If you’ve read my post on the 9 Reasons a Cruise Could be Your Next Favorite Vacation, you know that cruising can be an inexpensive way to see the world. However, it can also be one of the most expensive vacations to take. As with most trips, it can be done frugally or it can be done extravagantly. There are a lot of factors to consider when planning for a cruise, and budget can be a major one for many people. Hopefully, this post can help you make a plan for your cruise budget so that you can get back to focusing on the fun stuff!
The Cruise Line
One of the choices that will make the biggest difference in your cruise budget is the cruise line you choose. There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and they range from relatively cheap to very expensive. Of course, these different cruise lines also offer a wide range of amenities and experiences. So, you have to balance your vacation preferences with the amount you are willing to spend.
Some cruise lines are known for being generally inexpensive, like Carnival and Norweigan. Other cruise lines have a reputation for luxury and extravagance, like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. And, then there are the many cruise lines that fall somewhere in between. Unfortunately, there are way too many to easily list. Hopefully, the below table can at least give you some perspective from which to start your searches. Keep in mind, though, that these are definitely generalizations and don’t hold true for every possible cruise. If you would like more information about one of these cruise lines (target audience/activities/food/etc.), check out this Compare Cruise Lines post over at Cruise Critic.
| Cruise Line | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Carnival | Low |
| Norweigan | Low |
| Royal Caribbean | Low |
| Celebrity | Medium |
| Princess | Medium |
| Holland America | Medium |
| Disney | High |
| Crystal | High |
| Cunard | High |
The Location
The location that you choose to cruise in will also make a big difference in the overall cruise budget. For example, certain locations are just more expensive to cruise in general. Usually, Eastern and Western Caribbean routes are some of the cheapest locations to visit on a cruise ship. Cruises in Alaska, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia tend to be more expensive. Certain specialty locations (like the Galapagos) can drive the prices up even more due to the need for a special expeditionary cruise ship.
Mediterranean Cruise Destination Possibility – Santorini, Greece
You will also have to figure in the cost of getting to your cruise port as part of the budget. If you are able to drive to the port, that can save significant costs. On the other hand, overseas flights can significantly impact your cruise budget. This factor can be somewhat mitigated by booking your cruise and flights well in advance. The cruise lines also sometimes offer airfare as part of the cruise package or at a discounted rate if you are booked on a cruise itinerary.
Stateroom Category
Balcony Life
There are a variety of stateroom categories on most ships, from the cheapest category of “Inside Cabin” to the exclusive “Suite”. Your choice of category can greatly impact the overall price of the cruise. Generally, the best deals to be had are for an inside cabin. This type of room is generally found in the interior of the ship with no view to the outside world. Although some people might be nervous about that prospect, it could be a great fit for your cruise budget depending on your personality and desires for a vacation.
There are so many activities to do aboard a cruise ship and places to hang out that you can literally just use your stateroom as a place to sleep and store your belongings. On the other hand, there are those who won’t cruise without a balcony stateroom. It can definitely be lovely to sit out on the balcony watching the ocean go by on a sea day. It’s all about your personal preferences and budget.
Excursions
Booking shore excursions in the various ports of call can also become quite expensive depending on the activity and location. Most cruise lines offer their own excursions which can be purchased onboard. They generally tend to be a bit more expensive than booking a tour or activity on your own. However, they are also generally companies that have been well-vetted by the cruise line. And, the ship guarantees that they will not leave you behind if the excursion runs late (which can be a big worry-saver for some). There will generally be many different excursion options in each port that you visit. Of course, there is also always the option to walk around the local area, visit a free attraction, take public transportation, or many other frugal exploration opportunities. This is one area where you simply must decide how you prefer to vacation and adjust your decision making accordingly.
Onboard Spending
Onboard spending is another hot-button topic. It is possible to spend basically nothing onboard a cruise, but it is also possible to go through thousands of dollars. When you embark on a cruise, generally the cruise line will provide you with a handy shipboard card that is linked to your credit card or cash. Throughout the cruise, you simply use your shipboard card to purchase anything you may want. Just like with credit cards, this can sometimes lead to a shock when you get your bill at the end of the cruise. There are many things onboard to spend your money on, which appeal to almost everyone. Alcohol, specialty dining restaurants, Internet packages, the spa, the gym, the casino, the shopping boutiques, the art auction…just to name a few.
Black Friday never fails to draw a crowd, even on a cruise ship!
My advice is to set a budget for onboard spending, whether that be a total for the entire cruise or a per day amount. And then stick to it! This is definitely possible, as you can go the entire cruise without spending a dime onboard. Free food and activities will be plentiful onboard, so you won’t starve or get bored! For instance, on the last cruise I went on, my onboard spending bill was zero other than purchased excursions. (Check out my trip report at Exotic Southern Caribbean: Thanksgiving if you want to know more!) Although that fancy drink or massage package is tempting, you can absolutely have a wonderful cruise without it if you are on a strict cruise budget. Or, even if you just prefer to save that money for the next cruise!
Other Cruise Budget Ideas?
Of course, there are numerous other ways to save money on a cruise. In fact, the popular cruise website, Cruise Critic, has a specific message board on “Saving Money on Your Cruise” with thousands of messages to peruse. Check it out if you want to dive deeper into this subject! Do you have any onboard savings tips to share? Or even some tips for saving up for a cruise vacation? Share in the comments below!
