Planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. What's the best cruise line? What's the difference between an interior and an ocean-view stateroom? Should I book early or wait for last-minute deals?
Today's cruise ships are like floating cities with non-stop entertainment, restaurants, and activities all available under one roof.
Not only that, but the ships themselves are modes of transportation that take guests to incredible destinations around the world, from the crystal-clear waters in the Bahamas to ancient ruins in Europe and the snow-capped mountains of Alaska.
Thankfully, some tips can make planning a cruise easier, ensuring you make memories that last a lifetime.
How to save money on a cruise
Book during the off-season
Cruise fares are based on demand. During the peak travel seasons (i.e., spring break, summer and winter holidays, long weekends), fares are more expensive than during the shoulder (or off) seasons.
An easy way to save money on your cruise vacation is to book during the slower periods. You can easily save hundreds (if not thousands) by cruising to the Caribbean in January versus mid-July. Similarly, look at cruises to Alaska that depart in May or September instead of June or July.
Choose an interior cabin
Inside cabins are great choices for cruisers who don't plan on spending a lot of time in their rooms. Although these rooms lack windows and access to fresh air, they are equipped with the same standard amenities as other cabins, including a vanity, TV, an ensuite bathroom, closet space, outlets, a trash can, and a safe.
You can typically save even more money by letting the cruise line choose your specific stateroom. Rather than selecting your cabin's location when booking, guaranteed (GTY) fares mean that you're okay with being assigned a random stateroom for a lower price.
Reserve early
Reserving early typically means you will have access to the widest selection of cabins. Not only that, but because there are more staterooms available, cruise fares are lower.
Often, cruise lines will let you reprice if the fare drops before final payment. Just make sure you know the terms of your specific rate and monitor the fare (or work with a travel agent who can do it for you).
Use a good travel agent
Speaking of travel agents, finding the right one means that you will save time (and typically money). If you're a first-time cruiser, they can share their experiences and expertise, ensuring you are booked on the right cruise line, in the right cabin, and on the right ship.
Many veteran cruisers also prefer booking with agents. For example, my agent at MEI Travel has saved me thousands of dollars because of her access to exclusive group rates not made public.
Read more: Why you should book a cruise through a travel agent
Travel agents aren't just for cruises
If you're the type who constantly procrastinates planning and booking your vacations, let a travel agent take care of all the details for you!
They can arrange your flights, reserve a pre-cruise hotel, and even book transfers from the hotel to the cruise port on embarkation morning.
Pre-cruise planning tips
Check the cruise planner
After you have placed your deposit, you will gain access to your cruise line's online planning portal, which is where you'll find information on shore excursions, onboard activities, internet and drink packages, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and more.
The earlier you begin browsing the available options, the sooner you can decide which experiences are most important to your overall vacation experience.
Read more: How to book Royal Caribbean add-ons through the RCCL Cruise Planner
Consider your drinking habits
Drink packages aren't for everyone. Many cost over $60 per person, per day, so they're a pricey investment on top of cruise fares. However, if you think you will have more than 6 or 7 cocktails per day, a drink package can often save you money.
A lot of cruisers also like them because of their convenience. Instead of constantly eyeing your onboard statement, you can freely order cocktails at the bar, a glass of wine during dinner, or start your morning with a specialty coffee.
Don't wait to book cruise add-ons
Cruise fares aren't all-inclusive, so you will have to budget separately for things like shore excursions, specialty meals, Wi-Fi, and alcoholic drinks.
That said, it's best to book these extras as early as possible. It is not uncommon for add-ons to increase closer to the sailing date. However, there's rarely a penalty to cancel and rebook if you notice the price of your excursion or drink package has gone down.
Never fly to your embarkation city the day your cruise departs
Smart cruisers fly in at least one day before their ship's departure. Flights can be delayed or canceled due to bad weather, mechanical issues, or crew scheduling, and cruise ships won’t wait for late arrivals.
By getting to your embarkation city the night before, you give yourself a safety buffer in case your initial flight plan gets disrupted.
Connect to fellow cruisers via social media
You can learn a lot from experienced cruisers. For example, you can join a past sailing's Facebook group to ask about theme nights or excursion recommendations.
It's also not uncommon for cruisers to arrange meet-ups onboard. You can inquire about other parents with children around the same age as your own or arrange a bar hop!
Always buy travel insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you won't need but are thankful when you have it. As much as we don't want to believe that our long-awaited vacation could be ruined by a medical emergency or death in the family, life doesn't pause when we're at sea.
Medical, trip interruption, and cancellation clauses are important for cruisers, so you don't have to worry about large bills from unforeseen events that disrupt your voyage.
Pre-pay your gratuities
Pre-paying your gratuities (or tips) grandfathers you into the line's current rate, so if they increase the daily rate before your sailing, you won't be stuck paying more than you budgeted.
Not only that, but it simplifies your onboard expenses. Instead of paying them at the end of the cruise, you can add them to your fare and pay them in installments before the final payment date.
Read more: 3 reasons why smart cruisers always prepay gratuities on a cruise
Cruise packing checklist
Check your passport's expiration date
Passports aren't required for every cruise. If you're a United States citizen traveling on a round-trip cruise from a U.S. port of call, such as Miami, Baltimore, Seattle, or Galveston, you can use a certified copy of your birth certificate and a valid form of ID.
Otherwise, you need a valid passport to travel on a cruise. This means that it cannot be less than 6 months before its expiry date. If your passport expires in August 2026 but you're traveling in May 2026, you will need to have it renewed before your vacation.
Bring a water bottle
Although water is included in your cruise fare, bottled water costs extra. As such, having a reusable water bottle can save you the hassle of carrying water cups back from the buffet.
Carrying your own bottle also helps reduce plastic waste, making it an eco-friendly choice. Plus, you can stay hydrated while ashore on tours.
Make copies of important documents
Before leaving for your cruise, make copies of your passport and driver's license. Copies aren't acceptable forms of documentation when checking in at the terminal, but they may help if you lose the originals.
Moreover, you might want to print details about your itinerary, including your hotel information, shore excursion confirmation, and boarding passes.
Download the cruise app beforehand
Today, most of the information you need while onboard is available through the cruise line's app. This includes the daily schedule, restaurant hours, and more. The app is also often used to make show and specialty dining reservations.
It's best to download the app before you arrive at the cruise ship, especially if you did not purchase an internet package. Wi-Fi is typically available in the terminal, but cellular service can be spotty onboard when you're in port.
Check your cruise line's prohibited items list to avoid delays during embarkation
Items like steamers, irons, surge protectors, candles, drones, and alcoholic beverages are usually banned from cruise ships.
Every line has slightly different rules (you can, for example, bring one bottle of wine per person on Royal Caribbean ships but not MSC ships), so it's best to browse the official website to learn what is and isn't prohibited.
Pack essential and over-the-counter medications
Double-check that your medication is packed in your cruise carry-on before arriving at the terminal. Once you've left your luggage with the porter, you won't see it again for hours. If you're like me, you don't want your rescue inhaler to be stuck in a suitcase you can't access. Bonus: Bring enough medication to cover extra days in case of travel delays.
It's wise to pack over-the-counter medication, too. Things like pain relievers, cold and flu meds, seasickness remedies, cough drops, and antacids can be hard to find onboard. Even if they are available, they're more expensive than your local drugstore at home.
Read more: How to make your own DIY cruise first aid kit
Check off these other carry-on must-haves
Along with medication, pack your glasses/contacts, valuable jewelry, electronics, and anything else you don't want to risk getting lost in transit.
You'll also want to ensure your travel documentation is easily accessible. You don't want to start speaking with a port agent just to realize your passport was in your suitcase!
Read more: 27 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag
Leave new shoes at home
It's never a good idea to break in a new pair of shoes on vacation, whether it's a pair of sneakers during an all-day excursion or heels on formal night.
Instead, pack shoes you’ve already worn and know are comfortable. The ship is bigger than you think, and you will want to be able to walk from your stateroom to the dining room, the theater, and the atrium bar without needing to change your shoes.
Use packing cubes to save space
At first, I wasn't sure packing cubes were worth the investment. However, after I realized how easy they make unpacking on a cruise ship, I won't travel without them.
Not only that, but they can help you pack more clothing in less space by compressing everything. This is ideal when trying to travel using only a carry-on.
Bring your own alcohol and soda
Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival, let guests bring on limited quantities of alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks on embarkation day. Doing this is a great way to save money, especially if you don't have a pricey cruise drink package.
Note, though, that no cruise line lets you carry liquor onboard. Permitted alcohol is limited to wine and champagne, typically with ABV restrictions. Disney also lets you bring on a pack of beer.
Read more: I brought a 12-pack of soda on a Carnival cruise — Here's why it was a smart hack
How to make your cruise even better once onboard
Turn off cellular data to avoid roaming charges
Although it's possible to take an affordable cruise vacation, you don't want to spend more of your hard-earned money than you have to.
As such, make sure your cell phones are on airplane mode before setting sail — even if you've purchased a cruise ship Wi-Fi package. Otherwise, you risk incurring costly roaming charges while at sea.
Skip the crowded buffet on embarkation day
The buffet is the first stop for many cruisers. Because it's so crowded on the first day, I like to find other spots to grab lunch.
Most ships have casual options, whether it's a grab-and-go slice of pizza or a build-your-own burger bar. If you want to splurge, consider a leisurely specialty lunch to kickstart your cruise vacation.
You might want to pack a bathing suit for the first day
Cruise ships are floating cities with tons of different attractions. Instead of waiting to join in on the fun, you may want a change of clothing for after embarkation, so you can head straight to the pool and water slides.
Since most guests are eating lunch and exploring the ship, the pools, hot tubs, and slides are typically less crowded.
Take advantage of the ship's amenities on port days
With many passengers off exploring the ports of call, port days are the ideal time to enjoy the ship's amenities with fewer guests around. You can lounge by the pool without worrying about chair hogs or enjoy the attractions with minimal wait times.
Plus, you might be able to score better deals at the spa. These deals go fast, though. Keep an eye on the daily planner to see if any special deals are advertised. You can visit the spa and ask about port day specials, too.
Read more: Reasons Smart Cruisers Choose to Stay Onboard During Port Days
Look for hidden USB plugs
Older cruise ships typically have very few outlets in the cabins. More often than not, they're also limited to the vanity area. However, you might get lucky and discover a hidden USB port somewhere in the room.
For example, when I cruised aboard Celebrity Reflection, I found one in the stateroom's phone on the nightstand next to the bed!
Order free room service for breakfast
On most cruise lines, continental room service breakfast can be delivered for free. Although it's more basic than the options in the buffet and dining room, you can order things like fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, coffee, and juice for no extra charge.
Room service is one of my favorite ways to take advantage of a cruise balcony cabin. Nothing beats a fresh cup of coffee on the verandah while watching your ship sail into port!
Read more: I tried the overlooked breakfast option on two cruise lines. One was more basic, but both were free
Don't be afraid to ask for other menu options
If you don't see anything on the menu that you want, don't hesitate to ask your server if there's anything else available. For example, when sailing on Carnival Conquest with my friend, she frequently ordered from the children's menu! Crew members are really accommodating and eager to please.
Moreover, if you have a dietary restriction, inform your waitstaff on embarkation day. Some cruise lines even require forms to be submitted in advance.
Take advantage of cruise loyalty programs
Cruise lines, just like hotel chains and airlines, have loyalty programs that reward frequent travelers. The more you cruise with one line, the faster you'll rise in their loyalty program ranks.
Benefits vary based on the cruise line. Some, however, include perks like complimentary alcoholic drinks, priority boarding, free laundry, BOGO specialty dining, and more.
Cruise shore excursions
Save money on tours by planning your own day ashore
Cruise shore excursions can be pricey. Instead of booking tours through the cruise line in every port, consider planning your own day ashore to save money.
For example, it's easy to find a taxi and go to a nearby beach in Nassau, rather than booking expensive cruise line transfers. Just make sure you do your research and give yourself plenty of time to make it back to the ship.
Third-party operators have more options
Sometimes, cruise lines don't have the best excursion options. Even if they do, the best tours can sell out quickly. Instead of losing hope, browse reputable third-party operators to see what tours they have.
Many offer different experiences and smaller group sizes, so you will get more out of your day than sitting on a large coach bus. They can be cheaper than booking through the cruise line, too.
Read more: I skipped the pricey cruise line excursions in Alaska and booked with a third party
Use Wi-Fi in the port
You don't have to buy everyone in your cabin an internet package on your cruise. Although there are advantages to having a connection at sea, you can also check in on things at home while in port.
Stop for a mid-afternoon break at a local coffee shop and use their Wi-Fi to send a message to loved ones, scroll on social media, or check your email. It's more affordable than the daily internet price on the ship.
Ask crew members for tour ideas
If you don't have a plan for your next port day, don't be afraid to ask a crew member for their recommendations.
They've likely sailed the same itinerary before and can be a great source for finding hidden gems or local mom-and-pop restaurants with the best food in town.
Download maps for offline use
If you don't have cellular coverage in port, you'll want to download Google Maps ahead of time, so you can use it when your phone is "offline," especially if you aren't going on a shore excursion.
You can add points of interest to customize your map, like the cruise port, nearby restaurants, shops, beaches, and other landmarks, so it’s easy to navigate once you’re off the ship.
Save money by drinking in port
Cruise ship drinks are expensive. It's not uncommon for tropical beverages like piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris to cost upwards of $15.
If you don't have a drink package, you may want to consider grabbing a drink in port. Some places may have deals like 2 beers for $5, which can't be beat!
Read more: I always do these 5 things to save money on cruise drinks when I don't buy a drink package
Double-check the time before you disembark
Pay attention to the ship time before you leave on an excursion. Cruise ships are typically on ship time, not local time, so it's important to pay attention to when you need to be back.
If you go by your phone’s automatic time setting, you could show up late and miss your ship's departure. Some people take a wristwatch and set it to cruise time to avoid confusion.
Disembarkation process on a cruise ship
Check your bill before you depart
Billing discrepancies are best taken care of while on the cruise ship. If you see anything that does not add up on your statement, visit Guest Services.
Waiting until you are home to dispute a charge is much harder than handling the problem while onboard.
Book another cruise before you leave
Disembarkation morning is a sad slap in the face. However, instead of being upset that your vacation has come to an end, you can give yourself something to look forward to by booking your next cruise onboard.
Most cruise lines also offer onboard booking incentives with perks like reduced deposits, extra onboard credit, and more.
You can walk off with your luggage
A lot of cruisers choose to place their luggage in the hallway the night before disembarkation to let the crew transfer it to the terminal for them. It's convenient, but it isn't the fastest way to get off the ship on disembarkation day.
If you're in a hurry, consider carrying your own bags off. This option lets you keep your luggage with you overnight and typically be one of the first to disembark.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
