Cheap tricks for cruising

[Anonymous]

We are going on a cruise at the end of march. Its our first one DH, myself and 2 yr old. Everything adds up. Anything you do to save money?

[Anonymous]

If you're doing shore excursions and you are comfortable with this, book them yourself rather than through the cruiseline. Also, if they let you, take you own alcohol for your room. When it really adds up is when you are on the boat and you start signing everything to your room.

[Anonymous]

Find out the cost of drinks and plan accordingly. Those fancy drinks with the umbrellas may look great but will add up. On my last cruise, you paid for soda but not for lemonade or fruit punch. Make sure you have enough diapers and baby things. Anything you buy in the ships store will cost more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're doing shore excursions and you are comfortable with this, book them yourself rather than through the cruiseline. Also, if they let you, take you own alcohol for your room. When it really adds up is when you are on the boat and you start signing everything to your room.

Do they check your bags to see if you packed alcohol?

Thanks keep em coming?.....

[Anonymous]

bring bottled water for off the boat and on the boat. We brought iced tea mix to add to water for around the ship. Don't pay to eat in the fancy restaurants or johnny rockets.

[Anonymous]

Some cruise lines permit you to bring abroad a set amount of beverages (alcoholic and non) Check with your cruise line

[Anonymous]

Take your own bottled water or as much as you can. Bottles of water can be expensive. Depending on what islands you stop at, make your own plans for shore excursions. Also, check, www.cruisecritic.com for great ideas, look at their forums.

[Anonymous]

At some locations, it is cheaper to rent a car than to hire a cab driver or pay to be transported to the beach (or other touristy area). Check online - many will deliver so that it is waiting for you as you get off the ship. You have to make sure you have plenty of time to get back, though! You can also share a cab with like-minder cruisers. Avoid the excursions - they are expensive and you can do much better on your own. Several cruise lines will check your luggage for alcohol. You can "hide" it if you pour it into another bottle (like a 1 litre coke bottle). Also, bring some snacks from the cruise ship when you go off the ship so you can eat a lighter lunch when touring around.