Travel

5 ways to cruise on a budget

Photo by Sơn Bờm on Pexels

Have you ever wondered why cruising is one of the most popular vacation options ever? Why is the cruise industry one of the fastest-growing in the global leisure and tourism sector? How come many cruisers want to relive the experience and book another cruise over and over again? The answer is simple — cruising offers numerous vacation packages in one with unlimited fun.

Cruising is the way to go if you find it challenging to choose a travel destination. It allows you to explore numerous locations and tick the bulk of your travel list in one go. When you cruise, you also get to try new delicacies and discover exotic world-class cultures with friends and family. From duty-free shopping to drinking packages, making new friends, viewing breathtaking sceneries, and everything in between, cruising should be every traveler's dream come true.

Do you think the perks of cruise travel are too good to be true already? Then, wait till you hear that you can enjoy these benefits on a budget! Yes, cruising is one of the best options for a low-cost vacation if you know how to do it right. Read on for five fool-proof ways to cruise and enjoy an exciting holding even when broke.

5 Easy Tips for Cruising on a Budget

The first step to planning a cruise is knowing how much you wish to splurge. Calculate the cruise fare, airplane tickets, transport costs to the port and back, how much you want to spend on fun activities, etc.

Note that the ultimate trick to low-budget travel is prioritizing what matters most to you. So, be sure to skip the activities you can do without and include only the most important ones

After establishing your budget, here’s how to ensure that you stick to it:

1. Early Does It

There are numerous reasons why booking your cruise early is one of the most pocket-friendly decisions you can make. First of all, cruise ship rooms sell out very fast, and you can be sure that the most affordable ones will become unavailable in a short time. Also, prices start to skyrocket as cruisers book their rooms and inventory reduces. Moreover, there are numerous perks to booking your cruise early, including beverage packages, free onboard credit, airfare, etc.

Another good thing about booking ships early is that you don’t need to pay for everything at once. You only require a small upfront payment to reserve your cabin and can cancel later. Booking early also gives you ample time to put more money aside for your trip.

2. Consult a Travel Agency

Using a travel agent is another great way to cruise on a budget. The truth is, it’s pretty challenging to compare cruises thoroughly to find the best prices for the greatest value. You can only be certain that you’re getting the best deals when you leverage a travel agent’s insider knowledge.

Travel agents understand the nitty-gritty of cruise travel and know the most affordable cruise lines to choose from. They also know when to book a ship to get lesser rates for your preferred suites.

3. Choose Smaller and Older Ships

The ship's age and size can significantly impact your travel costs. Booking the newest ships means getting access to luxurious attractions and amenities that you may have to pay higher for. Plus, the higher demand for newer ships also adds to the cost.

So, choosing an older and smaller ship may be the best way to save money on your cruise trip.

4. Travel During Off-Season

People spend so much on cruise travel because they plan their vacations around peak periods. During this time, cruise lines have numerous tourists for limited spaces and are not inclined to reduce prices. Meanwhile, in the off-seasons, there are lots of discounts and price slashes to take advantage of while enjoying the same value.

5. Choose an Inside Cabin or Mini-Suite

There are different types of rooms to choose from when booking a ship, and you should be careful when picking one. Generally, inside cabins are the cheapest, and if you must get a suite, a mini-suite is the most affordable option.

Happy Cruising!

Following the tricks above, you can enjoy the best cruising experience with as little money as possible. Follow the tips religiously, and thank us later.