Cruise on a Budget! Money Saving Tips for Cruise Ship Vacations!

[@tracyv9897]

I do think a balcony cabin is worth it if you are bringing kids! This allows you to go out for some privacy and views when they are sleeping, since you are limited to leaving the room around their schedule.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That is very true. However, I definitely know parents who get their kids asleep and head to the nightlife and openly talk about it!

[@benyounce8390]

Thanks Brandon, Your tips for saving money are spot on. One item I don't think got mentioned was special repeat customer pricing. You love the every week weekend cruising. I'm locked into vacation days but can take them all together. I try to keep cruises to a maximum of 18 days. I just snagged a special that my current go to cruise line, Holland America offered this morning, it was a 17 day relocation cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Santiago Chile. I used your suggestion by looking at off season rates, though Thanksgiving will fall during the cruise. I ALREADY DREAMING OF TURKEY DINNER ON A CRUISE SHIP !!!! 😋 The beginning rate for an inside cabin was $999 for double occupancy. I booked it as a single for now not knowing if I'm going to invite a friend or not at this time. I booked this thru an agent on the phone and she kept calling it a "Not for Public Rate". That was a new term to me but I jumped on the fare even buying up to a verandah cabin as all cabin grades reflected the fabulous price. I've just bagged a 17 night cruise for an inside cabin price, but getting a Verandah cabin !!!!! 😄

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That a good call out! I really only mentioned the ones that I knew with Royal and a few others. Thank you for mentioning!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

We enjoy the fresh air accessible from our balcony and it is nice to get away from the rat race. We went on a cruise ship that had been cut in half and lengthened, but none of the power systems had been upgraded. They had to turn off the air conditioning ship wide to have enough power to get to the next port on time. We stuck in a hot room with no way to get any fresh air without a balcony door, even though that air was hot and humid outside.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I have never heard of that happening before! I hope that was years ago! Was that the enchantment?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@TheWeekendCruiser It was probably over 20 years ago and I cannot remember who it was. It was an RSVP charter.

[@willieboy7264]

Great Tips. We were on Freedom for the 3/26-4/1 sailing. Grand Suite one bedroom with our 10 month old. It was the perfect size for us. We def use the balcony though, we eat bfast there, spend nights relaxing when the baby goes to sleep, so for us the balcony has always been the go to. Also if you have a kid they offer daycare from 7-10 so you can go to dinner.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

All great thoughts!! Yes, I also love the dinning option the grand suite offers. I do dinner at sunset :-)

[@explore-with-us]

great tips, thanks for sharing, we shall apply them by our next cruise :-)

[@cliffprice47]

Some good tips! Just got off a Royal repositioning cruise on Adventure from Galveston to Liberty, NJ. Great cruise, and yes we have almost always done an inside cabin. Keep up your vlogs.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Cliff!! Yes, repositioning are another great way to save money per day. Can find some really good deals there too!

[@jonandkellyaleman108]

Great tips! Yes we always cruise the week BEFORE Xmas! So much cheaper! And always have another cruise booked. Yes!🙌

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Words to live by! Love the weekend before Xmas!

[@pryttyfatchick]

Great tips! Sailing during covid ive tended to spend a lot of time in my cabin and on my balcony. I dont want to get flagged as a close contact if there are any positive cases. I also love to take afternoon naps on my balcony as well hahaha. Sorry to my neighbors that endure my snoring lol

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha, yes, the balcony or higher is a deal breaker for many folks!

[@tracyv9897]

I saw an awesome tip to actually bring your mattress out to the balcony and sleep there!! It’s on my list to try 😃

[@ernestwinata7908]

I could save so much money sailing from my hometown of Vancouver. But, of course, I only want to travel where it's warm and sunny! You're so lucky to live where you are

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That's the problem with northern home ports, the ships go the wrong direction! Don't forget, I intentionally moved here to be closer to the ships.... it can be a reality ;-)

[@luvtravel6207]

these are great tips!! i generally do an inside cabin, and i do mostly the shoulder season. I have never thought of doing these weekend cruises. thanks for the great cruise tips.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

My pleasure!!! If you can plan in advance, you can get some really good rates here.

[@jerrym5802]

As usual, you’ve given us all great things to think about, including the best timing for getting good value. The choice of a type & location of a cabin is really the most crucial decision once you’ve settled on when and where you’re going. Keep up the good work, Jordan!

[@jerrym5802]

Duh, Brandon. Just watched & enjoyed your full sailing video!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha now worries!! I love Cruising with JT!

[@DavidinNYC]

Completely different subject; do you ever consider vlogging your cruise experience on this channel?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Meaning vlogging what I am actually doing on the ship? Not really... have thought about vlogging excursions. Vlogging certainly takes more effort to film and not sure I am there yet. Anything specific you are looking for? Always looking for content ideas!

[@DavidinNYC]

@@TheWeekendCruiser it does indeed but some are less strenuous, like vlogging/reviewing the food/restaurants on the cruises. Film it and then add comments in it is helpful and easier. Or just do walking tour of the ships :)

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@DavidinNYC Great feedback! Restaurants is def on my list.

[@tammyb6109]

i always get an inside cabin bc just like you we are never in the cabin just in the mornings, evenings for dinner showers & then bedtime

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

100% No reason to spend all that money if you don't need to. Rather cruise more!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Excellent, excellent advice, Brandon! I also really liked your shirt color and how it perfectly enhances your eye color.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha, if I get nothing else right, my clothes will match my eyes! ;-)

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@TheWeekendCruiser That’s extremely important to me and maybe some others too.

[@benyounce8390]

Ok Brandon, we need to see you doing a chapter of Weekend Cruiser by the Pool.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha, I have probably ever been into the pool less than 20 times total.

[@sungkim1853]

Hello, I enjoy every single your video. We cruise Apr 1st. with Wonder OTS. We enjoyed brand new ship but food quality is not same poor quality, Do you have any idea about RCI food quality down. Thank you.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I am starting to hear rumblings of this and not sure what is causing it. The ship I traditionally on is Freedom of the Seas and the food has been excellent.

[@javamon]

I like having a balcony, especially during COVID but I might consider a non balcony next time since my neighbors are always out there chatting, which makes it hard to enjoy.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahah, this weekend I had loud music from the floor above. And not music I liked :-x

[@bonniecreevy2642]

Balconies are nice if you’ve never cruised or special cruises. But they are expensive. I’ve been on several inside rooms to save money and he’s right, you’re not in that room a lot. Also, my best sleeps are always in the inside rooms. I guess because they are darker. Not exactly sure.

[@tommyj139]

I have a cruise booked in less than 2 weeks to Alaska. I am concerned about covid. Are you seeing lots of infections on the ships you are on?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I am seeing infections on the ships and on land unfortunately. If you are cruising, you have to know it is a possibility.

[@tommyj139]

@@TheWeekendCruiser thank you for your reply! I think we are going to go, and hope we don't catch it. BTW... I love your videos!

[@andrewfischer8564]

i need a balcony. i like to get away from the crowds and then at times sneak a smoke. dont tell any one

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Ha, your secret is safe with me. Just ensure you properly dispose of the butt and play nice with your neighbors!

[@andrewfischer8564]

dont want to ruin my neighbors time. dont want to start a fire

[@tracyv9897]

I think this also varies for extroverts vs introverts. Some people just want to be away from the crowds and so this makes sense. But if you are someone that loves being out and about, then I completely understand what he is saying.