Taking a cruise for many people is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation while for others it is an annual event. Even discount cruises can be very expensive if you don’t know the tricks that can save you money and make your trip more enjoyable. Whether you are visiting an exotic beach, want to spend your entire time on the ship having fun with family or hope to view the Northern Lights in Alaska, these tips can help you cruise without draining your wallet.

If you are flexible about where you take your cruise, you can find many discount cruise options. You could find some hidden gems where you can get the cruising experience at a lower price. Cruise-related blogs and websites can give you some ideas of off-the-beaten-path discounted cruises. Flexibility could take you to a location you never knew existed at an excellent price, giving you some extra money for other excursions.

One of the biggest mistakes new cruisers make is not asking what is included in the cruises discount price. You may think certain meals or drinks are part of the package when they are not, leading to a surprise bill when your trip ends. You also want to be sure when you are comparing discount cruises that you are matching apples to apples. If you price a luxury line, the cost will most likely include beverages and meals, making the actual cost of the cruise less than cruise discounts that don’t include food and drinks.

Many discounted cruises offer drink packages for an additional fee. If you enjoy cocktails by the pool and a glass or two of wine at dinner, a drink package may be a good investment. If you only drink the occasional beer or glass of wine, you may be better off just buying the drinks as you go. Discount cruise restaurants and bars often have food or drink specials similar to establishments on land. If you don’t drink much, purchasing a drink here or there, especially when they are on special, might be more cost-effective.

Cruises offer many excursion packets that cost an additional fee while you are in port. You are not required to purchase the packages and are able to explore any port on your own. You can walk around many islands, taking in the scenery, shopping and enjoying the local restaurants. Some towns have bicycle or scooter rentals at a small fee that you can use while you are visiting. Talk to locals once you come onshore to get an idea what cultural attractions, local hangouts and other fun activities are available to you. Keep close track of time and make sure you are back at port in plenty of time to board the ship before departure.

Just like airlines, cruise discounts vary during different times of the year and can fluctuate wildly. Keep an eye on the fares to be sure the price you are getting is the best one. If you have booked a cruise in the past, you should have some idea of what a good price is, but if you have not you will want to do some research. Once you have determined a good fare that meets your budget, you will want to book very early or wait until the very last minute. If you book several months before the cruise, you may have more options for cabins. However, sometimes booking at the last minute can work in your favor although you will need to be flexible about your cabin options.

EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com offers many discounted cruises with savings that were previously only available for members of certain organizations or employees in specific industries. We have collected them into one easy to use site and made them available to anyone. There is no membership fee and you can begin using discounts immediately. This is one of the best ways to save money on your next cruise.

If you own a business or manage an organization, talk to us about creating a customized discount program for your members or employees. We can create a program that they will actually use. In addition, discount programs can be an excellent way to recruit and retain employees or members. Fill out the easy online form or give us a call today.