Cheapanista Cruise and Travel Tips - Please Share!

[LaShelle2]

I am always looking for ways to save $$$. By doing so, I was able to take 4 cruises last year. DH is retired military and I am unemployed. We take at least 1-2 out of state trips every month along with our cruises. Being a fiscally smart traveller really works.

 

I know this has been asked in the past, but let's get an updated list of some things you do to save on your trips.

 

OK HERE ARE MINE:

 

1. NEVER BOOK CRUISE SHORE EXCURSIONS

I search threads like Cruise Critic and Trip AdvIsor for reputible tour companies and budget friendly excursions. I have never felt unsafe, and have never had a fear of being left on an island and not making it back to the ship on time. I keep a watch, and let the driver know what time I need to get back. PRIVATE TOUR COMAPNIES ARE USUALLY ABOUT 50% CHEAPER THAN THE CRUISES TOURS. Their reputation is on the ine, and they are not gonna do anything to jeapordize it, like putting you in danger or making you miss your boat.

 

2. RESEARCH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS AND SKIP TAXIS

We take the public jitney $1.50pp in Nassau, the Zed-R van $.75 in Barbados, the free trolley in san Juan PR, etc. We make friends with the locals, who are eager to point out local scenery and give good pointers on where to shop and eat. We use common sense such as not flashing money and not wearing our jewels off the ship. We see parts of the islands we would never have experienced otherwise. We see what "real life" is like for the people living there.

 

3. TAKE A SNACK OFF THE SHIP

YES, we are so cheap we pack ziploc bags in our luggage and carry off chips, and a sandwich, cookies, etc. I know this is a point of argument on CC, (fines, environment, etc.) but it works for us. You can legally take of non perishible foods. Anything else is at your own risk. At the worst, they may confiscate fruit or whatever and have you trash it at the exit.

 

4. PACK WATER AND SODAS IN OUR LUGGAGE

We only drink 1-2 sodas a day, so a soda pass would not be economical. We treat ourselves to a frozen drink here and there, but don't have a crazy bar tab. I have heard of people buying 1 soda pass and sharing the sodas amongst their group. When my son was smaller I woud buy him a soda pass (believe me he got his $$$ worth) and he would occasionally get me a drink with his pass. Even being the cheapanista I am, this would be to much of a hassle. but, do what works for you.

 

5. DO NOT PARK AT THE PORT

We either do offsite parking $5 per day or so compared to $15-20 at the port, or a park n cruise hotel package. This works similar to an airport shuttle and is ALWAYS cheaper. They are normally very quick and efficient. a google search or CC search for your port of call departure port will give you some good leads.

 

6. DO NOT PAY FULL PRICE FOR PRE-CRUISE HOTEL.

There are some great sites out there for cheap hotels. Priceline, Hotwire, and lastminute travel are my faves. Websites like betterbidding and biddingfortravel and of course cruise critic will help you decode undercover rates to see what you are bidding on. Use the priceline bids post on the port of call forum on cruise critic. It is great! We won country inn and suites in pt canaveral for $61 for our Monarch cruise next week. Regular rate was $109 for our cruise date at our time of booking. We got the booking advice on CC.

 

7. WE BOOK INSIDE CABINS.

OK, so we are not balcony snobs. We would love to be, and I see the benefit and luxury of a balcony - believe me. But, we did 4 cruises last year for the price of 1 balcony. We have come to see our cabin as a place to sleep and shower. We cruise for the ship and the islands, NOT the cabin. We enjoy the public paces and people watching, and do not miss being on a private balcony.

 

Once we've booked our IS on the lowest priced level avaialble, we check the cruise website daily for price drops. More often than not, we are able to eventually upgrade to OV for free or a very small upcharge.

 

8. WE DON'T GAMBLE AND DRINK VERY LITTLE

We are just not heavy drinkers, not because we are cheap, but we just are not that much into drinking. We also do not gamble. The cruise lines make their money on BOOZE, CASINOS, SHORE EXCURSIONS, AND OVERPRICED JUNK IN THE GIFT SHOPS.

 

Believe me, that stuff can add up quickly. On my last NCL cruise a couple in front of me at the pursars desk had ran up over $1000 bar tab in 3 days!!! *** were they drinking???

 

Yes, we have smuggled on RCI, and take advantage of the allowed 1 bottle of wine on CCL and NCL. :p This usually returns home unfinished though.

 

9. WE DON'T DO SPECIALTY DINING

We can have a "specialty dining experience" at home any time - with a groupon of course :D. I have never felt deprived of any luxury from eating the "included in fare" food. There is plenty of variety of "included" food, that we are well satisfied. The MDR does a good job of pampering and presenting the food in an appealing manner.

 

10. We use our C&A Coupons and actually read all that crap they put in our cabins and find special promos. On our last Monarch cruise we got a bogo jet ski excursion promo on cococay along with free floating mats. This ended up being less expensive than a private excursion, which made me break rule #1 ;).

 

11. WE DON'T BUY TONS OF SOUVENIERS

I buy a post card and a key chain. DH buys a patch for his Harley Vest. I do not need everyone back home to look at my tee shirt to see I've been to ___. All of those knicknacks they sell in the shops are just dust collecting junk. A breeding ground for hoarders and future inventory for the local Goodwill!

 

12. ENJOY FREE BEACHES, PUBLIC PARKS, LOCAL MUSEUMS

You don't have to always go through the expense of buying a day pass at a huge resort. A picnic lunch at a free public beach or a chair and umbrella rental can be just as enjoyable. I know this varies port to port, but check out the ports of call forum for good tips. Some islands, you DO need to do a day pass to enjoy a decent, clean, safe, beach (Progresso, MX, Belize...) but research and pre-planning pays off in most cases.

 

Ok, so those are my top tips. We are not destitute. We actually do quite well financially, live in a nice home, drive nice cars, but we shop smart, on and off vacation. If there is something we really want to do or buy, we do, but you would be surprised what you can live without and still have a happy cruise.

 

I am eager to see what everyone else does to stay on budget.

[pjnj40]

I think you said it all.

 

Inside Cabin tip:

Since most of you won't be in the cabins, the right price for the cruise is $100 to $120 per day per passenger after the port charges and taxes are in.

 

This is an example:

5 days bermuda from CapeLiberty starting at $499(lowest inside cabin)

tax and fees is $150.

$499 plus $150- $649/5= $129

 

That $129 per person per day. If you are over few dollars in this equation, it up to you. If you get the total below the $100 then you got a bargain.

[39august]

Excellent tips and most of which I follow except taking food off the ship! Unopened packaged foods are OK. Do NOT take sandwiches, fruit, cookies, etc. off in another country. That is flouting their laws and is inconsiderate as well.

[LaShelle2]

I think you said it all.

 

Inside Cabin tip:

Since most of you won't be in the cabins, the right price for the cruise is $100 to $120 per day per passenger after the port charges and taxes are in.

 

This is an example:

5 days bermuda from CapeLiberty starting at $499(lowest inside cabin)

tax and fees is $150.

$499 plus $150- $649/5= $129

 

That $129 per person per day. If you are over few dollars in this equation, it up to you. If you get the total below the $100 then you got a bargain.

 

We booked our Monarch cruise for next week for $139pp + Port Charges $322 total for 2 people! $53.66 pp per day Inside deck 4. We could have done a level 2 cabin for $20 less, but wanted to be closer to venues. We could not do ANY decent land based vacation for that amount.

 

They will not make any $$$ on our fare considering they have topay port and fuel charges. Unfortunately we do not gamble or drink heavily. Sorry RCI. They will lose or barely break even on our fare.

[Mybearsbaby]

Here are a few of mine:

1. We carry off Unopened 100 calorie packs and a canteen of water, that way if we just have to have something to snack on, we have it without spending a bunch in port for food.

2. We bring our own snorkel gear. Dh and I both wear a backpack containing our mask and snorkel.

3. We pack our own cheap beach towel...I know this one sounds strange, but since we are notorious for misplacing things, Id rather do that than pay $25 for a misplaced RC towel.

4. When dealing with local vendors, we each have a set # of $1 and $5 bills...if they know you have more, they will expect you to pay more. (Etc...if they SEE a $10 bill, they will INSIST that their merchandise is worth way more so they can get the $10, or they will say they don't have change. Not all of them are this way, but we have ran into our fair share of them.)

5. I watch daily for good deals for cruises I want to take. When I find a deal, I book it...then I watch for price drops. If it does, I upgrade. This time though I booked gty, and that is an awesome way to save some $ also! I am now a huge fan of gty rates!

[Mybearsbaby]

We booked our Monarch cruise for next week for $139pp + Port Charges $322 total for 2 people! $53.66 pp per day Inside deck 4. We could have done a level 2 cabin for $20 less, but wanted to be closer to venues. We could not do ANY decent land based vacation for that amount.

 

They will not make any $$$ on our fare considering they have topay port and fuel charges. Unfortunately we do not gamble or drink heavily. Sorry RCI. They will lose or barely break even on our fare.

 

Us either ;) We do not drink or gamble, and usually only buy 1-2 Souveinirs... we always buy an ornament for our Christmas Tree...and pictures is usually where they get us...but I am seriously thinking the pic package may be something we try...the 10 photo one.

[karcruiser]

Great posts - thanks for sharing all of your tips!!!

[rafinmd]

I don't know if this would work with your schedules but do look for schedules and be flexible about your cruise dates. Sometimes a small change in the date traveled can have a big effect on the fare.

 

Roy

[fischymom]

We booked our Monarch cruise for next week for $139pp + Port Charges $322 total for 2 people! $53.66 pp per day Inside deck 4. We could have done a level 2 cabin for $20 less, but wanted to be closer to venues. We could not do ANY decent land based vacation for that amount.

 

WOW!!!! Great Deal, I would love to find that great of a deal for our next cruise (August not going to happen):o

[LaShelle2]

I don't know if this would work with your schedules but do look for schedules and be flexible about your cruise dates. Sometimes a small change in the date traveled can have a big effect on the fare.

 

Roy

 

Very true! Since DH retired, we can cruise last minute. We are also within driving distance to several FL ports. We have booked all our cruises within 2-3 months of sail date and we've caught some awesome deals.

[DonnaK]

3. TAKE A SNACK OFF THE SHIP

YES, we are so cheap we pack ziploc bags in our luggage and carry off chips, and a sandwich, cookies, etc. I know this is a point of argument on CC, (fines, environment, etc.) but it works for us. You can legally take of non perishible foods. Anything else is at your own risk. At the worst, they may confiscate fruit or whatever and have you trash it at the exit.

 

At worst, you could be heavily fined, and even jailed. And, yes, this HAS happened to some cruisers. It is irresponsible of the OP to promote this as a money saving tip. It is absolutely not worth the risk. Take all the pre-packaged food you want, but do not attempt to break agricultural laws of the port you are visiting. You are a guest in those ports and should be respectful of their laws, and their efforts to protect their environment.

 

 

Otherwise, we do many of the same things....our biggest money saving tip is to take advantage of all the included things on the ship, and do not buy anything (or very little) onboard. We drink very little alcohol, do not gamble, do not eat in specialty restaurants or buy specialty coffee or foods, etc. We drink iced tea and flavored water rather than purchase soda. We limited ourselves to one or two photos. Our typical bill for a 7 day cruise for our family of 4 people is usually under $100. And, we do not feel deprived because there is enough included stuff to overcompensate for what we didn't buy.

[setsail]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=785229

[LESLIEKURZ]

Good tips by all except for the taking of perishables off the boat. Not good to thank the beautiful destinations you're visiting by leaving them the gift of a agricultural nightmare just because you wanted to save a little cash. Unlike the booze smuggling rules food smuggling really can be harmful to the countries you're visiting. Also, if you're visiting the Caribbean the savings are minimal since in most cases food on the islands is super cheap. One final thing... you kinda rob yourself by not experiencing local foods and you take money away from the local businesses.

 

Pinch pennies by all means but don't bring any fresh foods off the ships please.

 

OK... off of my soapbox...

[debshomespun]

We follow most all of these tips too! Another great one is to be able to sail in off-season. There are some great deals out there. Many times we sail in inside cabins. Ocassionally, we will get an oceanview, or even a balcony. We use our Diamond balcony discount, and if it is a total of $300. (for both of us for 7 nights) to upgrade to a balcony, then we do it. We almost always book our own excursions, bring on our own bottled water, and pop. We very seldom eat in the pay restaurants (have done so when we had a cpn bogo free). Don't drink very much, or gamble much either.

 

We too, live this way at home. We do coupons for restaurants (entertainment book, groupon, sales fliers, etc). We don't live extravigently, own our house (modest 2 story colonial), have 3 cars (1 is a little red sports car), and usually only buy things that are on sale! Love to go to Kohl's especially when I get the 30% off cpn. Also, love to shop Macy's when they have the $10. off $25. purchase. Love to bargain shop!

 

When it comes to travel, we do the hotwire, priceline, lmt, and I search for cruises that have low prices. I also search for group specials on cruises and get extra OBC that way.

[LaShelle2]

Good tips by all except for the taking of perishables off the boat. Not good to thank the beautiful destinations you're visiting by leaving them the gift of a agricultural nightmare just because you wanted to save a little cash. Unlike the booze smuggling rules food smuggling really can be harmful to the countries you're visiting. Also, if you're visiting the Caribbean the savings are minimal since in most cases food on the islands is super cheap. One final thing... you kinda rob yourself by not experiencing local foods and you take money away from the local businesses.

 

Pinch pennies by all means but don't bring any fresh foods off the ships please.

 

OK... off of my soapbox...

 

Ok, so let's saw we agree only take off non perishibles, like granola chips, crackres or whatever. Let's stay on track and not make this a taking off forbidden foods thread.

[LaShelle2]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=785229

 

 

Good thread! From 2008 lol.

 

One thing I see most cheapanistas have in common is not drinking too much, and not gambling.

 

One point I failed to mention thast I see is skipping the ship's laundry service. I have discovered Downy Wrinkle Release Spray woo hoo. It really works.

 

Also I do not use the onboard internet or phone service. I use an internet cafe in port or take my laptop ashore and get free wifi somewhere if I must check email. Usually there is nothimg thst cant wait til I get home though.

 

And I do tip! I wonder if the non tippers are true tightwads or people that have overspent on booze and such and don't have the funds leftover for tipping? I guess thats another thread huh?

[Beth C]

For those that have to fly to port - you can set up alerts online that will email you the daily prices for your flights. As soon as i'm contemplating cruise I throw the dates in +/- a day. Many times it's been significantly cheaper to fly in 2 days early rather than just the day before (even after factoring in a PL/Hotwire hotel & rental car). When the price is good... book! Don't wait for it to go lower if it's a ~pretty good~ fare... it probably wont :(

 

Also, check multiple travel sites for airline prices. One time I was purchasing a flight and 5 different websites had different prices... some were within pennies but one was over $100 cheaper for the exact same flight... and it wasn't the airlines website! I booked the $100 cheaper one :)

 

I also always book a rental car pre/post cruise so I have the flexibility to do what I want when I want since FL car rentals are very cheap... I have a midsize for $11/day next month... less than the price of a taxi from a hotel near the port to the port! The rental car also gives the flexibility of going further away from the port/beach area therefore much better hotel rates... I can't imagine paying more than $65/day for a 3.5* hotel now.

 

Watch the cruise prices... i've snagged price drops that only lasted hours... even if it's only $20... that's 2 drink of the days LOL

 

I always book with a next cruise certificate as well... it's $100 free money on a 7 night cruise... who doesn't like free $$$???

 

I also have a cruise 'box' (aka Rubbermaid tote) that throughout the year I toss all the free sample sized items I get into it and just go shopping in the tote when it's time to pack... last year I got tons of them online so i'm well stocked for my next few trips... about dozen bottles of Pantene, sunsreen, 3 or 4 gilette razors, shaving cream, contact solutions, more toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss than I can count... it's great :)

[DonnaK]

We follow most all of these tips too! Another great one is to be able to sail in off-season. There are some great deals out there. Many times we sail in inside cabins. Ocassionally, we will get an oceanview, or even a balcony. We use our Diamond balcony discount, and if it is a total of $300. (for both of us for 7 nights) to upgrade to a balcony, then we do it. We almost always book our own excursions, bring on our own bottled water, and pop. We very seldom eat in the pay restaurants (have done so when we had a cpn bogo free). Don't drink very much, or gamble much either.

 

We too, live this way at home. We do coupons for restaurants (entertainment book, groupon, sales fliers, etc). We don't live extravigently, own our house (modest 2 story colonial), have 3 cars (1 is a little red sports car), and usually only buy things that are on sale! Love to go to Kohl's especially when I get the 30% off cpn. Also, love to shop Macy's when they have the $10. off $25. purchase. Love to bargain shop!

 

When it comes to travel, we do the hotwire, priceline, lmt, and I search for cruises that have low prices. I also search for group specials on cruises and get extra OBC that way.

 

I think this is a key point. We live modestly at home too, bargain-hunting, using coupons, etc.

 

As well, we try to drive to the embarkation port instead of flying (save a bundle on airfare that way, especially since we're 4 people)

[Realtor at Sea]

If you are D+ on Royal or Elite on X and you do drink alcoholic beverages,

you save money on those in the Special Lounges. Of course, over the years, we have paid dearly for those "free" drinks!!! :)

[bplazo]

I would rather stay home if I have to budget on a cruise. I like an expensive room, exciting excursions and the specialty restraunts. I will only budget at home so I can spend on the cruise.

[hotdog647]

If I had to choose between a suite or an inside room, for sure it would be a suite. Unfortunately that's not usually an option for me. Given the option between an inside cabin and staying home, book me an inside any day. Sure they are smaller, but you get the same entertainment, ports, MDR and Windjammer meals, ocean winds, etc as many others on board. And have a great cruise.

 

The things the OP listed will help ensure they have more cruises at a reasonable cost. If someone feels comfortable with the cost for a balcony or grand suite, and they should go for it and have a great time as well. I think it was Arthur Frommer who years ago said something like he who travels cheapest travels further and travels more. Not a bad idea. Doug

[francina]

Unfortunately, I have been the only income in my household. Therefore, I must budget with taking all the kids. Now that my children are grown things haven't change to much because I have trouble finding someone to travel with that will pay for themselves. Therefore, I come out of my pocketbook once again.

 

One of the things that wasn't mention that I picked up from previous CC members was go for the free drinks. Why pay when you just need to go to a art show and get it free or view jewelry and get free drinks.

[travelinmomma]

 

 

 

one of the things that wasn't mention that I picked up from previous CC members was go for the free drinks. Why pay when you just need to go to a art show and get it free or view jewelry and get free drinks.

 

My husband makes fun of me because I do this.

[Cshgrand]

We don't skimp on our holiday plans (although mostly everything is pre-paid before we sail) but there are things on board I begrudge paying for - top of the list would be Ben and Jerry's for my three year old just because he wants m&ms on top of his ice-cream. So I now carry a resealable packet and put them on his free ice-cream from the poolside. We don't use the Casino or bars anymore (because of the aforementioned three year old), our only indulgence is a meal or three in chops and a few gym classes for me.

[Darkwolfe]

I'm somewhere in the middle of the road on it myself. I budget like mad so I can cruise. Getting very close to being debt free too so I hope to be cruising more after this year.

 

One thing I have noticed about excursions is that ship excursions are not always the most expensive route. I had one South Caribbean cruise on Serenade where the ship was the cheapest route to go across the board on every island except St Thomas. Maybe it was a one-off trip, but I eyeball both ship and independent excursions both. So far, it has remained a mix of the two for the most part.

 

Up until now, I've always been a balcony cruiser too. However, next year's trip on Vision will be in a Deck 4 outside. I'm hoping that it gets me out of the cabin a bit more and on deck to be outside. If I like the results, I'll probably cruise in outsides more and get more time aboard that way

 

The final way I keep my expenses down is by having everything totally paid for before I go. No credit card bills so no interest to get stung by later on. It does make a difference!