Frugal Travel Tips For Cruises

Cruises are one of my favorite ways to see the world. I like sleeping in one country and waking up in another, not packing and unpacking. Cruise lines range in price range from super expensive. For frugal travelers, here are some tips to cut expenses.

Consider all itineraries

When most people think of cruises, they think of the Caribbean, Madrid, and perhaps Alaska. However, an ocean port is named and it is likely to have a cruise sailing. And some of these itineraries can be not only a bargain but also a pleasant surprise. We once booked a 12-day Baltic cruise from London to St. Petersburg and returned from New York to London for less than the air fare. This is one of our favorite trips.

Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages

Meals are generally included in the price of a cruise (excluding meals at specialty restaurants). However, drinks other than water, coffee, tea, and if lucky iced tea come with an additional cost. So what we do is that non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased in ports (acceptable - for alcoholic beverages, there is often a corking charge) and then pouring them into glasses.

Take your own trip

We have done more than a dozen cruises around the world and only one ship organized trip (on our first cruise). They are expensive, move at the slowest passenger speed, and are restrictive. For a well-organized traveler, it is better to make your own arrangements.

One trick we use is to see the destinations that cover ship visits and which are included in our "tour".

Note: Tour directors will often tell horror stories about passengers not getting back in the ship on time. Solution? Leave some extra time and do away places first.

Big Breakfast, Late Dinner

For frugal travelers, it is very important to maximize the time in the port. This means that if possible choose to sit late at dinner. Also, we don't eat big lunches (if at all). Instead we eat a big breakfast on the ship (where breakfast is free), top of the day with breakfast on the shore and bites of local food and then a relaxed dinner.

Cruising is one of the favorite ways for this frugal traveler to see the world. And using these tips, it is a luxury that can fit a traveler's budget.