This is something that a lot of people don’t know about, especially new cruisers. Smaller ships and older ships will offer shorter cruises and less expensive cruises. If you don’t care about the world’s largest cruise Ship, roller coasters, or ice skating rinks, then you would be perfectly fine on a smaller ship.
Cruise During The Offseason
Most of my cruises have been from December – February. That’s when I found the cheapest rates. Most of December is at a lower price except for the week of New Year’s, those cruises will be double or triple the price of any other week. My favorite time of the year to go is January or February. Typically by January, I’m over the winter weather and ready to be somewhere tropical. The prices are much cheaper during these months until you hit March and then they go back up for spring break. If you want to get a good deal, you can cruise during hurricane season. I have done this once before and didn’t have the best experience but if you go early in hurricane season, you most likely won’t have any problems.
Book An Interior Room
Interior staterooms are the most budget-friendly rooms on the ship. I have always booked an interior stateroom because they were cheaper. However, my next cruise will be in a balcony room because the price was less than $100. Keep an eye out on prices because sometimes you can get a balcony room for the same price or even less than an interior room.
Eat On The Ship During Port Days
Eating off the ship can get expensive, especially if you are at a super touristy restaurant/location. I will occasionally eat off the ship if I find a hole-in-the-wall place with decent prices. One time in Costa Maya, I found a beachfront restaurant that gave you two beach chairs, wifi, unlimited drinks, and a meal for $15 per person. I don’t know about you but I can drink $15 worth of drinks alone so including all of the other things was just a bonus! If you can’t find a good deal like this, eat breakfast on the ship before you leave and come back for lunch if you’re somewhere close by.
Get On The Ship Early &Get Off The Ship Late
I already told you cruising is my favorite vacation so I try to get on the ship as early as I can and get off the ship as late as I can. When you check in for your cruise online, it lets you pick a time that you would like to board the ship. I always try to check in as early as possible so I have the option to board the ship as early as possible. If you get on the ship earlier, you can start enjoying the included amenities like the lunch buffet, unlimited pizza and ice cream, pool, and entertainment. The same thing when disembarking, I always like to do a later time and enjoy a nice breakfast in the main dining room before I get off the ship.
