cabin type comes into play. If a leisurely room service breakfast on the balcony is an important morning ritual, then you will want a balcony cabin. If you are a person who dashes out of their cabin in the morning, and only returns periodically, perhaps an inside will do the trick. No matter what size you get, most cabins are smaller than motel/hotel rooms.

Finally, if you elect to purchase a balcony/ or outside cabin think about what you are going to be looking at. Taking a coastal cruise, and witnessing only the waves of the distant Pacific Ocean may be alright; however, those experiencing coastal views of the mainland; watching pilot boats come to the ship; and actually seeing the cities they are docked in have a richer experience.

Bon Voyage.

By: Moneymonk

Moneymonk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:10:04 +0000

Just what I needed I plan to sail in Jan.2010. These tips are much appreciated

By: Niche Marketing Man

Niche Marketing Man — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:32:46 +0000

Very informative, I couldn’t agree more.

By: CD Phi

CD Phi — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:44:54 +0000

Cruises are the way to go. Lots of eating and entertainment. At night, they’ll offer shows of all sorts like comedy acts. There’s plenty of time to swim and gamble on the ship. All in all, a good ttrip.

By: Marlene

Marlene — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:09:02 +0000

I agree about bringing wine on board. If you’re headed to Ft. Lauderdale for a cruise, we flew in the night before and stopped by the http://www.seventhstreetwine.com. We were able to sample lots of different wines (they have these wine dispensing machines, so you can try all kinds of varieties), and then they boxed up the wine bottles we decided to bring on board. We also packed our own wine openers, and there were wine glasses already waiting for us in our cabin. We saved a ton of money compared to what we would have been charged by the cruise line. And when the cruise ended, we packed the remaining bottles in our luggage to fly home. I have found that I really prefer staying the night in the city where my cruise is departing because I wake up in the morning refreshed, relaxed, and no worries about missing my cruise, so do yourself a favor and stay over the night before you cruise.

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:14:01 +0000

Cruises are all about what you spend on gambling and alcohol. The food for the most part is all free just the drinks you have to pay for. those drinks add up. If you can sneak a bottle or two on the boat you will be better off.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:35:44 +0000

Good and useful tips for cruising. Thanks for the tips and the seasonal discount offers also will help to cut the costs.

By: kenyantykoon

kenyantykoon — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:32:50 +0000

while it is nice to save money any way that you can, you must not forget that it is a cruise and thus a time to let go a little. You dont have to go out of your way to save every single coin. I mean lets be real here, isn’t it why you worked so hard and saved so much, so that you can have enough to take nice holidays without having to think too much about money? But there are limits- do not overdo it.
PS; i have never been on a cruise but i hear great things from the luckier deeper pocketed ones.

By: Free Arcade Games

Free Arcade Games — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:49:57 +0000

Similar to any type of fare, booking early always helps you with the high costs

-Mike

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:58:42 +0000

Sounds good. Yes, June-Aug is definitely not low time… but just wonder what the exact cheapest months are, since it’s always easy to cruise anytime, as it’s also warm somewhere in the world.