Table Of Content
- Free kids or 3rd and 4th passenger fares
- Exploring Duty-Free Onboard Shops
- American dollars are widely accepted in cruise ports
- Get your picture taken; it’s free and you pay only if you want it.
- Book extras like drink packages online ahead of time for huge discounts
- Be sure your clock is set with the ship’s time
What’s often the case is that the price for the upgrade is significantly less than what you’d pay for these items individually. If you plan to buy them anyway, a package is likely worth the money. I remember when we first took our kids on a cruise, we were amazed at all we could do, see, and eat that was included! Although cruise lines definitely push and promote the extras that you can pay for (like specialty restaurants and more), there’s so much great stuff offered for “free” or included. In addition to redeeming points for freebies, many cruise loyalty programs also offer the option to exchange points for services and merchandise. This can include anything from shore excursions and spa treatments to onboard shopping vouchers and branded merchandise.
Free kids or 3rd and 4th passenger fares
Do check on what your cruise line offers, as each ship has their specialty. Duty-free shopping is a popular activity for many cruisers. Cruise ships often have onboard shops that offer a wide range of products such as jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and more. Take the time to explore these shops and compare prices with what you would find on land. Duty-free shops often offer competitive prices and exclusive items that can make for great souvenirs or gifts.
Exploring Duty-Free Onboard Shops
While day supervision is included with your cruise fare for children ages 3 and up, do check with your cruise line and specific ship for offerings if you have younger children. Evenings after a certain hour will usually have an additional fee. Your kids can enjoy the kids’ clubs full of activities, and most modern ships also include additional dining options that are included in the cruise fare.
American dollars are widely accepted in cruise ports
Bring along a nightlight to plug in to provide some light for the room. In Miami you can take the Orange Line train from the airport over to the Coral Way Trolley, which drops at the port (directions here). In Seattle, the Link Light Rail lets out just blocks from Pier 66 (directions here).
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On a recent cruise, a friend and I did a cardio kick boxing class that really kicked our butts!! This is your chance – and if you don’t love it, simply order something else. On top of that, there are some ways to get more things for free that you would normally have to pay extra for.
Once you’ve joined a cruise loyalty program, make sure to take full advantage of the opportunities to earn points. These points can be earned through booking cruises, onboard spending, or even referring friends to the program. As you accumulate points, you can start redeeming them for freebies such as onboard credit, spa treatments, specialty dining, or even future cruises. Make sure to track your points and take advantage of the rewards available to you. Once you have a clear understanding of the perks included in your cruise package, it’s time to make the most of them.
Book extras like drink packages online ahead of time for huge discounts
Not only is this a free cruise activity, it’s an incredible experience that you’ll always remember. We don’t sing, but often attend the final show, and the talent out there among passengers is surprisingly good. On one of our first cruises, our family was sitting in the grand looking main dining-room when the waiter came over offered my children a “kid’s menu”. However, my kids had already seen both Filet Mignon steak and ricotta and spinach ravioli on the main menu. Think how much you would pay for shows like this back home or even on a land trip to New York or another big city. Specialty restaurants aren’t usually as busy on the first night, so offering free wine is one way they can draw attention to one of these alternative options.
If you don’t want to pay for an expensive taxi or Uber, keep this in mind. If you want to make sure you get a deal, you can buy the package. Then, if the price drops, you can refund your purchase and then rebuy at the lower price. Think you have to search site after site to get the best cruise deal? We’ve discovered that the cruise prices are actually the same across all websites. With fewer people on the ship, prices can be cut to entice demand.
Snagging Freebies During Booking Sales
This can range from small gestures like a complimentary dessert at dinner to more significant perks like a cabin upgrade or access to exclusive areas of the ship. Show kindness and gratitude throughout your cruise, and you may find that it pays off in unexpected and delightful ways. Cruise ships are known for their games and contests, many of which offer prizes for the winners. Whether it’s a sports tournament, a belly-flop competition, or a friendly game of bingo, make sure to take part and try your luck.
It will be made well-known as your debark, or you can just ask a crew member. That way you are matched up with the ship’s schedule and don’t risk missing the return time. Your best way to get some free stuff on the cruise also involves a lot of fun. In the game shows (including the always popular “newlywed” game), some audience participation is required. Not everyone can join in, but if you get selected then you almost always get some sort of prize at the end. Purchase your card and if you win, you can walk away with cash.
Instead, do some research (or ask a taxi) on where the free beaches are. You might have to deal with more people, but nothing beats having a day on a world-class beach without having to spend a dime. You likely know that cruise lines adjust fares, similar to airlines. When you put down a deposit, you can call the cruise line if you see a price drop and ask them to honor the lower price. Not having paid for the entire trip already gives you some leverage as you can potentially cancel and re-book at the lower price.
Remember, the more you pack, the more you have to carry with you, and the more space it takes up in your cabin. These tips and secrets will have you packing like a pro in no time. We’ve heard way too many horror stories of cruise passengers forgetting to turn off their phone’s data and then coming home to huge bills for international roaming.
