How to Save Money on a Cruise? Tips That Actually Work!

Um navio de cruzeiro atracado no Porto de Miami.
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2024-06-26

Everything You Need to Know to Save Money on a Cruise!

Imagine that you booked your cruise in advance, found a cabin at a good price, decided whether to take excursions through the ship or independently, and calculated if it was worth buying beverage packages.

Do you already know how to save money on a cruise?

You wouldn’t want to ruin your budget after all that effort, would you? So, keep reading to see how you can save on your next cruise.

How to Save Money on a Cruise?

Partida do Cruzeiro MSC Divina do Porto de Miami.
Departure of the MSC Divina Cruise from the Port of Miami.
Tomar o pequeno-almoço no camarote.
Having breakfast in the cabin (it was included in the package price).
Piscina no cruzeiro MSC Divina.
Swimming pool on the MSC Divina cruise.
Piscinas cobertas e jacuzzi no MSC Divina.
Covered pools and jacuzzis on the MSC Divina, providing free fun for the whole family.
Teatro Pantheon no MSC Divina.
Pantheon Theater on the MSC Divina with free shows every night.
O meu filho mais novo a dormir à mesa, num dos jantares de gala.
My youngest son sleeping at the table during one of the gala dinners, where meals at some restaurants are included.
jantar-msc-divina-cruises
Example of a dinner at the ship’s restaurant (already included in the cruise).

Attention to Cruise Ship Photographers!

As soon as you board the ship, they will ask you to pose for the traditional photo.

They’ll tell you that you don’t have to buy it if you don’t want to, and most people smile for the camera.

The cruise photographers move around strategic locations, where they approach passengers and, again without obligation, take beautiful photos.

The photos will then be displayed for people to decide whether or not they want to buy them.

I don’t see any problem with this scheme.

Passengers are free to be photographed and are not obliged to purchase the photos. But they play on our nature and believe we won’t resist beautiful photos.

Our tip: try to decide whether or not you want to be photographed before you board the ship. If you decide you don’t want to pay for the photos, simply don’t take them! That way, you can be sure you won’t be tempted.

Escadaria de cristais Swarovski.
Swarovski crystal staircase.

Check What’s Included in Your Beverage Package

If you decided to buy a beverage package, make sure to see which drinks are included in the package and, if in doubt, ask the staff.

Knowing which drinks you won’t have to pay extra for and which ones will incur a charge will help you make better decisions for your wallet.

Os meus filhos a partilhar um cocktail infantil no bar do MSC Divina.
My children sharing a kid’s cocktail at the MSC Divina bar.
Pequeno-almoço no buffet do cruzeiro MSC Divina.
Breakfast at the buffet on the MSC Divina cruise.
Room service no MSC Divina.
Room service on the MSC Divina (complimentary in some cabins).
Comemorar o aniversário a bordo do MSC Divina.
Celebrating a birthday aboard the MSC Divina (courtesy of the cruise team, meaning I didn’t pay for this treat).

Keep Internet and Telecommunications in Check

Telecommunications on board can be quite expensive, but it’s hard to completely give up on your phone or the internet.

To save money, we suggest two tips: first, check if there is a prepaid Wi-Fi plan available; second, try to make phone calls or access the internet when you are on land.

Have you heard of WiFi Finder and WiFi Map? These apps can help you find open Wi-Fi networks near you.

Shop in the Right Places and at the Right Times!

Ship stores are generally expensive, but imagine you see an item that interests you during a stroll through the shopping area.

My recommendation is to wait until the last day of the cruise, as they often have sales.

Not all items will be on sale, but you might get lucky and save some money for your next trip.

Another tip that always works is to choose tax-free ports for your shopping.

The Island Plaza Tax Free Shopping Mall. Ir às compras sem pagar impostos em George Town.
The Island Plaza Tax Free Shopping Mall. Shop duty-free in George Town.
Bay Shore Mall, fazer compras em George Town.
Bay Shore Mall, shopping in George Town.

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