There are many reasons why a cruise can actually be an affordable way to see the destinations on your list. Firstly, a cruise often includes all your meals and drinks – so you know for sure what you’re spending before you even set off and can budget for it in advance. That way there’s no surprise bill at the end and you can relax and enjoy your getaway.
Likewise, if you’ve booked a fly cruise all your travel is included, making it a stress-free option. You don’t have to search for flights to get you to the launch destination (which can sometimes double the cost of your break!) and even your transfers from the airport to the ship are included. So, again, you know what you’re spending in total for your break in advance and can ensure the holiday fits into your allocated budget.
Another great reason is that it can be a thrifty way to travel if you choose to go off-season. There are so many deals to be found on cruises at this time of year, with companies slashing their prices to attract more travellers. Whether you’re enjoying a Mediterranean trip to get some winter sun or are sailing from Vancouver to Alaska to take in the snowy glaciers, it’s likely that you’ll be paying considerably less if you travel out of season.
But what about those shore excursions during your cruise? Isn’t that going to add a lot of expenses to your trip? It’s possible to save money on all aspects of your holiday but here are some quick and easy ways you can save money when you leave the ship…
1. Self-guided tours
Rather than paying for specific excursions or tour guides, you can do a self-guided exploration of the area. You don’t have to book an excursion in order to leave the ship – even though there are often fun activities to enjoy, if you want to save your spending money, a DIY approach would be best.
It’s so easy to find information about the destination online and you may even be able to find a tourist guide on a travel blog, which will give you a route to follow. If not, you can head straight to the local tourist information office and get a map and advice on landmarks to discover. Sure, you don’t want to make any travel mistakes but, with a bit of research, you’ll be able to enjoy a thrifty self-guided tour of the destination.
2. Cutting the cost of food and drink
There are two factors that’ll help you save money on food and drink when you’re on the shore. Firstly, make sure you have a big breakfast if you know you’ll be heading off the boat during the day. This may mean you won’t be hungry at all while you’re off the ship or could enjoy a small snack rather than a whole meal.
The second tip is to head slightly off the beaten track when looking for local places to enjoy a coffee or a light lunch. The outlets in the busiest areas are catering for tourists and can get away with inflated prices. There’s no need to wander far – just one street behind the main square will ensure you’re paying lower prices for your foodie treats.
Or, head to a local market. There’s so much to see at a market in the destination and it gives you a real flavour of the area. You’ll certainly be able to sample some local delicacies at a much lower price plus, if you’re not sitting down in a restaurant to eat and simply are enjoying takeaway street food from the market, you’ve also saved on money on restaurant tips.
3. On-board bargains
Also, did you know that there are sometimes special deals to be had on excursions or experiences when you’re already on the ship? You can find last-minute bargains on trips or tours so keep an eye out for any notice boards.
Another thing to consider is that, if you’ve had a busy few days and don’t fancy another long walk around a town, you could always stay on the ship. On port days, it’s sometimes cheaper to use any of the ship’s paid-for facilities, such as spa treatments, as they won’t be as busy as usual with most of the guests leaving the ship.
I hope these ideas will help you to enjoy your next cruise holiday without blowing your budget. Please let me know in the comments below if you have any other tips for saving money during your cruise. I’d love to hear your hacks for shore days and bargain meals. 🙂
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