Updated September 2019
It’s a common misconception that cruise holidays are pricier than a standard holiday and, while in some cases this can be true, a cruise is often better value for money with all the details taken care of. We’re here to give you five top tips on how to pay less but get more out of your next cruise holiday!
1. Take advantage of cruise line benefits
Finding a cruise line you love to return to time and time again is beneficial in more ways than one. Not only will you feel right at home on your cruise holiday, but you’ll also receive benefits through a loyalty scheme. The rewards could come in the form of free onboard spend, drinks packages and discounts off your next cruise. Some cruise lines may even use a points system, whereby if you rack up enough points you’ll receive a free cruise!
2. Have a little patience
Booking your cruise at the last minute can reward you with some incredible late deals. If you’re flexible with your desired dates and itineraries then we recommend holding off until the price decreases closer to the departure date. Granted, this won’t be doable for everyone, but most cruise lines are guaranteed to reduce prices in order to fill cabins so try and bide your time.
3.Shop around and price match
It may seem an unlikely tip to receive from a travel agent, but shopping around for the cruise you want is one of the easiest ways to save money. If you find a price that beats ours, but you still want the help of our excellent cruise experts, simply call and request a price match. If you can show us that another provider is selling the exact same cruise for a lower price, we can match it.
4. Enjoy the freebies
To avoid spending too much while you’re away on your cruise, take full advantage of all the complimentary facilities onboard your ship. Main restaurants, buffets, and cafes will have been included in your fare, so you can enjoy some delicious cuisine knowing there will be no hefty bill at the end. Similarly, some cruise lines include bars with complimentary drinks, or others offer reasonable drinks packages which can help you keep costs down.
5. Plan ahead
Perhaps a contradictory tip, booking way in advance can be one of the easiest ways to save some money. If last-minute cruises aren’t an option for you or you’re looking to sail during a specific time such as the school holidays, the earlier you book, the better. Some cruise lines, such as P&O Cruises, offer early bird fares so be sure to plan your dates and get in there quick.
There are lots more ways you can save money for your cruise holiday, such as by booking guarantee cabins, choosing repositioning cruises, purchasing souvenirs and items onshore and organising your excursions yourself. You can also keep up to date with our newsletters to be the first to receive the best deals as soon as possible.
