How To Keep Cruise Costs Down

“Wow! I didn’t realise our cruise cost us that much!”

Ever said that at the end of your cruise when you’ve looked at the credit card bill?

It’s very easy to overspend on a cruise.

I blame that card thing.

You know – the one you hand over to everyone on the ship and no cash changes hands.

Haha! If you’ve been on a cruise, you’ll know what I mean. At the start of your cruise, you’re given a cruise card. Not only does that usually act as your cabin key and port pass – but it’s also your charge card.

So a drink here, an excursion there, a flutter in the casino here, a spa treatment there…

And pretty soon you’ve built up a hefty bill which needs to be paid at the end of your cruise.

There are many other ways you can end up with a big bill:

Missing the ship when it leaves port, for example.

But fear not. Watch this video from Doris Visits. It identifies and helps you avoid those expensive pitfalls…

How to Save Money and Reduce Spending Costs on a Cruise

Not time to watch the video? Don’t worry. Here’s a summary of the tips to help you avoid overspending on your cruise.

1. Don’t be late for the ship. You’ll have to pay the aeroplane costs to catch up with it at the next port.
2. Mobile phone: Internet at sea is very expensive. Best to switch to “airplane mode” or prebuy a package.
3. Insurance. Check you’re fully covered for medical and any other emergency.
4. Low-cost cruise deals might not cover everything you need – such as shuttle buses at the ports.
5. Drinks – that’s that problem with the charge card again. The cost can quickly mount up. Why not pre-purchase a drinks package.
6. Excursions can be expensive, and often there are cheaper alternatives.
7. Choose the right cruise that has the things you like so that you don’t have to pay extra to enjoy them.
8. Photos can be expensive. So either take them yourself or buy a pre-package.
9. Prices in cruise ships’ shops can be more expensive than prices at home, so remember to bring all those essentials with you.
10. Service charges. Read the small print so you aren’t taken by surprise if some things such as drinks carry a service charge.
11. Dress code. Make sure you bring the right clothes so that you don’t end up buying on board in order to access your favourite bar or restaurant.
12. Speciality restaurants are amazing – but they charge extra.
13. Travelling to meet your ship? Look for special coach or train deals, or port parking deals. Usually, the earlier, the better.
14. The bottled water in your cabin might not be complimentary. Check it out rather than have a shock when the bill arrives.
15. Remember to bring the provided beach towels back to the ship to avoid being charged for them.
16. Set a limit if you gamble. And never let anyone use your cruise card to gamble.
17. Get specific advice from experienced cruisers on cruise chat sites. There are some excellent ones on Facebook.

 

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