We cruise several times a year. Often, we hear, “It must be nice to be so lucky!” or “I wish I could afford to go on vacation!” or even, “What did you do-win the lottery?”. We used to be part of the group of people who thought cruises were only for “rich” people. Our old selves believed vacations were reserved for those with a lot of disposable income. We have never been rich or had a pile of extra cash, but we wanted to cruise! Going into debt to afford such luxuries as cruises or vacations was not an option for us. Another way had to be found. On our journey 4 change we have realized that cruises and vacations are possible if we change the way we approach it.

Currently we cruise at least 4 or 5 times a year. We are Platinum VIFP members with Carnival. We have also sailed with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. At this time, we have 3 future cruises booked. As we become more mobile after our house sells, we intend to cruise even more often. Repositioning cruises will also be a possibility we may use to get to other continents instead of using expensive airlines. Each cruise we have learned how to save and make our money go farther. Today we want to share with you some of the ways we have been able to afford to cruise so often.

Cruising, vacationing, and the ability to be in control of your journey all starts with your budget. You must get in control of your money and where it goes.  This topic is vast and important in our journey 4 change and I will cover it in its own future blog post.

Often the people who are telling us they wish they could afford to go on vacation are the ones with the most foolish spending habits. Daily Starbucks trips, random Amazon purchases, or mindless browsing at Target all adds up. Cutting back on your salon visits, restaurant meals, or workday splurges of Redbull can probably pay for a cruise. You are going to have to decide what is most important to you and make some changes.

Once you know how much you can afford to spend on a cruise, you will be able to determine when and where to cruise, what cabin type, and cruise line fits you best.

The time of year your chose to cruise greatly affects the price of your cruise. Major holidays, spring break, and summertime are popular cruise periods for families. They choose to cruise when their children have a break from school driving prices way up. Avoid May through early September to miss the summer break crowd and prices. You can often do two seven-day cruises in the winter for the price of one summer cruise.

Our oldest son was already grown before we started cruising but our youngest son was still in school. We would plan a cruise with him on a week when school already had a scheduled day off. Often, we would take week long cruises over Veterans Day in November and Martin Luther King Day in January.  His school offered two excused days per semester for family vacation time. That left only two days unexcused for a seven-day cruise departing on a weekend day. We believe travel experiences are a more valuable education then traditional school subjects and did not mind two unexcused absences. Now that he is grown, we can see how experiencing other cultures influenced him into becoming a more empathetic adult.

We cruise primarily September through early March while avoiding all major holidays and ending before spring break begins. Many times, the weeks just before a major holiday offer some of the best rates. Cruising between Thanksgiving and Christmas and after New Year’s offers some of the lowest priced cruises to choose from. It is still warm in the Caribbean during the “winter”.

We encourage you to explore the world! Go anywhere that grabs your interest. Just be aware, not all ports are equal when it comes to value and can drive the cost of your cruise up.

You will be required to pay port fees and taxes on any cruise you choose. Port fees are the charge a country levies to the cruise company for visiting their location and using their pier. The cruise company passes that onto each cruiser. Port fees can vary greatly and increase your cruise rate by several hundred dollars per person. Some countries or destinations are much higher than others. If your cruise has many stops, you will pay port fees for each place you visit. You can choose cruises with more sea days and reduce the amount of port fees you pay.

Cruises that enter the Panama Canal have high port fees charged per person. American ports also seem to have much higher port fees. If Key West is on your bucket list, you may want to plan a road trip instead. Alaska has a small cruise season window due to the cold and is one of the most expense cruises to choose.

Another consideration is the ports themselves. Research how easy it is to visit that port without paying for an excursion. Ports such as those found in Alaska are notorious for excursions costing several hundred dollars per person. We have wandered all over Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America without paying for excursions by researching each area. Check out cruisecritic.com for extensive chat boards dedicated to various ports.

Cruises that visit the cruise line’s private islands can be cheaper as well. You will still pay port fees but typically food is supplied and there are many free activities to do.

What port you decide to leave from can also greatly impact the cost of your cruise. If your departure port (where the ship sails from) is a long way away, you will incur additional travel expenses getting to port. Flights, hotel fees, or rental car expenses can greatly increase the cost of your vacation.

Most cruise lines websites offer filters that you can adjust to see which ports they sail from. Play around with the filters and explore your options, you may be surprised to see that many of the same itineraries are offered from many different ports.

If possible, choose a port you can drive to. Parking fees for your vehicle will be much less then flights. If you must spend the night in a hotel, look for hotels that offer free parking for cruisers. Often those hotels will provide a free shuttle to the cruise terminal as well. If you must fly into a port, look for nearby major airports that may be cheaper then flying directly into your port. For example, we have found it more economical to fly into Miami instead of Fort Lauderdale. Even with the cost of a taxi or Uber, we still save enough to plan for the travel time.

We are fortunate to live near several ports within driving distance which saves us greatly. If the port is more then a couple hours away, we go and stay the night prior in a hotel. You do not want to plan to drive or fly in on the same day if possible. That way if you have a breakdown or a canceled flight, you do not miss your departure time. The cost of one night in a budget motel is much cheaper then missing your entire cruise!

Cruise lines have different types and categories of cabins to choose from. The main cabin types from lowest to highest cost are:

• Interior: Located in the middle of the ship. Do not have windows. Porthole cabins may be included here. Those are in the front with a small, round window overlooking the ocean.
• Ocean View: Located on the outside of ship with a window overlooking the ocean.
• Balcony: Features a private balcony overlooking the ocean.
• Suites: Each cruise line and ship have a variety of suite types to choose from with different amenities. It is best to research the specific ship you are looking at to understand what options are available.

Within each cabin type will be categories that increase in price and vary from ship to ship. Categories are usually referring to the deck location and view. Views can be obstructed by lifeboats. Unobstructed views cost more.

The higher part of the ship is where the buffet, pools, and most activities are located. Those decks cost more. If you want to save on location, select a lower deck.

Choosing front, middle, or rear is entirely up to you. Price difference is minimal. Many theories exist about sea sickness in relation to room location. We personally have not found any truth in them. Ships of today are massive in size so most movement is minimal. Usually it is a gentle sway that lulls you to sleep. If the seas are rough, you are going to feel it regardless of your location.

For extra savings, you can let the cruise line to choose your cabin. You chose a type such as balcony, and they assign your cabin a few days before cruising. You are guaranteed to have at least that kind of cabin and may even score a free upgrade.

We have stayed in all types of cabins. Interior and balcony are the two primary types of cabins we usually choose. We start with an interior room as those are the most affordable. Then each cruise we evaluate if the price of upgrading to a balcony is worth it to us based on several factors. Considerations include: the length of the cruise, the number of port days (days the ship is docked in a port to visit), and if we are traveling with friends or family.

For example, if it is just the two of us, we will spend more time in our room relaxing and reading. Then we would use a balcony a lot. If we are a long cruise with lots of sea days, we love the option to enjoy the ocean from the privacy of our own balcony. However, if we have friends or family in other cabins we will gather more often in public locations. Those cruises we are usually only in our cabin to sleep and shower and a balcony would not be used as much.

If we have an interior room, we will choose to spend the money to get on a higher deck. This allows us quick access to outdoor areas. We are not particular if the cabin is in the middle, front, or rear. We began cruising in the middle but soon got great deals on cabins in front and rear and tried them and loved them. Now we prioritize a higher deck over the location of the cabin.

How far out we are booking sometimes plays into our cabin choice. Last minute cruises can offer deeply discounted prices on higher priced cabins. Having a flexible schedule allows us to snag cruises last minute and save a bundle.

Cruise lines allow you to book a cruise with a portion down and make payments up until 90 prior to setting sail. There are not any fees for paying payments on your cruise. Every few months, cruise companies will offer specials such as $50 per person deposits. Sign up on their sites to receive emails of specials. Another good way to be aware of deals is joining some Facebook groups about cruising brands your interested in. Members will often share when sales are, and you will learn a lot of cruising tips. Just put the cruise line name in the search box of Facebook and many group options will pop up.

You do not need a travel agent to book a cruise. Booking directly with the cruise line is easy online or by phone. We typically do all the research of the cruise we are considering online and then call to book. Agents sometimes can see lower prices and specials we cannot see. They will also answer any questions you may have.

When you make your reservation, no matter how you reserve it, you will be asked if you want to add travel insurance or prepaid gratuities to your total. If you do not add them when you book, you will have up to 60 days prior to sailing to add them on. Including them when making the initial reservation online, will increase the amount you need to pay upfront to secure your cruise. If you call a cruise agent, they can add them but not charge you upfront for them which will keep your costs lower to reserve.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance. You can add this to your cruise up until 60 days prior to sailing through the cruise line. Other independent companies offer travel insurance as well, but we have not used them. What the cruise companies have offered us has been very reasonable and included adequate coverage. We have had two occasions when we had to use our policies. Once when a member of our group had a medical issue and was unable to travel and when my dad was hospitalized before he passed away. Both times it was quite simple and quick to get our refunds processed. Just using the insurance two times has more then paid for itself in all our cruises.

Insurance covers you if you need to cancel for specific reasons and it also helps you if you fall ill during the cruise. Your regular health insurance most likely will not cover you outside of your home country. Travel insurance will cover medical needs as well as medical evacuation if necessary. It can also assist you in missed flights, lost luggage, and other losses. Each policy is different, we encourage you to research it before deciding if you want it.

You will also be able to add prepaid gratuities when you book. Gratuities are a daily fee cruise lines charge you and then give to your cabin steward, dinning staff, and behind the scenes employees. The rate varies between cruise lines and averages about $13 per day per person. Suite guests pay a slightly higher daily rate of gratuities.

If you do not pay them before sailing, midway through your cruise they will be added to your account. Gratuities are optional. You are not forced to pay them and can go to guest services and have them removed.

Opinions vary greatly on gratuities from cruisers. Some feel that the cruise lines do not pay the staff adequately and use automatically charged gratuities to guilt cruisers to subsidize the low wages.  Others feel that if you can afford to cruise, you should pay gratuities. There are some who question if the staff truly receive all the gratuities and prefer to hand deliver cash only to employees they interact with. Very heated debates can be found all over the internet supporting both sides.

For us, we do prepay the gratuities and then budget a bit more to tip in cash directly to our room steward and dining staff. We can see both sides of the arguments for and against automatic gratuities and believe both have valid points. For us, we pay them as we have a personal tipping policy. In the past we both have worked in the service industry and know how much tips impacted our income. Any time we have service staff anywhere that treat us well, we tip generously. The staff on every cruise has went above and beyond our expectations to ensure we have an excellent vacation, so we pay the gratuities.

After you reserve your cruise, you will receive numerous emails offering you additional items to purchase. Drink packages, excursions, portrait packages, special decorations, onboard specialty dining, and spa treatments are some of the options you will be offered. Extra pressure will be added to purchase quickly before items are sold out or the discount goes away.

Here is where you need to vigilant and really weigh out the value versus the cost of the items. We have experienced many of these extras and enjoyed them. However, in order to keep our cruise prices low and cruise more often we have become very selective on our extra purchases.

Drink packages can have value and will be a personal decision. We consider them every cruise like our room considerations. If we have a lot of port days, we know it is cheaper to have a drink in port instead of onboard. Or if we have a large group, we may have a few more drinks. Use the criteria for choosing your cabin to consider your drinking habits each cruise. Buying before cruising will save you money if you decide you want a drink package.

Do the same with any excursions. Research the port and consider your intentions this cruise and budget accordingly.

We typically avoid the other options to save money. We have found the spa treatments to be greatly overpriced and to include hard sells to buy more products. There is so much free delicious dining we do not splurge for more options.

We do make an exception on pictures for our yearly family cruise. We do not buy a package but just budget for a couple to buy onboard. There are no sitting fees, so it is a great way to get numerous shots to choose from.

The day is finally here, and you are ready to set sail. You have done your research and budgeted for the items you want to include. Then you arrive at the cruise terminal and the offers to buy more things begin before you even board the ship! Lanyards, boarding portraits, specialty shot glasses, one-day only sales, gemstones, designer bags, and more will all be offered throughout your cruise. Port coupon books, candy, discount spa treatments, donations to charities, picture albums, and the list goes on. The cruise line will have staff offering things to you everywhere and it can add up quickly.

On most ships, you will have a sail and sign card that acts like your room key, identification, and charge card. It is linked to your debit or credit card you set up before sailing. Any time staff asks for your card (other then boarding or disembarking), they are charging a fee to your room. You can track all charges on the cruise lines app or at guest services.

We suggest setting a spending budget and sticking to it. You may find a memento you want, and you will have planned for it. When you reach that spending limit, you stop. The more you cruise you will find you will have less desire for more keepsakes and can budget less.

Just politely say no. The staff will not be offended. We now say no to boarding and disembarking photos. No to random dining or other pictures. We bring our own insulated cup and lanyards. We will not make a high dollar gem purchase away from home as it is too risky. The coupon books are a waste of money and time in port. Be vigilant and remember you can cruise more if you spend less!

In any port there will be vendors trying to sell you things. This is how they support their families-it is their job. Just politely say no and keep moving. If you do want to purchase a keepsake, wait until you are away from the pier area. Duty free is more expensive then buying from a local. If something really catches your eye, it is acceptable in most places to barter for a lower price. Bring cash in small bills for port purchases to avoid using your credit card or the vendor not having change.

In some ports, vendors will hand you or your children items or begin braiding your hair and then expect you to pay them. Do not accept anything unless you are willing to pay for it. Politely decline and keep moving, this is not a vendor you wish to barter with anyways.

If you go on an excursion, the guide may stop for shopping or food purchases. Expect to pay more at these scheduled stops. If time allows, wait until you are dropped back off near the pier to shop and eat there on your own. If you read the reviews of your excursion you can get a feel for how expensive things are to buy and additional charges such as pictures you may be offered. Take your own water shoes, bug spray, ponchos, or ship’s towel as purchasing them can be expensive on an excursion.

For ports that you are going to explore on your own, make purchases and eat away from the pier. Prices will be lower and the vendors more likely to barter. Be aware of your surroundings and people near you as you would in any unknown place. Be sure to be vigilant about pickpockets.

What we do in ports vary depending on the country we are in and if we have a group with us. When it is just Steve and I and we are visiting a previously visited port, we will not usually book an excursion. Instead we will walk around the town and find a local place to eat. We avoid international chain places like Margaritaville or eating at the pier. We love trying the local food and drinks of countries.

Researching places before we travel there is a love of mine. I will often discover local restaurants or attractions that we will seek out. We also like to look for true local artisans that may be painting or making things on the street. In many ports we find street performers or musicians to listen to. We can spend an enjoyable day without spending very much money just wandering around exploring. This is the way we usually spend a day in a port.

If we are visiting a new place or have a group, we may consider an excursion. If so, we will research and decide well before our cruise so it can be prepaid. By prepaying for our excursions, we can know our expenses and only need to budget for spending money.

We have also stayed onboard the ship on port days. The ship is mostly empty, and it is nice to enjoy the areas that are normally crowded. We have done this in ports we have already visited that we know are expensive or not easy to walk around. This is the ultimate way to keep your spending low on port days!

We have discovered a couple “secret” ways we save on travel and cruising and want to share them with you. Land based casinos and onboard casinos love to give out discounted or free cruises.

If you visit a casino, sign up for a player’s card. Even if you do not spend much or only go there occasionally, cruise ships partner with casinos to give away cruises. We personally have been given 6 free cruises from casinos. We do not gamble regularly or excessively and still receive the free cruise offers. Make sure both you and your partner sign up, so you are both eligible for free cruise offers.

Please note-we are not encouraging you to spend thousands in hopes of a free cruise, but rather just sign up and use the casino’s member card IF you do visit any casinos.

When we are on a cruise ship, we will usually budget a small amount to spend in their casino. Even spending $50 in the onboard casino will qualify you to receive discounts on future cruises. It is another great way to reduce your future cruise costs. The ship casino’s have their own reward system and will begin sending you emails with discounts or free cruises.

MGM Casinos has three free online casino apps that allow you to earn rewards simply by playing to use for discount or free cruises, Vegas shows, and worldwide hotels and attractions. Just like any other casino, they will offer you to buy chip packages, but it is not necessary. Free or reduced entertainment or cruises can be earned with the free play. We personally have visited Las Vegas two times and seen 4 Cirque du Soleil shows, enjoyed fancy dinners, and free hotel rooms be exchanging our MyVegas points.

Each player can exchange points for three rewards within a 90-day period. If you and your partner both play-you can enjoy six activities within 90 days. This is a great way to see shows or enjoy cruises. Items change regularly and offer a wide range of selections. If you exchange your points for cruises you will need to pay the taxes and port fees.

Each app gives you free credits to play with daily and every 2 hours. Emails and social media posts offer free chips throughout the day. We personally log in every few hours and stockpile free chips and then play when we have accumulated some.

The three apps are MyVegas, Konami Slots, and Pop Slots. Popslots is only available as an app to download while MyVegas and Konami are available as both apps and online. MyVegas is the only one that allows you on each platform to collect free chips and offers different games. Konami allows play both online and within the app but the games are the same as well as the free chips.

All three and all platforms add together the reward credits you earn if you link them to your Facebook account. To maximize rewards, play all three daily and MyVegas on both platforms.

We cruise more by combining all these money saving ways together. The tips we have shared above are:

• Take Control Of Your Budget: Have a clear budget for the cruise and all its components before booking. DO NOT go into debt to cruise.
• Cruise During Less In-Demand Periods: Avoid holidays, spring break, and popular family summer season to save money.
• Research Departure Ports: Cruise from a port nearby to save on travel expenses to your cruise.
• Avoid Port Fees: Choose cruises that have less port days or cheaper port fees. Avoid “bucket list destinations” like Alaska or the Panama Canal.
• Chose Cheaper Cabins: Pick an interior cabin to save the most cash.
• Do Your Research: Once you have researched the cruise, call the cruise line to book.
• Invest In Travel Insurance: Protect yourself in case something arises.
• Plan For Gratuities: Plan and budget how you will handle tips and gratuities.
• Budget Extra Spending: Decide if you want drink packages, onboard spending, and excursions. Once you have budgeted for your desired options, say no to other spur of the moment purchases before and during your cruise.
• Save While In Port: Plan and pay for any excursions ahead of time or set a budget for spending if you are going to explore the port on your own.
• Sign Up For Casino Rewards: Use land based casino player cards if you visit any casinos. When onboard, budget a small amount to use in the ship’s casino to start receiving ship casino offers.
• Enjoy MGM Rewards: Play MyVegas, Konami Slots, and Popslots daily. Link the apps to your Facebook account to combine rewards credits.

Cruising is a great way to vacation for a set amount of money. You can cruise more for less by researching, planning, and budgeting for your cruise. There are so many different options and cruise lines you are sure to find one that will meet your needs.

One thing we are excited about is using cruises to reposition ourselves and save on expensive flights. A couple we have followed for quite some time has written extensively about using repositioning cruises to complete entire trips around the world! We encourage you to visit their site for a wealth of cruise and other travel info. They are one of our inspirations for our journey 4 change. Find their site here: https://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/

I started this article before COVID19 shut the cruise industry down. At the time of publication, it appears it will be September 2020 before limited cruises begin again. We will cruise again. The virus will change how we travel but we refuse to quit doing things we love out of fear. We love to cruise and will adapt as needed to continue cruising. In fact, during this pandemic we have purchased Carnival stock (stockholders receive free onboard credit each cruise) and booked three future cruises including our first Trans-Atlantic cruise!

We look forward to returning to cruising and will as soon as we can. Take the time to plan and you can cruise more often with us! If there is anything you would like more information on or would like to share your own cost saving methods, please comment below or send us an email at: jodi@journey4change.com

We look forward to seeing you onboard-bon voyage!