Budgeting for a family cruise vacation is something I take seriously. As a father of two young children, family vacations are important to me. By budgeting ahead of time and setting spending limits for each day, I know that when our vacation ends, we won’t have to worry about having spent too much. In this article, we will discuss how to plan a cruise on a budget. We will cover cruise tips for finding deals, budgeting for extras, and managing your expectations for the trip.

Is It Possible To Have A Budget Friendly Cruise? 

Cruising on a budget is possible if you take the time to plan. Some cruise lines offer deals and discounts, so looking for those is essential. Additionally, look for last-minute and package deals that can help save money. Once you’ve found the right deal, it’s time to make sure you stay within budget. This can be done by sticking to the ship’s dining options and taking advantage of onboard activities. Also, shop for flights and organize them well in advance to get the best price. Finally, consider packing light and avoiding high baggage fees. 

How Far In Advance Should I Book a Cruise?

One of the most important decisions is when to book your cruise and how far in advance to reserve your cabin. Knowing when to book can help you get the best deal and get the cabin you want. Generally, reserving your cruise at least six months in advance is best as this gives you the most options and the best chance of getting a good cruise deal. If you book too late, you may end up paying more or not getting the cabin you want. Also, organizing early will give you more options if you want a specific itinerary. 

It’s also important to consider any special offers or discounts available at different times of the year. Cruise lines often have promotional offers for early bookers, which can save you money. Additionally, if you are booking with a group, booking early can help secure a group rate if one is available. Finally, if you plan to add on any extras such as shore excursions or extra meals, arrange these well in advance as they may not be available closer to the departure date. 

A Cruise Budget Is Important

Creating a budget for your cruise is a vital part of the planning process. Knowing how much money you have to spend and what you want to do are essential in ensuring you get the most out of your vacation. Prioritizing what you want to do will help determine where to allocate available funds. 

Taking the time to plan and consider all potential expenses will help make it easier to manage money while on the cruise. Airfare, accommodation, spending on board the ship, parking, and other additional expenses should all be factored into the budget. Planning for these costs will help ensure you don’t find yourself in a financial bind while on the cruise.

Additionally, it is vital to account for extra spending on activities or items that may not have been planned for. This can help ensure you stay within budget and avoid debt after your vacation.

Research Different Cruise Lines

Cruise lines offer different packages, amenities, and prices, so comparing will greatly improve your chances of finding an affordable cruise. Numerous websites make it easy to compare different cruise lines in terms of cost, destinations, travel dates, and more.

If you sign up for the mailing list of different cruise lines, you can take advantage of special offers and discounts that may not be available to everyone.

When comparing cruise lines, it is important to consider the different amenities, destinations, and prices that they offer. Different cruise lines have different prices, so it is essential to look at the overall cost of the cruise and factor in additional expenses like taxes and fees.

Additionally, some cruise lines offer better value for certain amenities, such as dining or entertainment options. By looking at what each cruise line has to offer, you can make an informed decision about which one is the best choice for your cruise.

Avoid The Cruise Line’s Shore Excursions

Taking shore excursions independently from the cruise line is an excellent way to cut costs. Cruise lines charge a premium for their sponsored shore excursions to guarantee their passengers have access to the best tours and experiences.

However, if you are okay with being flexible and taking a chance on a tour, you can find many more options of equal quality but significantly cheaper than those the cruise line offers. Many online resources offer reviews of different excursions and providers, so it’s easy to find an experience you’ll love.

You can always ask around and get recommendations from other passengers on the cruise who have had great experiences with independent tour companies.

Bottom line: you don’t have to spend money on cruise line sponsored shore excursions, explore independently for an opportunity to save money and have an amazing experience.

Use Your Local Port

If you are considering taking a cruise and live within driving distance of a port, driving may be more economical than flying. This is especially true if traveling with a group or family, as airfare could be more expensive. Before deciding which option to take, comparing the cost of driving to the cruise port versus flying is important. When calculating the cost, consider fuel, tolls, parking fees, and other related expenses. 

Onboard Packages 

When planning a cruise, always be aware of any food and beverage packages as well as any included specialty dining options. If you organize these packages before your cruise, you can get discounted prices.

Reserving early can save you money and ensure you can take advantage of the packages and discounts available. Furthermore, it is essential to note that booking in advance is the best way to secure your desired reservation if you are looking for a particular specialty dining option. 

Know Your Cruise Line Tipping Rules

Cruise lines have different tipping rules that you should know before setting sail. Many cruise lines have daily gratuities that are automatically added to your bill, so make sure to factor this into your budget. These gratuities are typically calculated based on the number of days you are on the cruise and the number of people in your party. Knowing how much gratuity is included on your cruise is important, as it can be a large portion of your budget. This way, you can show your appreciation and enjoy a stress-free vacation.

Beware Of High-Season Sailings

Cruise prices go up significantly during school holidays and peak demand times, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Furthermore, booking in advance allows you to select the best cabin and maximize your cruise experience. If you’re booking a brand new ship, booking your cruise in advance is even more important, as cabins tend to fill up quickly due to the novelty factor.

Look For Shoulder Season and Repositioning Cruise Offers

If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, consider going on a cruise just before or just after peak season, also known as shoulder season. Shoulder season cruises tend to be less crowded than those during peak season. Also, you may save a bit of money due to these cruises’ lower demand and availability. 

You can also consider a repositioning cruise. Repositioning cruises are voyages that typically occur when cruise ships move to new regions or locations at the start or end of the cruise season. Norwegian Cruise Line for example, offers East Coast, Transatlantic, Panama Canal, Pacific Coastal and European repositioning cruises. These cruises generally last 10 to 30 days, offering travelers a great way to explore the world.

Repositioning cruises often offer discounted fares and budget-friendly packages, so you can get great deals while enjoying a luxurious and memorable experience. Repositioning cruises are usually less crowded than standard cruises, so you’ll have more room to spread out and enjoy your time at sea.

Monitor Cruise Fare Changes

When booking a cruise, knowing the potential for fare changes is important. If you notice that the price of your cruise has changed since you originally booked, don’t hesitate to ask for a price drop credit. Many cruise lines will offer a credit if they have lowered the fare, and you can use the credit to help cover additional expenses during your trip.

It’s also important to watch out for non-refundable deposits if you need to cancel and rebook your cruise. Some cruises require non-refundable deposits, so checking with the cruise line before making any changes is best. If you need help keeping track of fare changes, it’s always a good idea to consult a travel agent who can help monitor fare fluctuations.

Sail During Off-Season

Consider sailing during the off-season, specifically from September to November. During this time of year, the demand for cruises is typically at its lowest, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to get a cheap cruise. You’ll have fewer crowds in ports and onboard, meaning you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and experience more personal service from the crew.

You can also expect better deals on popular excursions and amenities, such as spa treatments or shopping experiences. The off-season also offers more flexibility when booking so you can snag a last-minute cruise for even better savings.

Avoid Spending In Cruise Stores

On a cruise, stores on the ship tend to be overpriced. To save money and avoid unnecessary spending, bringing everything you need on board is best. If you need to purchase something while on the cruise, try to buy it off the ship while visiting a port.

If you would like to buy souvenirs from a shop on the cruise ship, wait until the last day. Many items are discounted on the final day of the cruise, so it’s best to wait until then to save money. 

Save Money By Choosing An Inside Cabin

Even though these rooms are smaller than other cruise cabins, they include all the basics for a cruise. You likely will spend little time in your room, so it makes sense to book an inside cabin. The lack of windows makes it perfect for quality sleep any time of day since it is always dark when you turn off the lights.

Inside cabins are typically smaller and may not offer a view, but the cost savings can be significant. Inside cabins are an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers to manage cruise cost while enjoying the cruise experience.

Smaller And Older Ships

Smaller and older ships offer many great benefits for budget cruisers. You can often find lower ticket prices on these ships and more affordable onboard amenities. Many older ships have been renovated to provide similar amenities as newer ships, such as pools, spas, restaurants, and entertainment. Plus, smaller ships offer a more intimate atmosphere. You can comfortably explore the decks, get to know staff, and make friends with other passengers.

Furthermore, you can take advantage of unique ports of call on these vessels because of their size. Onboard activities such as live music, movies, and swimming pools may be more accessible on a smaller ship.

Pay in Installments

Paying for your cruise in installments can be a great way to ensure you get the holiday of your dreams. If you ever wanted to go on a cruise but felt that the cost was too high, then paying in installments may be the right option. By paying in smaller amounts over time, you can spread out the total cost of your vacation and make it more affordable. Carnival Cruise Line for example has an EasyPay program that allows for interest free payments over a 3 month period.

This will also allow you to budget better and ensure you spend your money wisely. You will have more money available during your trip, as you won’t have to worry about making one large payment upfront. Finally, if you need to cancel for any reason, some cruise lines will offer you a refund on any payments made until that point. 

Pick A Cruise Line With Kids Cruise Free Deals

These offers allow children to sail free in a shared cabin with adults, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious families. Not only can you save money, but you can also enjoy the convenience of having all your family members in one cabin.

Several cruise lines offer kids sail free deals, so you can compare prices and amenities to find the best deal. Royal Caribbean cruise line offers free sailings for children under 12 at certain times during the year. They also offer Kids Sail For Less deals occasionally.

When searching for a kids cruise free deal, look closely at its restrictions and requirements. Some cruise lines may require that children be under a certain age or that they pay port fees and taxes. Be sure to read the fine print and understand all restrictions before booking.

Avoid Specialty Dining

While specialty restaurants on board may offer unique and mouth-watering dishes, they come with a hefty price tag. If you want to save money during your cruise, avoiding specialty restaurants and trying complimentary dining options is best.

Complimentary dining options on cruise ships offer a wide range of cuisine, from international flavors to classic favorites. These restaurants are typically included in your cruise fare, so you won’t have to worry about additional fees or charges. Plus, you can enjoy a different culinary experience every night with various options available.

However, if you must try a specialty restaurant during your cruise, consider having lunch instead of dinner. Lunch menus are often less expensive than dinner menus, so you can still taste the restaurant’s offerings without breaking the bank. Additionally, some specialty restaurants offer discounted rates on certain days or during specific times.

While specialty restaurants may seem tempting, it’s important to remember that the overall dining experience on a cruise ship is much more than just the food. Complimentary dining options still offer high service levels and ambiance. Plus, avoiding specialty restaurants means you’ll have more money to spend on other activities and excursions during your cruise.

Conclusion

Planning a cruise on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. You can find the perfect cruise for your budget with the right tips and tricks. Do research on different cruise companies and ships to find the best fit for your needs, budget, and desired destinations. Consider all your options when selecting the activities and excursions offered on the cruise, as they can add up quickly. Booking early is also a great way to save money on your next vacation. Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy your time away! With some planning and research, you can have a great cruise vacation and keep money in your pocket.