Cruising doesn’t have to be as expensive as it looks. After years of sailing on a budget, testing what actually works and ignoring the advice that doesn’t, I’ve put together the money-saving tips that have made a real difference to what I spend before I board, onboard, and in port.
My parents recently took a Holland America cruise and they didn’t pay extra for any speciality food. In this post, we’ll look at what is included in the cruise fare and how they found the trip. Overall, they were pretty … Read more
I cruised on both Symphony of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship, and Legend of the Seas, an Icon Class ship, in the last couple of years. Icon Class is newer and larger, but it clearly builds on many of … Read more
Marella cruises often look more expensive upfront than some other cruise lines. But then you need to consider just how much is included in the cruise fare. You might get what you think is a cheap, bargain cruise, but by … Read more
Many people automatically look at cruises during the busiest and most expensive times of year – school holidays, summer and Christmas. They assume that must be the “best” time to go. Experienced cruisers usually do the exact opposite. Regular cruisers … Read more
Windstar Cruises can be confusing because it’s often described as “all-inclusive”, even though not everything is included in the standard, base fare. Windstar are very different from mainstream cruise lines, because many things that normally cost extra elsewhere are already … Read more
The classic cruise advice people always give is either: “Book as early as possible” or “Wait for last-minute deals” Both of these methods can genuinely save money, but which one is the right option for you? In this article, we … Read more
I’ve done loads of cruise line excursions over the years. Some have been great, but often, I end up feeling disappointed. They aren’t cheap, and it doesn’t always seem like you are getting good value for your money. Really, I … Read more
I book budget cruises and cheap cabins regularly. They can be brilliant – a great way to see the world at an affordable price. Unpleasant surprises can come with cheap cabins though, and that is often to do with the … Read more
Cruiseline excursions can be great in some situations. If you are a first-time cruiser, a nervous traveller, or are a long way from home in an unfamiliar country, they can be the perfect solution. Most of the time, I either … Read more
Cruise lines are brilliant at making optional extras look essential, especially for first-timers. It is in their interests to make you spend as much money as possible with them whilst you are onboard. As a seasoned cruiser, I only spend … Read more
Most people seem to assume flying is the only way to cross the Atlantic Ocean. If you have the time, cruising offers a completely different experience. If you can find a cheap repositioning cruise or a winter Queen Mary 2 … Read more
Cruise cabins feel like nice hotels, and the minibar is often sitting there looking tempting but I will never touch it, unless I am travelling on a luxury cruise line. There are lots of reasons I don’t use the minibar … Read more
Drinks on a cruise can be expensive, and depending on the cruise line, options for free drinks can be limited. One thing I always pack when I travel is a small bottle of “squirty squash.” Not everyone knows what squash … Read more
Cruising alone might sound amazing, total freedom, your own space onboard, and no compromises. But when you look at the prices, you might change your mind! Even the so-called “solo” rooms can be ridiculously expensive. There are ways to cruise … Read more
Booking an inside cabin is often far cheaper than booking a balcony cabin. If you are cruising on a budget, an inside cabin can be a great way to have a fantastic cruise holiday without breaking the bank. After all, … Read more
A first cruise is an exciting experience, but it can feel a little overwhelming with all the information online you may be bombarded with. In this article, we look at seven tips that will help make your first cruise an … Read more
If you are planning your next cruise, before you book your cabin or make plans for your time onboard, there’s one key tool that can make or break your trip: the cruise deck plan. It might seem overwhelming at first, … Read more
Dining on your cruise can be one of the best parts of the trip. There’s so much food to try, and a lot of it is included in the price. But there are a few traps that can catch you … Read more
Cruise dining can be one of the best parts of your holiday, but navigating the endless options can get a bit overwhelming. With everything from buffets to speciality restaurants, it’s easy to miss out on a few tricks that can … Read more
Inside cabins are a great way to save money when you cruise, but they do come with their quirks. If you’re prepared, though, you can avoid some of the common issues and make your inside cabin just as comfortable as … Read more