Going on an Alaska cruise can be an amazing experience, but it can also be quite expensive. Here are some tips to help you save money while still enjoying your trip:
- Consider booking early ! The earlier you book your cruise, the better deals you can get. You can save a lot of money by booking your cruise at least six months in advance. Plus you have the added benefit of getting more stateroom selections as the best cabins usually go fast !
- Consider the shoulder season. The shoulder season, which is the period just before and after peak season, can be a great time to save money on an Alaska cruise. Prices tend to be lower, and the crowds are smaller.
- Be flexible with your dates. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a better deal. Prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the time of year.
- Look for package deals. Some cruise lines offer package deals that include airfare, hotels, and other amenities. These can be a great way to save money on your trip. The benefit of booking these through the Cruise Line is that they manage the booking if there are any changes/delays.
- Choose an inside cabin. Inside cabins are typically less expensive than ocean-view or balcony cabins. While you won’t have a view of the ocean, you’ll still have access to all of the ship’s amenities.
- Prioritize what’s important: Decide which extras are most important to you and focus on those. For example, if you’re a foodie, you might want to splurge on specialty dining options, but if you’re not a big drinker, you might not need a drink package. If you want to just relax and disconnect then maybe you can skip the wifi/internet package.
- Research bringing your own alcohol. Many cruise lines allow you to bring your own alcohol on board. This can be a great way to save money on drinks.
- The policy on bringing alcohol on a cruise ship varies by cruise line. Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne on board, while others do not allow any outside alcohol.
- It’s important to check with the specific cruise line you plan to sail with to find out their policy on bringing alcohol on board. If you do bring your own alcohol, it’s likely that you will need to pay a corkage fee or have it stored for you until the end of the cruise.
- It’s also important to note that most cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing any other type of alcoholic beverages, such as liquor or beer, on board. Any outside alcohol found during security checks will typically be confiscated and held until the end of the cruise.
- Research shore excursions. Shore excursions can be expensive, so it’s important to do your research and find the ones that offer the best value for your money. If you book a shore excursion through the cruise line and you’re running late for the excursion, the ship may wait for you or delay the departure of the excursion to accommodate you. However, the exact policy may vary by cruise line and excursion, and it’s not guaranteed that the ship will wait.
- Private shore excursions on a cruise can sometimes be a better deal than booking through the cruise line, but it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of excursion, the location, and the number of people in your group.
- Here are some things to consider when comparing private shore excursions to those offered by the cruise line:
- Price: Private shore excursions may be cheaper or more expensive than those offered by the cruise line. It’s important to do your research and compare prices before making a decision.
- Flexibility: Private shore excursions can often be more flexible than those offered by the cruise line. You may be able to customize the itinerary, choose your own pick-up and drop-off times, and have more control over your schedule.
- Group size: Private shore excursions can be a great option if you’re traveling with a larger group. You can often save money by splitting the cost of the excursion with others in your group.
- Quality: The quality of private shore excursions can vary widely, so it’s important to read reviews and choose a reputable provider.
- Convenience: Booking through the cruise line can be more convenient, as the excursion will be coordinated with the ship’s schedule and you won’t have to worry about transportation to and from the port.
- Ultimately, the decision of whether to book a private shore excursion or through the cruise line will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. It’s important to do your research and compare options to find the best deal for you.
- Avoid the onboard shops. Onboard shops can be a temptation, but they’re often overpriced. Instead, make sure you’ve packed everything you will need on the cruise, such as:
- Sunscreen: Even if you’re cruising to a cooler climate, it’s important to pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Medications: It’s important to remember to pack any medications you need, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Sea sickness remedies: If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring remedies such as ginger candy, sea bands, or motion sickness medication.
- Comfortable shoes: It’s important to bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the ship, as well as any shore excursions.
- Swimwear: Even if you’re not planning on spending a lot of time at the pool, it’s a good idea to pack swimwear in case you want to take a dip.
- Camera or phone charger: Don’t forget to pack a charger for your camera or phone to capture all of your cruise memories.
- Eat at the buffet. The buffet is often included in your cruise fare, and it can be a great way to save money on meals. Plus, you’ll have a wide variety of options to choose from.
- The cost of specialty dining on a cruise ship varies depending on the cruise line and the restaurant. Typically, specialty dining on a cruise ship can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per person per meal, in addition to the cost of the cruise itself. Some cruise lines offer specialty dining packages, which allow you to dine at multiple specialty restaurants for a discounted price.
- The cost of specialty dining may also vary depending on the time of day. For example, some restaurants may offer a discounted lunch menu, while dinner menus may be more expensive.
- It’s important to check with the specific cruise line you plan to sail with to find out their pricing for specialty dining. Some cruise lines may offer discounts or promotions for booking specialty dining in advance or for booking multiple meals.
- It’s also worth noting that many cruise ships offer complimentary dining options in addition to specialty dining, so you can still enjoy a variety of delicious meals without paying extra.
- Take advantage of free activities. There are often a variety of free activities and entertainment options on board the ship. Make sure to take advantage of these to save money on your trip.
By being selective about buying extras on a cruise, you can avoid overspending and make the most of your vacation budget.