There are many options for those who want to cruise but don't have the funds. This article will offer tips to help you choose a cruise that is within your budget. It will also provide suggestions for how to book a small ship or off-season cruise.
How to budget for a cruise
The cost of cruises can make your trip very costly. You can either go on a cheap cruise for under $60 per day or you can book a more expensive cruise that costs between $300 and 600 per person per night. You'll need to include the cost for transportation from your home and to the cruise port, as well as the gratuities.
Another expense that can eat up a large portion of your cruise budget is parking. Parking is usually $20 per day in most ports, so plan ahead. If you need to stay in a port city, there are some hotels and independent parking lots that offer discounted parking. You should fly to the port city at least one day before your cruise so that you have time to reach the ship without traffic jams. Also, budget for souvenirs. These are often more expensive.
Book during shoulder season
Prices may be lower depending on where you are going and when you book. Late fall and winter are generally cheaper for Mediterranean cruises. However, the prices of these cruises will depend on the cruise line and the itinerary. Prices are usually the highest for cruises in January and December, which are also the busiest months. There are also cheap cruises available in early spring.
Another advantage to booking a cruise during the shoulder seasons is that you can experience the local culture in an exclusive way. Local festivals and cultural events are very active during the shoulder seasons. These events can be booked up to 35% cheaper that peak season.
Take a cruise in off-season
Consider taking a cruise during the off-season if you want to get a better deal. Some destinations are less popular during the summer or winter, while others attract fewer tourists. However, it is still important to choose a destination carefully. You might want to consider cruising during the spring, which is the end of spring break for many college-aged adults. Spring cruises are popular with families. Although April is generally a dry month, some areas can be prone to hurricanes. This means that cruise prices will rise substantially in the spring season.
Another great way to save money while traveling is by taking an off-season flight. The off-season is a great time to travel long distances as they are usually less crowded. It can help you save money by using the empty economy row as your "sky-seat". You'll also be more relaxed and ready to explore your new destination once you have settled in. Off-season rates can be found at discounted hotel prices. You can even find cheap luxury accommodations during these times.
A cruise on a smaller vessel
A smaller cruise ship is a great option because you can get high-quality service in intimate surroundings. Many smaller ships have naturalists and lecturers on board to help you understand the destination. These vessels also offer more intimate dining experiences that feature single seating and gourmet meals.
Smaller ships allow for greater flexibility and can reach remote locations. You can go on cruises and swim with penguins. Or you can hike the Galapagos Islands.
FAQ
Is there anything else I should know before going on a cruise?
Before you embark on your first cruise, it is important to be well-informed. Remember that you'll be traveling with others. Do not be harsh about these people. You will never know how they feel about a situation. You will be sharing your meals with strangers. You should dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts and tank tops while on deck. Wear comfortable clothes that won't get dirty. Prepare for extreme temperatures. You should always have plenty of sunscreen. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket just in case you have to spend some time outside. Last but not least, be responsible for your actions. Don't drink & drive!
What does a cruise vacation look like?
Cruise vacations cost $1,000 per person plus tax and fees. The average cost for a family vacation is $4,200. This includes all meals, drinks, entertainment, activities, excursions, port charges, gratuities, and shipboard amenities.
Can my pet be brought onboard?
Most cruise lines allow pets aboard. However, there are some restrictions. The first is to make sure your pet can travel. Pets that are too sick to travel should not be brought on board. If they are service dogs, they cannot be brought on board. Service dogs can be trained to help disabled persons. You can't bring any type or dangerous animal to board.
Are cruise ships safe?
Yes, cruise ships offer safe travel. Cruise ships are equipped to handle the most sophisticated technology and security measures. All cruise ships adhere to strict safety standards. All crew members undergo extensive training and are required to pass background checks. At the time of boarding, passengers will be checked. Some cruise lines even require passengers to show evidence of vaccinations against certain diseases. If you ever have concerns about your safety while on board, contact the cruise line's customer relations department immediately.
How long does it take from port to port?
The distance between the port, the ship's speed, and other factors affect the time it takes to get to the port. Some ships dock close to shore to allow them to quickly unload passengers. Other ships dock further away from land, so it takes longer for the ship to arrive.
Statistics
- You can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip. (travel.usnews.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
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How To
How to avoid seasickness while on cruise
You can avoid seasickness by wearing a cap while on cruise. By keeping the head in a fixed position, a wide-brimmed hat prevents motion sickness.
Also, a cap keeps water off the skin and helps to reduce the moisture content of the air. This makes breathing easier for people prone to feeling dizzy when they breathe in moist air.
Another tip is to drink lots of fluids. Avoid alcohol or caffeine. These drinks dehydrate your body, making it more difficult for fluids to move around in your stomach. Salt levels can be decreased by drinking enough liquids. Salt causes the body's retention of water, which can lead to nausea.
Salty foods can help if you feel nauseated. Salty foods stimulate the stomach to produce higher levels of hydrochloric acid. This helps to break down food particles.
These are just some of the possible ways to reduce seasickness. You should be aware that side effects can include dry mouth and constipation as well as headaches.