Cruises offer tons of incredible experiences, from Broadway-style shows to gourmet dining—but if you’re not careful, the extra costs can add up fast. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy everything your cruise has to offer.
At iCruiseApp, we help travelers find amazing cruise experiences while keeping their budgets in check. Here’s how you can maximize your onboard experience without overspending, so you can enjoy your cruise to the fullest!
Step 1: Take Advantage of Free Onboard Activities
Most cruises offer plenty of complimentary activities that are just as enjoyable as the paid extras.
✔ Live Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and live music are included in your fare.
✔ Fitness & Sports: Many ships have gyms, jogging tracks, and sports courts available at no extra cost.
✔ Educational Activities: Attend cooking demos, art classes, or enrichment talks for free.
🚨 Watch out for upsells! Some activities—like wine tastings, escape rooms, or behind-the-scenes ship tours—come with hidden fees.
🎯 Pro Tip: Check the daily cruise planner delivered to your cabin for a list of free events happening onboard.
Step 2: Be Smart About Specialty Dining
While main dining rooms and buffets are included, specialty restaurants charge extra—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out!
✔ Go for Lunch Instead of Dinner: Many specialty restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus.
✔ Check for Discounts: Some cruise lines offer first-night dining discounts or package deals.
✔ Use Your Free Options First: The main dining room and buffets offer plenty of variety without extra costs.
🚨 Avoid dining package impulse buys! Some aren’t worth it unless you plan to dine at multiple specialty restaurants.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use the Comparison Tool to see which cruise lines offer the best complimentary dining options.
Step 3: Watch Your Beverage Spending
Drinks can be one of the biggest onboard expenses, but you don’t have to break the bank to stay refreshed.
✔ Take Advantage of Free Drinks: Water, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee are usually included.
✔ BYOB (If Allowed): Some cruise lines let you bring your own wine or soda onboard.
✔ Skip the Drink Package (Unless You’ll Use It): If you don’t drink alcohol frequently, paying per drink is often cheaper.
🚨 Beware of automatic gratuities! Most cruise lines add a 15-20% tip on each bar tab.
🎯 Pro Tip: Read Traveler Reviews to see if the drink package is worth it on your specific cruise line.
Step 4: Save Money on Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can add up quickly, but you don’t have to book expensive tours to enjoy your port stops.
✔ Explore on Your Own: Many ports have free beaches, self-guided walking tours, or cheap local transportation.
✔ Book in Advance for Deals: Some excursions are cheaper when booked before your cruise.
✔ Compare Cruise vs. Independent Tours: Cruise line tours are convenient, but independent operators often offer the same experiences for less.
🚨 Be careful with last-minute bookings! Popular tours sell out fast, and you might end up paying more onboard.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Excursion Search to find excursion options and prices before you sail.
Step 5: Get the Most Out of Spa & Wellness Perks
Most cruise ships have luxurious spas, but treatments can be pricey. Here’s how to enjoy some pampering without overspending.
✔ Look for Embarkation Day & Port Day Discounts: Many spas offer discounts when the ship is in port.
✔ Use Free Spa Perks: Some ships have complimentary steam rooms, saunas, or relaxation areas.
✔ Skip the Upsells: Spa staff may push pricey products—you don’t have to buy them!
🚨 Avoid last-minute bookings! Spa appointments fill up fast, and prices don’t drop later in the cruise.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use Traveler Reviews to see if the spa is worth it on your cruise.
Step 6: Be Smart About Internet & Wi-Fi Costs
Wi-Fi on cruise ships can be expensive and slow, so use these tricks to stay connected for less.
✔ Purchase Internet Packages in Advance: Pre-cruise rates are usually cheaper.
✔ Use Free Wi-Fi in Port: Many cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi when docked.
✔ Go Offline & Enjoy the Cruise: Download movies, books, and music before you board to avoid needing internet.
🚨 Avoid pay-per-minute internet plans! They add up way faster than expected.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Explore Feature to find ships with the best internet packages and free Wi-Fi options.
Step 7: Use Loyalty Programs & Onboard Deals
Most cruise lines reward repeat cruisers with perks and discounts.
✔ Join the Cruise Line’s Loyalty Program: Even first-time cruisers get some perks.
✔ Look for Onboard Discounts: Some ships offer last-minute spa, dining, or excursion discounts during the cruise.
✔ Ask for Freebies: Some loyalty tiers include free drinks, laundry, or priority boarding.
🚨 Loyalty perks vary! Some cruise lines offer better rewards than others for repeat guests.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use the Comparison Tool to see which loyalty programs offer the best value.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Cruise Without Blowing Your Budget
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the amazing experiences onboard. By taking advantage of free activities, skipping unnecessary extras, and booking smart, you can have an unforgettable cruise without overspending.
🚢 Ready to plan your budget-friendly cruise? Use the Explore Feature to find the best cruise options for your trip!