Cruises are a great way to enjoy time away from home and see more of the world in one trip. However, the rising cost of living is causing more people to struggle to afford foreign holidays, with vacation budgeting becoming a hot topic among people across various income levels. Knowing how to take cheap cruises can be a great way to make the most of a holiday without breaking the bank.
This blog will offer some insights into how to take a budget cruise, from exploiting deals to smart spending strategies.
Timing strategies
Budget cruises are often those booked outside of the peak season, meaning avoiding times of year such as during the school holidays or hottest months of summer. Spring and Autumn generally offer better rates. Also, last-minute cruise deals are often the cheapest of the cheap, meaning if you’re able to be flexible with dates and locations, you could enjoy the best prices possible.
Don’t book over budget
There will always be cheaper ways to book when checking out. Choosing interior cabins, and eschewing drinks packages are clever booking strategies to keep initial costs down. However, if you know you’re a heavy drinker and plan on doing a lot, paying in advance can also end up being the most economical choice.
It’s also worth looking for budget cruises from UK ports, rather than ports that you have to travel to and from – these additional steps will only further inflate your budget.
Onboard saving strategies
Once you’re onboard, you can easily end up spending a lot of money if you’re not mindful. Cheap cruises are made once you’re at sea! However, most expeditions will be equipped with plenty to enjoy without spending extra. Tips for minimising onboard spending include:
- Eat from the buffet rather than specialty dining
- Limit impulse shopping at stores
- Spend time on free activities and settings like the pool/gym
Port excursion savings
Spending time researching port destinations can pay off significantly. Booking your own excursions, planning walks and finding local hidden gem restaurants or attractions will likely be much cheaper than booking organised excursions through the cruise liner. Packing essentials like sunscreen, snacks and other essentials will support further savings.
General saving tips
Beyond looking for cheap cruise deals at the last minute and limiting your on/offboard spending, some basic principles inform cheap travel in all its forms.
- Setting a budget and sticking to it
- Traveling with a like-minded group with similar budgets
- Seek out cheaper lines or budget cruise ships
- Book a shorter trip – sometimes, a couple of days is all you need!
If you’re interested in cheap cruises, visit our website today! We have a massive range of budget-friendly cruise options on our database, including last-minute and location-specific deals. Whatever your cruise requirements, you’ll find what you need at Supercruises.
