Cruises for Beginners, Save Money Have Fun.
Our family has been cruising for many years, exploring incredible destinations on various cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Costa Cruises. Among the many places we’ve visited, the Mexican Riviera remains one of our all-time favorites. We’ve taken this specific cruise about five times out of the 20 we’ve been on, and it never disappoints. The breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and amazing excursions keep us coming back.
In this post, I’’ll share our best tips on how to travel for cheap while still making the most of your cruise experience. From scoring the best deals on cabins to knowing the perfect time to book, these strategies will help you save money while enjoying an unforgettable adventure at sea.
1. Book directly with the cruise line.
If you want to save big and enjoy a fantastic cruise experience, the key is to plan ahead. Booking your cruise a year in advance directly with the cruise line often gives you access to the best deals, allowing time to work in your favor. Our family has always followed this strategy and has reaped the rewards of lower prices and better availability.
However, if you don’t have that much time to plan, don’t worry there are still great ways to save. Booking during the low season can significantly cut costs. We’ve ve found that the best times to cruise are late October to early September, when kids are back in school, and demand drops. Cruise lines lower their prices since fewer families are traveling.
Other budget-friendly times include two weeks before Christmas, as well as January and February, when holiday travel slows down. Also, we stay away from booking through travel agents they usually get a cut from booking your vacation which is why their prices are higher. By strategically choosing when to book, you can enjoy an incredible cruise without breaking the bank!
2. How to Choose the Right Cabin for Your Cruise and Save Money
If you’re looking to save money on your cruise, consider booking an inside cabin with no window. If you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ships activities and only need a place to sleep, this budget-friendly option makes perfect sense.
However, if your goal is to unwind and fully embrace the cruise experience, upgrading to a cabin with a window or balcony is worth considering. Being able to take in the ocean views from your room adds a whole new level of relaxation.
For many of our cruises, we opted for inside cabins and spent most of our time out and about. But when we finally splurged on a balcony room, we realized just how much we had been missing. Waking up to breathtaking ocean views and enjoying quiet moments outside was well worth the extra cost. Whether you go for savings or a more luxurious experience, choosing the right cabin can make all the difference in your cruise vacation!
3. Dining
One of the best parts of cruising is the dining experience, with plenty of options to satisfy every craving. On Carnival cruise ships for example, food lovers can enjoy Guys Burger Joint, a fan-favorite spot serving up fresh, juicy burgers with a variety of toppings perfect for a quick and delicious meal by the pool. If you’re a night owl or just love a good slice, Carnival also offers pizza 24/7, ensuring you can grab a hot, cheesy slice any time of day or night. Our family loves these fast and convenient dining options when we come back to the ship after a fun port day. In addition to these casual favorites, most cruise ships provide complimentary dining in their main dining rooms and buffets, offering a variety of cuisines. For those looking to indulge, specialty restaurants are available at an additional cost, featuring everything from steakhouses and sushi bars to Italian and French cuisine. Whether you stick with the free options or splurge on an upscale dining experience, theres no shortage of incredible food to enjoy at sea.
4. Beverages
Most cruise lines offer soda packages that allow passengers to enjoy unlimited soft drinks for a daily fee. These packages typically include a variety of sodas, and sometimes even non-alcoholic specialty drinks like mocktails or energy drinks, depending on the cruise line. The cost varies but generally ranges from $8 to $15 per day per person. Some packages also include a souvenir cup with free refills at designated stations. While soda and bottled water usually require a purchase, many cruise ships provide complimentary beverages such as tap water, coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and sometimes basic juices during breakfast. It’s always a good idea to check with your specific cruise line to understand what’s included and whether a soda package is worth it for you.
A great way to stay hydrated on a cruise without extra costs is to bring a reusable water bottle, like a Stanley. Our family always fills ours at the lemonade station, which provides a convenient and refreshing option beyond just water. While you’ll find bottled water in your stateroom, these usually come with a price tag. However, if you’re a frequent cruiser with the same cruise line, you may be eligible for a complimentary water bottle per person. Just let your housekeeper know, and they’ll be happy to provide them for you!
5. Excursions
Before our cruise, we like to watch YouTube videos about our destinations to get ideas for what to do once we’re off the ship. This is especially helpful for places we haven’t visited before, giving us a better sense of must-see attractions, local experiences, and transportation options. It’s a great way to plan ahead and make the most of our time at port!
For example, the first time we traveled to the Mexican Riviera, our little family of four wanted to go zip-lining. When we checked excursion prices through the cruise line, they ranged from $130 for children to $150 for adults per person. Instead, once we got off the ship, we chatted with locals and found a much better deal. Booking directly with local tour operators can save you a significant amount of money since cruise lines take a cut from excursions booked through them. For instance, zip-lining at El Nogalito in Puerto Vallarta costs around $45 to $59. far cheaper than the cruise line’s price. Plus, many local guides offer additional perks, like city tours, beach drop-offs, and round-trip transportation, all for a fraction of the cost. If you’re comfortable negotiating and doing a little research, booking directly with locals can be a great way to stretch your vacation budget while enjoying a more personalized experience!
6. Free and Low Cost Land Activities
If your main goal is to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach, ask the locals where the best spots are. Depending on the port, some beaches may be within walking distance, while others require a short taxi ride. When taking a taxi, be sure to ask the driver to take you to a beach with nearby food options and restrooms for convenience. It’s also a good idea to carry extra cash, especially in destinations like Mexico, where some places charge a small fee to use the restrooms”silly but true!
Once we’re at the beach, we love to relax in the sun and grab snacks from passing vendors, like fresh fruit or local treats. After a day in the sand and sea, we skip the touristy restaurants and look for small, hole-in-the-wall eateries. Not only is the food usually much cheaper, but it’s also homemade and incredibly delicious. Exploring these hidden gems is one of the best ways to experience authentic local cuisine while keeping costs low!
7. Cruising Essentials
Cruise Essentials: Must-Have Items for a Smooth and Fun Vacation
Packing the right essentials can make your cruise experience much more enjoyable. Here are some must-haves I always taken or have seen others swear by it when setting sail!
1. Motion Sickness Patches
If you’re worried about getting seasick, motion sickness patches can be a lifesaver. That said, large cruise ships have stabilizers, so I’ve personally only felt the ship rocking on the way back when they speed up to reach port on time. I’ve never needed a patch, but it’s always good to have one just in case!
2. Waterproof Pouches
These are an absolute must! Not only do they let you capture cool water pictures, but they also keep your phone, cash, and cards safe. Remember, when traveling to a foreign country, theft can be an issue. A coworker of my husband’s once had her purse stolen from the back of a chair at a beach in Mexico along with all her documents, phone, and $1,000 in cash on the very first day of her trip. So, while you should definitely go out and have fun, always keep your important items with you. I love waterproof pouches because they stay on me at all times. If someone steals my backpack by the shore, jokes on them they’ll only get my towel and sunscreen!
3. Beach Towel Clips or Bands
If you plan to spend time by the pool on a sea day, towel clips or bands are a game-changer. Pool areas get busy, so I like to set my towel up with clips to claim my spot and ensure it stays put in the wind.
4. Onboard Laundry Hacks
Yes, some cruise ships have laundromats! I know what you’re thinking Laundry on vacation? No way! But hear me out. If you’re traveling with little kids, you’ll likely need to wash some clothes at some point. I’ve made a habit of doing small loads for my son when necessary. Recently, I even started doing a few loads on the last day of the cruise so I can go home and just put everything away ”no post-trip laundry pile! But if laundry isn’t your thing, skip it and go party instead!
5. Hiding Ducks on the Ship
A super fun cruise tradition is hiding small plastic ducks around the ship for kids (and even adults) to find. My son loves this little game and honestly, so do I! It’s a great way to add some extra excitement to the trip and bond with your kids!
6. Always Watch the Time When Off the Ship
This is absolutely essential. Plan to be back on board at least 1 to 1.5 hours before the official departure time. You never know if your taxi will break down or hit traffic, and the ship will leave without you! Also, always follow ship time, not local time, as some ports are in different time zones. The last thing you want is to miss the ship because of a time mix-up!
By packing smart and planning ahead, you can have an amazing cruise without stress. Now, go enjoy your trip and make unforgettable memories!
Fun For All!
Breath Taking Views!
Create Memories!
Disclaimer: The tips and recommendations in this post are based on personal experiences and opinions. Travel conditions, cruise policies, and local regulations may vary, so always do your own research and verify details with your cruise line and official sources. When booking excursions or using local transportation, exercise caution and use reputable providers. The author is not responsible for any losses, inconveniences, or missed departures resulting from the use of this information. Always follow ship guidelines, stay aware of time changes, and make safety a priority while traveling.
Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through Amazon links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
