5 Easy Ways to Save $400 on Your Next Cruise

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1. Book Cruises During Off-Season for Cheaper Rates

Cruises are like plane tickets. Prices skyrocket when everyone wants to travel.

If you can plan your trip during shoulder season, you’ll score the same trip for hundreds less and enjoy calmer crowds, too.

Here’s where you’ll save the most:

• Sail in spring or fall when demand dips and prices drop fast.
  
• Avoid holidays and school breaks when ships are packed and pricey.
  
• Look for repositioning cruises that move ships between regions and offer major discounts.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check cruise calendars online, pick dates just before or after high season, and compare rates. You’ll see instant savings.

2. Choose Inside Cabins Instead of Ocean Views

Sure, a window is nice. But do you really need to stare at the ocean 24/7?

Inside cabins cost way less, and honestly, you’ll spend most of your time outside enjoying the ship anyway.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Inside rooms can cost 30–50% less than balcony cabins.
  
• Same access to ship perks. Pool, dining, entertainment, all included.
  
• Perfect for night owls who don’t need natural light to wake up.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: When booking, filter for “inside cabin” only and use the savings for shore excursions or drinks instead.

Make It Easy: Consider a portable sunrise alarm clock to wake up gently in windowless cabins.

3. Skip the Expensive Shore Excursions and Plan Your Own

Those cruise-sponsored excursions sound fun. Until you realize they cost as much as the cruise itself.

You can create your own adventures for a fraction of the price and actually feel like a traveler, not a tourist.

Try these ideas instead:

• Book local guides online or grab a taxi right at the port for cheaper, flexible trips.
  
• Explore on your own. Most ports are safe and full of free attractions.
  
• Check travel blogs or forums for DIY excursion ideas and hidden gems.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Research your cruise ports before sailing and plan one affordable local activity per stop.

Make It Easy: Consider a compact waterproof backpack to carry essentials while exploring ports.

4. Use Credit Card Rewards or Points to Pay for the Trip

If you’re spending money anyway, you might as well earn free travel from it.

Credit card points can cover your cruise, your flights, or even your hotel before you board.

Here’s what makes it so effective:

• Many travel cards offer sign-up bonuses worth hundreds toward travel costs.
  
• Redeem points for cruises, flights, or upgrades with no blackout dates.
  
• Stack cashback and miles to cover smaller onboard expenses.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check your rewards dashboard and redeem travel points for cruise credits or prepaid gift cards.

Make It Easy: Use Credit Karma to find the best travel rewards card that matches your spending habits.

5. Avoid Onboard Shopping and Specialty Restaurants

Cruise ships are floating malls, and they know exactly how to tempt you.

Skip the overpriced shops and fancy dining. It’s fun until you realize you spent $300 on keychains and lobster.

Stick to this plan instead:

• Eat in the main dining rooms. They’re already included in your fare.
  
• Buy souvenirs at ports where prices are lower and unique.
  
• Set a daily spending limit to stay on track while you’re relaxing.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Before boarding, set a budget for onboard spending and check your balance daily from the cruise app.

Make It Easy: Consider a reusable cruise card lanyard so you can easily track your spending card onboard.

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