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6 Expensive Mistakes When Booking A Cruise

Save money on your next cruise by avoiding these mistakes
Julie Keller Callaghan

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Cruises are a popular getaway for many and for good reason. They’re fantastic for families, provide endless entertainment, and allow travelers to visit multiple destinations all in one vacation.  

However, they can be expensive, so you may be reluctant to stretch your budget when you don’t have to. Here, cruise experts at Cruise Mummy, have revealed the most common mistakes people make when booking a cruise that lead them to spending much more than necessary.

How you are booking

There are many routes you can take when booking a cruise, whether you choose to go through a travel agent, book online, or book directly with the cruise line. It’s generally cheaper and easier to book with a travel agent, especially if you are a first-time cruiser. Often, they get access to special fares or packages with flights that aren’t readily available otherwise.  

However, you may also consider booking online if you’re happy to browse, as it will give you more time to compare cruises without the pressure to book. If you choose to book yourself, you may want to consider using an online comparison tool to make sure you’re getting the best deal.  

Paying for optional extras  

The price of your cruise will be affected by optional extras, including a balcony room. While this can add a luxurious feel, especially if you’re on a scenic cruise, it also carries a much bigger price tag. A cheaper alternative is an inside cabin, which is a room that has no balcony or windows and often runs for as little as half the price of their luxurious counterparts. Although inside cabins have no natural light, the money you save could be used to keep you out of your room on excursions or could even be used towards your next cruise.

Booking at the wrong time 

According to the experts, you can find the best deals when the itineraries are first released for booking, or 12 weeks before the cruise sets sail, as prices drop to fill the remaining cabins. 

Booking last minute is a well-known way to get a cheap deal, but this does come with risks. You must be flexible, and there’s always a chance you could dislike the itinerary or struggle to find a cruise that meets your needs. However, it’s always worth checking for a last-minute discount. 

Paying full price for children  

Inevitably, cruises cost more money during the school holidays, which can make bringing little ones along much more expensive. Luckily, there are still ways to find savings even when traveling with the whole family.  

Some cruise lines will charge one set price for passengers of all ages, and if you’re taking young children on board who won’t eat or drink half as much as an adult, you may feel like you aren’t quite getting your money’s worth. It is essential to choose your provider carefully.

Other cruise lines may charge a reduced fee for younger cruisers, and some even allow children on board free of charge. Some also offer a complimentary night nursery, allowing you to be child-free during the evenings. Researching the prices of children’s tickets and selecting your cruise line carefully could save you hundreds.  

Using your mobile data onboard  

Many of us can’t go a day without our phones, whether making calls, sending texts, or scrolling on social media. However, data roaming while on a cruise can result in a very high phone bill. While at sea, your phone can’t connect to the satellites it usually would, so it connects to maritime satellites instead, which are expensive.  

This can be avoided by switching your phone off or putting it into airplane mode to prevent apps from using data in the background. If, like many others, you can’t bear to be without the internet for your cruise, Wi-Fi packages are available onboard. These come at a cost; however, it can be much cheaper than paying for roaming data.  

As for calling and texting, it is advisable to use apps that allow you to do this using Wi-Fi, such as WhatsApp and Skype to avoid those extra charges.  

Paying for alcohol onboard  

Paying for drinks onboard may be a cost that you overlook during the planning process, but it is one that can dramatically increase the overall price of your cruise. If you’re not traveling all-inclusive, you must pay individually for all the drinks you order in the bars and restaurants, unless you pay for a drinks package, which can be very expensive. 

An excellent way to avoid this is by taking your alcohol with you. Most cruise lines allow one bottle per person; some will enable you to bring more for a small fee. Drinking your alcohol in your stateroom is entirely free, but you may have to pay a corkage fee if you wish to drink it in the ship’s bars and restaurants. It’s essential to check with your cruise line first, as they all have different policies, but this trick could save you from forking out for drinks unnecessarily. 

“Cruises are an amazing experience, and they really don’t have to be expensive,” says Jenni Fielding, cruise expert at Cruise Mummy. “Making small changes can save you hundreds and allow you to find a cruise regardless of your budget. And especially when a lot of people are short on money, it is important to make savings where we can.” 

About The Author
julieKeller_author-1

Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.