How to go on a cruise with your family and not break the bank: tips for planning a vacation on a liner

Cruises offer a fantastic opportunity for a family vacation, providing a wide range of activities and entertainment onboard, as well as the chance to explore multiple destinations in a single trip. However, despite these advantages, cruises can be quite expensive.

If you're considering a cruise vacation and want to make the most of it while keeping costs down, Cruise Mummy, a cruise expert, shared some valuable tips with HOLA! for finding the best deals and saving money onboard.

"Cruising is an incredible experience that doesn't have to break the bank," says Jenny Fielding. "Making small changes can save you hundreds, and there's a cruise out there to fit every budget. Especially in times when many are facing financial challenges, it's important to find ways to save where you can."

Here are some tips to help you maximize your cruise experience without overspending

Booking through a travel agency: When booking your cruise, you have several options available. You can book through a travel agency, online, or directly with the cruise line. For first-time travelers, booking through a travel agent is often more economical and convenient. Travel agents frequently have access to special fares or packages, including flights, that may not be available elsewhere.

Decline additional services

Additional services such as upgrading to a balcony room can significantly impact the cost of your cruise. While a balcony room offers added luxury, particularly on scenic cruises, it also comes with a much higher price tag. An affordable alternative is an inside cabin, which lacks windows or a balcony but often costs half as much as a luxury cabin.

Despite the absence of natural light, the money saved by booking an inside cabin can be allocated toward exploring different destinations or saved for future cruises.

Timing is crucial

According to experts, the best deals are typically available when itineraries first become available for booking or around 12 weeks before the cruise departs, as prices tend to decrease to fill remaining cabins.

Booking last-minute can yield cheap deals, but it carries some risks. While flexibility is advantageous, there's a chance you may not find the desired itinerary or cruise that meets your preferences. Nevertheless, it's always worth checking for last-minute discounts.

Look for discounted child fares

There are ways to save money when traveling with the entire family. Some cruise lines offer reduced fares for children, while others allow kids to sail for free. Additionally, some cruise lines provide night nurseries, enabling parents to enjoy their evenings without children. Researching child fares and selecting the right cruise line can lead to significant savings.

Opt for onboard WiFi, not mobile data

Many travelers rely on their phones for communication and social media while cruising. However, roaming data can result in hefty phone bills since your phone connects to maritime satellites instead of conventional ones. To mitigate this, consider turning off your phone or activating airplane mode to prevent background apps from consuming data. If internet access is essential, take advantage of onboard WiFi packages, which are typically more affordable than roaming. For calls and messages, use apps like WhatsApp and Skype that operate over WiFi to avoid extra charges.

Bring your own alcohol

When planning a cruise, it's easy to overlook the cost of onboard drinks, which can significantly inflate your overall expenses. If your cruise isn't all-inclusive, you'll need to pay separately for all beverages consumed at bars and restaurants, which can add up quickly.

To save money, consider bringing your own alcohol onboard. Most cruise lines permit passengers to bring one bottle per person, and some allow additional bottles for a nominal fee. While consuming alcohol in your cabin is typically free, there may be a corkage fee if you wish to enjoy it in onboard bars and restaurants.

Be sure to verify the alcohol policy of your cruise line, as regulations may vary. Nonetheless, these tips can help you save a substantial amount of money.