13 genius ways to save money on a cruise
Here are the insiders’ tips on how to make your next on-board holiday even more affordable.
Lifestyle
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It’s no secret that cruises can be an incredibly affordable holiday where accommodation, entertainment and most meals are paid for before you board the ship.
With a bit of clever planning, however, you can get even more bang for your hard-earned buck. We asked cruising experts how to really drill down and get the best value possible.
1. Book a repositioning cruise
As the name suggests, repositioning cruises are one-way sailings where the ship is relocating to another country, often for the warmer season. “Repo” cruises tend to be longer than regular turnaround sailings, and the fares are often cheaper.
My Cruises general manager, Michael Middleton, says that a repositioning cruise is a fantastic way to save money. “They’re perfect for the traveller looking to cover more ground – or perhaps more sea – as you’ll get to visit amazing ports as you cruise from one to the next.
“Instead of paying for flights and accommodation between two places, you can relax on board with world-class facilities as you journey to your destination,” he says.
2. Skip the view
Significant savings can be had by booking what’s known as an “inside cabin” – an internal room without a view. This can be a smart option, especially on ships offering incredible entertainment, vast lounging areas and ample deck space to entice passengers out of their cabins.
“If you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring ports or enjoying the ship’s facilities, consider booking an inside cabin to save on accommodation costs,” Middleton says.
“These rooms are perfect for night owls who love a good sleep-in, thanks to their peaceful and dark environment. Plus, with all the entertainment, dining, and activities on board, you’ll still enjoy a five-star experience without the cost of a balcony or suite.”
3. Be an earlybird
Are you a well-prepped traveller who likes to plan the perfect holiday well ahead of time? You can be richly rewarded in the cruise world with earlybird offers that range from exclusive bonus inclusions, such as flights and hotel stays, to generous extra on-board perks.
Cruise Lines International Association managing director in Australasia, Joel Katz, says that cruise itineraries are usually released well in advance, so it pays to plan for the long term and consider the earlybird offers that are often available when new cruises go on sale.
“Booking well ahead also gives you a better chance of securing the type of cabin you prefer, or your favoured dates, destinations and ship,” he says.
4. Take advantage of low deposits
Earlybirds also have another advantage. Long lead times means there’s plenty of time to save for your dream trip, which often requires low deposits to secure.
Clean Cruising’s Jean Summers says that if you book your summer 2025-26 cruise now, the deposits are as low as $50 per person. Plus it’s something tangible to look forward to.
“With cruises from $150 a day, you can lay-by your cruise from as little as $35 a week,” she says.
5. Look for a last-minute deal
Come June we see a flurry of social media posts of people sunning themselves around the Mediterranean and generally loving life. We start to think, “What if?”
“As winter approaches, the temptation to swap chilly days for the warmth of the Mediterranean becomes even stronger,” says Summers, noting that you can cruise in the Med from as little as $160 a day.
“For savvy cruisers looking to score exclusive last-minute deals, staying informed is key. Signing up for newsletters and following social media channels can be your ticket to securing the best offers,” she adds.
Escape also has amazing deals every Tuesday and Sunday.
6. Consider all-inclusive
Any seasoned cruiser will advise that it pays to weigh up the costs of an all-inclusive cruise even if the outlay seems high, compared with what you expect to pay on a regular cruise where you can get hit with a sizeable bill at the end for specialty restaurant meals, morning coffees and glasses of bubbles.
“All-inclusive cruises can provide excellent value by bundling accommodation, dining, drinks, excursions and gratuities into one price, often making them more cost-effective than paying for each separately,” says Katz.
“Many aspects of a cruise are already included in the fare, but check for additional options that can increase the value or add to the experience.”
7. Go in the shoulder seasons
Cool-weather cruising is so hot right now with numerous cruise lines extending their European seasons to begin in April and go all the way through Christmas.
“Cruises during the shoulder seasons – a little before or after the peak seasons – often provide lower fares and fewer crowds, while still providing good weather and experiences,” says Katz.
“In Europe, for example, you can often find better prices and escape the worst heat of summer by avoiding the peak June to August period.”
8. Book through a travel agent
Travel agents not only know their product, but Middleton says they can package everything you need to enjoy a seamless cruise holiday including flights, hotels and exclusive bonuses.
“You get more value for money,” he says.
Katz concurs. “A cruise specialist travel agent is the best adviser to help find the cruise that suits your tastes and budget,” he says.
“Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, added inclusions and package options to help you find the best value for your budget.”
Katz advises to use the search function at cruising.org.au to find a local CLIA-accredited travel agent; a specialist with additional training and experience in booking cruising holidays.
9. Book specialty restaurants at lunch
Here’s an inside secret. Some specialty restaurants that charge an extra fee at dinner offer a free lunch seating with a smaller menu. Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse on various Carnival ships is a good example.
10. Consider a drinks or specialty restaurant package
Weigh up whether a beverage or specialty restaurant package might be better value than buying each drink or specialty meal.
11. Book a treatment on port days
Spas often advertise substantial specials for treatments on days when the ship is in port.
12. Avoid gift-shop sales
Yes, a statement watch with a 50 per cent discount sounds enticing, but consider whether you would go to these sales events on land and buy these pricey (though discounted) keepsakes.
13. Pack a first-aid kit
Have a first-aid kit ready with anything you think you might need as ship stores that sell essentials such as painkillers and Band-Aids can be pricey.
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Originally published as 13 genius ways to save money on a cruise
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