10 things to AVOID if you want a cheap cruise

[@julieb7882]

We have to weigh the cost of flights as we live far from any cruise port. Being as most short cruises cost more per day, we take longer cruises to get the most for our airfare.

[@shastah-i1666]

Spa treatments on port days can be heavily discounted if you want one...

[@PatrickWagz]

Great list, I completely agree with all your points, except the one of avoiding longer cruises. The majority of my cruise have been 12 nights, or greater. The overall fares seem to be lower, merely based on the cruises themselves being longer. Plus, your airfare is still the same price, regardless of whether the cruise is 3 nights or 18 nights, so why not average that out to get a better "bang for your buck"? Plus, longer cruises typically have more SEA days, to go along with your point about doing a cruise with less port stops.

[@driver534]

Then again if you don't go where you really want to go. No point in going. So you shouldn't not be going to save money

[@travelwithdebandnick]

great video Allie. where we live in Tasmania Australia, we always have to fly to the embarkation port as we don't have any home ports here sadly. we usually stay in the city that our ship leaves from anywhere between 1-5 nights pre cruise and 1-3 nights post cruise, just to extend our holiday a few days. were usually on a 4 or 5 night cruise although have 2 x 3 night cruises currently booked, 1 x 7 night cruise (our longest cruise) and 1 x 2 night cruise booked between November this year and may 2026

[@dchenkin02]

Disagree on avoiding longer cruises. Cruises which are longer than seven nights typically have lower price per night cost than a cruise less than six nights. I have found ten night cruises out of peak season which are less than four night cruises during peak times, especially when the ship departs from north of Florida.

[@catherineyagecic416]

Also to save on beverages, before you buy the package, take into account that if you're going to leave the ship on all the ports,, you won't be on the ship to drink all those drinks. Sometimes buying drinks one at a time rather than buying the package

[@monikaliebold4225]

If you can be flexible in cruising, check out online or with travel agent for last minute or even super last minute. There might be not the full range of cabins / itineraries available, but you can get amazing deals (even sometimes less than half of normal price).

[@sf3413]

Bring some sodas onboard to save even more on drinks. Pack meds and sunblock so you don't have to pay crazy amounts onboard for them. Use a travel agent who can be an extra pair of eyes for price drops before final payment. Be willing to try guarantee interior for even more savings- bring ear plugs just in case you're under the pool deck or night club. Use AARP gift cards- I love this one; you get 10% off base fare for RCL and some other lines. Great video!

[@JaniceM0908]

Booking cruises as early as possible. My cruise for 2025 is up 33% since booking.

[@johnjohnrn8655]

Royal has some deals for there older ships but then you come on KZbin and see everyone on the newest ships. I prefer Disney for my son and the ship s are so well maintained especially compared to RC. Looking into NCL next.

[@CityWise_Travels]

Sometimes older ships like Disney Magic and Wonder can be better then the newer ships like the Wish class ships

[@R32R38]

Remember that while third party shore excisions are often much cheaper than those booked through the cruise line, you do NOT get a return to ship guarantee.

[@PatrickWagz]

Everyone always says that, but it is far less of an issue than everyone makes it out to be. I bet there are only a handful of instances throughout a year of worldwide cruises. Plus, all the 3rd party excursions do guarantee you'll make the ship, normally by getting you back way early, with HOURS of time to spare.

[@R32R38]

@@PatrickWagz I wouldn't be surprised if that widely publicized NCL incident in Sao Tome is contributing to many fears.

[@lelandmckeevertheadventure768]

The food in the specialty restaurant is the same quality as the main dinning room

[@dchenkin02]

Depends on the cruise line. Specialty restaurants often have better food than the included items on mainstream cruise lines.

[@laughremixsquad]

Great tips! Don't forget to smuggle liquor on board to save even more money! Bring an insulated cup, pour liquor in, get a cup of free juice, mix, bam! $13 cocktail 🍹

[@monikaliebold4225]

To smuggle liquor - no way. If you get caught, you risk to be sent off the ship at next port of call (no refund) and you might be banned cruising. Btw meanwhile cruise lines are aware of nearly all hacks shown online how to smuggle liquor onboard.

[@laughremixsquad]

@@monikaliebold4225 I’ve never known anyone to be removed from a cruise in over 20 years of doing it. I’m not saying do anything you aren’t comfortable with, but the risk is low and the savings are high!

[@monikaliebold4225]

​​@@laughremixsquad@all I'm experienced cruiser for nearly 4 decades now. There is no way for intentionally violating the cruise line’s policies. You can and will really get into serious trouble if you are caught. All cruise lines have strict alcohol policies. If you are caught smuggling prohibited alcohol onboard, you can be definitely certain that alcohol will be confiscated and not returned. When booking a cruise, you are accepting terms and conditions, which include alcohol policies and prohibited items list (including prohibited alcohol). Crew staff is required to report suspicious behavior, that violates alcohol policy. If you keep smuggled liquor in cabin, your cabin steward might report you. And he might do it, because if not, he gets in big trouble up to losing his job. With many cruise lines, you could be fined or surcharged for violating the alcohol policy and worst scenario as I mentioned before - sent off ship and being banned.

[@laughremixsquad]

@@monikaliebold4225 I guess all of us who are successfully doing it for decades and are making it up. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ idk what to tell ya, but it’s happening on every cruise ship. Maybe you should try rum runners filled with water just for the thrill of breaking the rules without breaking the rules. 😘