Guest Article: Cruising on a Budget

Cruising on a Budget? No Problem.

Basking in the hot Caribbean sun. Sipping a strawberry daiquiri. Rock climbing 80 feet above the ocean. Seem like a vacation you can’t afford? Think again.
Cruises hold a certain mystique for vacationers, making it an intriguing vacation option. Yet, certain price misconceptions prevent many from taking the plunge and booking a trip. However, done right, cruising can be one of the most cost efficient ways to explore the world.

Cut out the Middleman
Thanks to the Internet, booking a cruise has never been easier. Say goodbye to frustrating travel agents and pesky fees and to hello paradise. Websites such as, Travelocity, Orbitz, Bookingbuddy and Priceline sell hundreds of cruises at bargain prices. Don’t let the destination of your cruise dictate price. Cruises are offered to Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, South America and many more.  Shop around and be your own travel agent. When purchasing a cruise indicate where you live and whether you’ve taken a cruise before. Many cruise lines offer discounts based on your residency and past cruise travel.

Pre and Post-Cruise Transportation
Unless you live near your embarkation port, figuring out how to get to and from your cruise is a must. Most cruise lines offer a package for airfare, hotel accommodations and the cruise itself. Do your homework because paying for a package may mean you’re paying much more than booking a flight yourself. On my previous cruise I paid about $200 less booking airfare separately. Please note that although you may save money by booking your airfare separately, if your flight is delayed or cancelled the ship will not wait. Purchasing airfare through the cruise line guarantees travel protection.

Shore Excursions
From swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with stingrays, exploring Atlantis, to zip lining through the jungle, cruises offer a variety of shore excursions. Shore excursions make cruising a unique experience and are worth trying. However, they can be pricey. On my previous cruise there was a dolphin excursion for $1,900 per person. But before you write off a cruise all together, know that not all excursions carry such a hefty price tag. Cruise lines purchase excursions through companies at the port. Meaning, travelers may book their excursions independently. Book your excursions through these companies and you can save.
If a day at the beach is what you’re looking for, don’t pay for an overpriced excursion. Take a taxi instead. Depending on where you dock, you’ll pay about $10 a person for a taxi, compared to $120 for the official excursion. The money you’ll save can go towards souvenirs or maybe for another cruise.

Negotiate While Shopping
Rarely you name your own price while shopping, so take advantage of it. Many merchants at the ports make a living off selling t-shirts, jewelry and other souvenirs. Negotiate with merchants to get the best possible price. Cozumel, Mexico has hundreds of merchants, specialized shops, bars and restaurants and is among the many ports where negotiating prices is encouraged. Your cruise director may provide you with tips on how to negotiate to make your shopping experience more economical. Purchasing duty-free items at ports is another way to save on alcohol, jewelry and tobacco products. Just make sure your purchases adhere to the country’s importation guidelines.

Food and Drink
Meals and basic drinks such as tea, coffee and juice, are included in your cruise fare. Most cruise lines however, do not include alcohol, soft drinks and gratuity into the total price. Alcoholic beverages are around $10 each, plus a 15 percent gratuity per drink. Depending on how much you drink, your onboard total can quickly add up. Cruise lines do not accept cash on board. Any drinks, shopping, shore excursions and casino trips will be charged to your onboard cruise card. After your cruise your balance will be charged to your credit card. It is easy to keep spending, so keep your receipts and keep track of your spending. You are able to look up your current balance at any time of your trip. Doing so can help limit your spending. Purchasing a soft drink package is a great way to save money if you will be drinking multiple soft drinks a day. These packages cost around $20 per person and include unlimited soft drinks for your entire trip.
Most islands purchases are duty-free, meaning no taxes. Many travelers stock up on island specialties such as rum and tequila. However, any alcohol purchased off the ship will be stored until debarkation. One exception is passengers are allowed to bring one bottle of champagne or wine onto the ship before embarkation. If you know you’ll be drinking, I’d highly recommend buying some wine or champagne before you leave. A $10 bottle of wine at a grocery store can be $30 on the ship. Also, bring your own cork. Ships usually charge a $15 corkage fee for bottles brought aboard. Spend $5 on one before you leave and you’ll be glad.
Specialized dining restaurants may also be available for an additional fee of $15-$40 per person. To save money, stick to the main dining rooms. They offer three-course gourmet meals that are already included in your fare.  
  
Cruise Staterooms
Realistically you’re in your stateroom to sleep and get ready. So why pay the extra money for a swanky suite when a less expensive, but very nice, ocean-view room will work just fine? Check with your cruise line to see how many people are allowed in a room. I’ve seen anywhere from two to six people in a standard ocean-view room.
Inside staterooms are the cheapest. If you opt for an inside stateroom keep in mind they do not have any natural sunlight, making it easy to sleep the day away. Alarm clocks are absent while sailing the high seas, so set an alarm on your watch or phone. If you use your phone and don’t have an international plan, make sure your network is off.  International rates can triple your next cell phone bill.

            Taking a cruise doesn’t have to empty your bank account. Cruises give you the opportunity to “taste” a country without having to commit for a weeks stay. They give travelers an opportunity to visit areas of the world they may not have visited but wish to explore. 

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