Planning a cruise can be an exciting experience, but there are a few things you should consider to keep it budget friendly. While cruises offer one of the best values for your vacation, several money-draining mistakes can sneak up on you if you’re not mindful.
Here are six common mistakes to avoid when planning your next cruise. And remember, Cruise Web consultants are available to guide you through the process and help ensure you get the best value for your trip.
1. Booking the Cheapest Cabin Without Considering Upgrades
It’s tempting to book the cheapest cabin available when you’re planning your cruise. However, many travelers find themselves regretting this decision once they step onboard. Lower-tier cabins often come with limited views, smaller spaces, and less desirable locations on the ship, which can affect your overall experience.
Instead of always opting for the cheapest cabin, take a moment to consider the upgrade options. You may find that for a small additional cost, you can secure a much more comfortable and convenient space, which will enhance your cruise experience and provide better value in the long run.
Depending on the cruise line, upgrading your room ranges from 20% to 50% on average, and sometimes you can score a free upgrade from a special promotion. If you’re unsure which cabin is best for your needs, our experts can help you find the perfect balance of comfort and value, ensuring you don’t miss out on a better experience for just a little more.
Nothing will beat the views from your balcony cabin in Alaska—it’s like having a front-row seat to nature’s most incredible show. Whether it’s glaciers, wildlife, or the stunning coastline, you get to experience it all from the comfort of your own private space.
2. Ignoring the Cost of Shore Excursions
Shore excursions—those activities and tours you book at each port of call—can quickly add up. While some excursions are reasonably priced, others can be quite expensive. The price of these activities often doesn’t include tips, meals, or additional costs, so the final bill can be much higher than anticipated.
Off-ship excursion prices vary, some may cost $45 for a city tour while others can cost hundreds of dollars per person, depending on the type and group size. A smaller group size or traveling farther away from the port can drastically increase the price. Alternatively, look for free or low-cost activities at each port, like exploring local markets or relaxing on the beach.
Examples of Excursion Pricing: A 3-hour beach excursion may cost $75 per person, whereas taking a chartered fishing boat for a few hours can cost $400 per person or more.
To avoid overspending, research shore excursions ahead of time. Consider booking through third-party vendors instead of through the cruise line, as this can often be more affordable. For example, a local tour booked through the cruise line could cost $75, but if booked directly through the tour vendor, it may only cost $40.
Interested in multiple excursions? Consider opting for an all-inclusive cruise that includes excursions, it can end up costing less than paying for each one individually and you won’t have to worry about making sacrifices to stay within budget.
If you’re unsure of the best excursions at your destinations, reach out to one of our cruise experts. They can help you find the best excursions that suit your interests and your budget and offer tips on how to enjoy each port without overspending.
Did you know?
The Cruise Web has access to *exclusive* discounted rates on shore excursions! Ask your consultants about the available deals.
3. Overlooking Drink Packages When Booking
Many cruise lines offer drink packages, which may seem like a great way to enjoy unlimited beverages throughout your trip. However, these packages can be quite expensive, and they may not be worth it unless you’re a frequent drinker. If you’re planning on having a few drinks during your trip, consider the cost of individual drinks and compare it to the cost of the package.
For many travelers, it may be more economical to pay as you go or opt for a specialized package. If you’re just a soda drinker, consider an unlimited soft drink package and just pay for extra drinks separately. Rather than committing to an all-inclusive drink package. Be sure to factor in how much you plan to drink, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and calculate whether the package truly offers value based on your preferences.
Examples of Drink Pricing: The average price per drink aboard the ship can range between $3 to $20, depending on the type of drink, whereas an unlimited drink package may cost $20 to $90 per day depending on the type of beverage.
For example, if you had a coffee in the morning for $5, a soda at lunch for $7, a soda and a beer at dinner for $20, plus two bottles of water throughout the day for $10, you could be looking at $42 for just one day, per person. But, opting for a drink package, you could pay $15 for unlimited bottled water and soft drinks and then just pay out of pocket for your beer and coffee.
Before committing to a drink package, reach out to a Cruise Web consultant who can help assess whether it fits your drinking habits and offer recommendations based on your preferences.
Expert Tip
Check to see if the cruise line has different package offerings to ensure you’re getting what you want without paying for the drinks you don’t.
4. Underestimating Onboard Spending
While cruises offer tremendous value with all major expenses included upfront (e.g. transportation, dining, entertainment, etc.), there are onboard services that may not be included in your fare.
Dining in specialty restaurants (regular restaurants are included), exclusive onboard amenities like spa access, expert-lead classes, and premium entertainment options all come with additional costs. Before you board, take a look at the list of services and amenities that come with a fee, and plan accordingly.
For example, a cooking class may cost $20 per person or a specialty show may range between $15 to $60 per person.
If you know you’ll want to indulge in specialty dining or a massage during your cruise, it’s wise to budget for these extra expenses ahead of time. You can often find deals or packages that include onboard credit to use on experiences like spa treatments or dining, which will help you save money.
Cruise Web consultants are always happy to provide insight into what’s included and help you plan for additional spending so there are no surprises. And they can help you find the best promotions and deals available to help you take advantage of all the extra services without going overboard on spending!
5. Not Factoring in Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities for cruise staff are often automatically added to your bill at the end of your cruise, but it’s still important to budget for these extra costs. While tipping is appreciated for the excellent service you’ll receive, it can add up, especially for families or larger groups. Common cruise gratuities range from $10 to $20 per person, per day and can vary based on stateroom category.
It is also standard practice to include additional tipping for off-ship services and activities like luggage handling and guided tours. Keep this in mind as you plan your overall cruise budget.
So, before your cruise, familiarize yourself with the tipping guidelines for your specific cruise line. To avoid any surprises, consult with Cruise Web’s experts who can guide you on the tipping structure for your specific cruise line and help you plan accordingly.
Expert Tip
Many cruise lines offer an option to pre-pay your gratuities to help prevent any unexpected costs at the end of your trip.
6. Not Using a Cruise Consultant
Although it’s easy to search for a deal or discount on your own, The Cruise Web has access to exclusive deals you can’t find in a simple Google search. Our consultants spend countless hours ensuring that you get the best prices possible for your dream cruise without going over budget.
Fun Fact
Unlike some other travel agencies, The Cruise Web doesn’t charge a booking fee. So, you are saving even more money!
Conclusion
Cruises can offer an unforgettable vacation experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and avoid these common money-draining mistakes. By being mindful of upgrades, shore excursions, drink packages, onboard spending, and tipping, you can make the most of your cruise while keeping costs under control. With a little preparation, your dream cruise can be both enjoyable and financially savvy!
If you have any questions or need advice, Cruise Web consultants are here to ensure your trip goes smoothly, from booking to setting sail.
Ready to start planning? Contact a consultant today!