Byte Size Cruises here and welcome back to our blog! If this is your first time here, we are glad you found us. We are a small travel agency outside outside of Philadelphia, PA and we specialize in all things cruises. Our goal is to bring you the most up to date and relevant information available so you can go on your best cruise vacation. If you enjoy cruising or if you're interested in learning more about cruises, you're in the right place. 

We are just a few weeks into 2024 and if you're looking to book a cruise for this year or next and you enjoy saving money, this post is for you. When we look at the cruise prices for this year, they are on the rise. Now, normally we are all about doing all sorts of extra and fun things on cruises. However, if you're on a tight budget and you're still looking to cruise this year, these are our top 10 tips to save both time and $$ on your cruise. 

1. Use a travel agent and BOOK EARLY. 

Yes, we are a travel agency and we highly recommend that you use one when you book a cruise, especially if you are looking to save money. Booking with a travel agent will never cost you more than booking directly online and you'll get access to inside knowledge. Travel agents know the best times of the year to book with each cruise line, when cruises go on sale, and they often have exclusive access to add-ons that you cannot find anywhere else. 

Whether you choose to use a travel agent or not, always book as early as possible. Last minute deals are evaporating in the cruse industry so don't wait. You will not get a better deal if you wait (in fact, most likely you'll pay more or not be able to book at all if the cruise is sold out.) Carnival announced in December that they are already 2/3 SOLD OUT for 2024 already. This is evidence that there is more demand than supply right now and prices are going to continue to rise as rooms become more scarce. 

2. Book a room that's best for you.

Often people get very concerned about booking a room with a view or a balcony. At the end of the day, the best choice if you are looking to save money is going to be a guaranteed interior room. Now, there's some compromises you'll have to make if you decide to go this route. With a guaranteed room, you will not have the option to choose where your room is on the ship; they will put you wherever it works best for them. This means that you might wind up under the pool or right by the ship's engine. If noise is a big factor for you or you're an extremely light sleeper, this may not be the best option as it will result in more frustration than it's worth. If you book an interior room where you choose the location, you might pay an extra $100 or $200, but it could be worth it depending on your situation. At the end of the day, you know you best, so book what you need to so you can truly enjoy your vacation. 

3. Under Pack

Cruising is a great opportunity to practice your light packing skills. If you are flying to your departing port, each bag you need to check will cost you extra. If you can avoid checking any bags and just take a carry on, it will save you between $50 and $150 depending on the airline you are flying with. Do some research and know the dress code of the cruise line you are vacationing with. Most likely you won't need any fancy clothes or tons of extras. Now obviously, vacation your way. If having lots of wardrobe options is important to you than do you. In the end, if you're looking to focus on saving time and $$, pack light. 

4. No Packages.

While it's easy to say yes to all the different packages, you pay for that convenience. At the end of the day, the best way to cruise on a budget is to not purchase any packages and instead buy items a la carte. Even though things like the drink package can make your cruise more seamless, more often than not you wind up spending far more per day on beverages than you will ever actually drink. For example, if you break a drink package down, it often comes out to something like $60 to $80 per day (sometimes more.) Will you really drink that many beverages each day to make it worth it? Weigh the pros and cons and make a choice that is best for you.

If you are choosing to skip packages, take a look at the events happening during the cruise where these things are included. For example, at parties or auctions often you are offered a free glass of champagne or a free drink of some sort. Skipping the WiFi package? Often you can find a restaurant or cafe at port where you can access the internet for free. Do your research and take advantage of everything the cruise and each port has to offer. 

5. Avoid Cruise Line Excursions

From experience we know that cruise line excursions are usually over priced. Are there benefits to booking with the cruise line? Yes. If you book your excursion with the cruise line, the ship will either not leave port without you returning OR they will make sure you get to the next port free of charge. Here's the thing though; we are adults who hopefully can monitor our own time. Make sure your phone and watch are synchronized with the ship and definitely download the cruise app to ensure you are on the correct time. As long as you are willing to be responsible for your time you can then book excursions with an outside company at a far lower cost. 

If you're really looking to save money here, don't book excursions at all! Instead, just disembark the ship while at port and take some time to independently explore the city and culture you are in. This you can do at almost no cost. If you are going to do this, make sure to do your research ahead of time and maybe pick out a few highlight sites you would like to see while at port. 

6. Resist FOMO once on the ship!

Once you get on the ship there will be LOTS of opportunities presented to you to spend extra cash. From souvenirs to the casino, dollars can go quickly. Bingo even costs $50. Ask yourself and be honest in those moments; is Bingo worth the $50? Resist the urge to just go with the crowd and make choices sparingly. If something really strikes your fancy and means a lot to you, go for it! Otherwise, let the extra random things go and save a ton of $$ while on board. 

7. Pack Snacks

This tip can save you TONS of money and time while at port. When preparing for your cruise, pack ziplock baggies. When you go to the buffet or cafe area on board, pack a few cookies or snacks to eat throughout the day. You can take these off the ship as well and into port to save you from buying snacks there. This will also help you save time on exchanging currency if you're at a foreign port that does not accept the US dollar. 

8. Avoid Tourist Traps

Stay away from places where prices are jacked up simply because it is convenient for tourists to purchase items. Make sure to pack carefully so you have the things you need (you don't want to have to buy sunscreen on board.) When you exit the ship, avoid touristy places in favor of local favorites. Again, this is when research comes heavily into play. Prepare ahead of time and know your options to save big $$ on your trip. 

9. Avoid the Casino. 

This sounds obvious but it is worth mentioning. Most likely you will loose money there, not win. If you are looking to save on a cruise, just stay away. 

10. Pre-Purchase Packages

If it is absolutely necessary that you purchase a package for your cruise (for example, you need to check in with work so Wi-Fi is essential) purchase these things ahead of time. Everything will be more expensive once you get on the ship! 

Those are our TOP 10 TIPS for budget cruising! Is there anything you would add? We would love to hear from you! Comment below.