1. The off peak season can vary on where you choose to cruise but generally off peak is from September to October and then January through to May. Check with your travel agent for off peak promotions which could see you making considerable savings. P&O Flexicruise offers substantial savings if you can be flexible with your departure dates, they offer two itineraries sailing before or after Christmas, which can amount to a saving of between £250 and £500 per person.
2. Cruise savings can also be made if you book last minute. This sounds a hectic way to do things but if you plan ahead it can be a keen way to make a saving on a cruise holiday. Many cruise lines have cabins that have not been booked and obviously want to fill them before they sail. They will dramatically cut the costs to obtain full occupancy. Cruise savings of up to 25 – 50% can be made by purchasing a last minute cruise. Shop around, use the internet, and ask your travel agent for last minute cruise savings.
3. A money saving tip is to Book your own excursions. Booking before sailing can be expensive, plan ahead and research the destinations you would like to visit, then book with a local tour vendor. Tour vendors in port are keenly aware that they can offer better prices, with this in mind you can make some amazing savings. Or adopt the do it yourself approach book your own taxis and boat rides. Remember that both these approaches mean you need to take cash with you; most port vendors will not have the facilities to take card payments.
4. Many cruise lines have special offers that they have not yet advertised. There could be some great cruise savings in the next couple of months that you may not be aware of so be sure to ask. When you have booked your cruise keep an eye on the price you paid, if this price should come down many cruise lines will offer to refund the difference or offer to give you on board credit.
5. Saving money on a cruise when you have children can be expensive. One way of driving down the costs is to take advantage of the cruise lines Beverage Package. You pay a set price and you can fill up with soft drinks/wine when you please. Drinks of any sort can add significant monies to your bill, this way you know what your outlay is from the start. Overall a Beverage Package will make noticeable savings.
6. Once you are onboard take advantage of booking your next cruise, the cruise line will offer special deals that will only be available whilst you are on board the ship. This also earns you shipboard credit for you next cruise, which you can spend anywhere on the ship. If you cannot make a firm commitment as to when you want to cruise next, the cruise line will hold a small deposit until you are ready to make your booking, and if you should change your mind they will refund you the deposit.
7. Cruise savings can be made if you are not fussy about the location of your cabin. With so much to see and do onboard many people spend very little time in their cabin. If you book a windowless inside cabin you could save considerably, leaving you monies to spend elsewhere. Check out the difference in prices you will be surprised how much that porthole is costing you.
8. A money saving tip that really makes all the difference and can help you save your cash on a cruise, is to know what you have to spend and break it down in to sections, sounds laborious but it works. For instance, money to spend on drinks and dining, excursions, shopping, gifts to take home. Once you have a budget which breaks down in to a daily spend you can relax knowing that you will not have a hefty bill at the end of your cruise.
9. Spending on board can be a tantalising experience, everything is designed to be eye candy and to get you to spend, spend, spend. Understanding this also applies to when you leave the ship for excursions. Prices will be hiked to a premium for anything you buy in or around the dock. If you have the time plan ahead, research your destination go further afield to have lunch and buy souvenirs. This also gives you the chance to experience the less commercial side of the location you are visiting.
10. Fully understand what is included in your cruise holiday package; the obvious are your cabin, most food, activities and port charges. Always check what is extra before you go ahead and make your booking. This saves for any nasty surprises once you on board.

Save money on a cruise by shopping around, do your research, and ask your tour operator the right questions Then you will make some great cruise savings, with enough left over to book your next cruise holiday.

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