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But best of all, Viator has tours specifically for cruise passengers with dates & times that align with your cruise ships’ itinerary. Many first-time cruisers assume they can't bring their own drinks on board a ship. It's one way to save money when cruising, as drink prices on ships can be high. Although you may see prices remaining the same, there could be attractive promotions making it worthwhile to alter a cruise reservation.
Food Cruise Hacks
The idea of a “cashless” ship is impossibly alluring, the same way that a nickel slot machine is irresistible. U.S. News & World Report’s best-cruise-lines microsite has a wealth of cruise knowledge and reviews of all the major lines. It’s important to read impartial, independent reviews as part of the cruise-shopping process. You’re going to be asked many of these questions by your travel advisor or online as part of the shopping process, but it’s better if you ask yourself beforehand.
Use a points card for onboard spending
At the heart of most cruises are port calls that, in many cases, are very short — often just a few hours. You want to have a plan for what to do in these ports or you'll miss out on a big part of the cruising experience. I am, of course, too cool to ever put a key card lanyard around my neck, which means I lose my card once or twice on every trip. My cruise team colleague Ashley Kosciolek also escews landyard-wearing on ships, but that didn't stop her from writing this wonderful guide to the coolest cruise lanyards around.
Choose an interior cabin
Most cruises have a handful of complimentary dining options available during lunch that most passengers haven’t taken the time to scout out. So there’s no need to wait in a long buffet line to fight for the salad tongs. And even the cruise lines that charge for room service, it can still be a decent value if you play your cards right. Do note that all Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and MSC charge by the order, not the item.
Bring a pack of water.
In the morning you’ll find a variety of juices, as well as milk, water, coffee and tea. The rest of the day, buffets usually have unsweetened iced tea, some sort of juice or lemonade, water. However, I’ve noticed in cruise Facebook groups, that some people are under the impression that no drinks are available “for free”, or included.
Cruise Hack to Connect Multiple Devices Using Only One Wifi Package
Bottled water is extra on a ship, so a reusable one can be a money saver. The more you can pre-plan, the more time you will save later, and maybe even money. This is the hub for all the information on your cruise and what is available like port times, excursions, activities etc.
When meeting your cabin steward on after boarding on the first day, make it a point to request several extra hangers. Many cruisers report losing their reading glasses or even their sunglasses. It’s a good idea to bring an inexpensive pair of each of these just in case. Full disclosure, I am not a casino player so I never get casino offers.
18 Disney Cruise Tips 2024 — Disney Cruise Secrets - Reader's Digest
18 Disney Cruise Tips 2024 — Disney Cruise Secrets.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Most cruise lines have a special drink of the day offered at a reduced price. While not free, it will likely be a few dollars less than other similar drinks on the menu. Nowadays it’s super important to download the cruise line app for online check in, emuster and more.
Book your on board reservations online ASAP
If there are changes, they spend the time on the phone, not you.
Parents and families, look out for Kids Sail Free promos as well as promos for discounts on 3rd and 4th passengers. It is the best way for families to have a cruise vacation and benefit from significant savings. Those who cruise a couple of times or more each year appear to have the most value. If your child is shy, a tip is to visit and register the first day of your cruise, so that you can go in with your child and meet the animators. You’ll likely be surprised at the quality of staff, activities and inviting atmosphere.
It’s been somewhat effective but can still cause drowsiness. Another unconventional place to retreat if you’re just feeling mildly queasy is the ship’s pool! Lastly, in Google Maps, you can even download the offline maps of your cruise destinations to learn about locations and directions without needing wifi. If you don’t know how to download offline maps, here are complete directions. If you find a more attractive offer to the cruise you’ve booked, call the cruise line or booking agent immediately to have them change your reservation. Alternatively, they can cancel the old reservation and rebook the better deal.
For example, in Bermuda our family took a ferry and bus to Crystal Caves. Not only did we save a couple hundred dollars, but we also avoided some of the crowds, which we appreciate. The first cruise I went on, I was incredulous at the number of people who were carrying huge packs of bottled water aboard the ship.
One genius tip is to bring along your own room spray or freshener. Space in your cruise cabin will be super limited so bring along a storage hanger (the plastic kind you put shoes in) to store items and make the best use of a small room. You’ll need one for excursions and here are the 16 best backpacks to travel with.
It makes it easy to meet your friends or family members while going separate ways on these massive ships. On another recent cruise, we were given a complimentary drink package and wifi package that the cruise line wasn’t offering directly. Whatever the case, these promos were only available through a third-party travel advisor and not directly with the cruise line, even though the price of the cruise was the same. Offering exclusive deals such as additional perks is another way travel agents can beat the value compared to booking with cruise lines directly. Travel advisors work closely with the cruise lines to secure these perks, upgrades, and promotions that the cruise line may not offer directly to customers. Instead, wait for last-minute rates during the unpopular times we reviewed in the prior cruise hack.
If you don’t want to pay extra for name brand ice cream, go to the main dining room, even for lunch, and ask for the ice cream of the day. There may even be an included ice cream counter in the buffet area. Consider ordering a free room service continental breakfast. While not every cruise line includes free room service at all hours (we love the ones that do!), many will have free room service for a simple breakfast.
The best price you’ll get is by purchasing an internet package in your cruise planner online before your cruise. One of the best ways to save money on all aspects of cruising is through knowledge. Some people seem to find the best cruise deals and are cruising several times a year.
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