Choosing The Right Cruise For YOU! - PART TWO: BUDGET!

Choosing The Right Cruise For YOU!

PART TWO: BUDGETING WHEN BOOKING

{for first time cruisers and seasoned cruisers} 

passport por favor - a travel blog by callie riesling

I've seen a lot of blogs, magazines and books that give you lists like '10 ways to save money cruising' or 'how to cruise on a budget'. But as someone that has actually cruised before, I usually think at least once or twice through the article...
'Is that really worth the money saved?' There are certain things that I would personally prefer to save money on and there are certain things that I prefer to skimp on. Some things really aren't all that important to your vacation. For instance, we don't spend much time in the room. We are usually poolside or at a show or making new friends... so it doesn't really make sense to us to spend a bunch of money on a room. We would rather stay in an interior room or an ocean view on an older ship and go on a more expensive, longer itinerary than stay in a balcony or suite 

on a shorter, less exotic itinerary on the fancy new mega ships.  

Really it is all personal preference and varies from traveler to traveler and even cruise to cruise! So instead of giving you a vague list, we are going to lay it all out for you.
These are all great ways to save or splurge on your cruise, but it depends 

on who you are as a traveler and what your intention is for this specific vacation.

So along with a couple of great ways to tailor your cruise for your own personal budget, we are going to give you the pros and cons for each. That way you can make an educated and well researched choice when deciding if it is worth it to you.  

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Additional Tips For Saving Money When Booking Your Cruise!

*Don't do a package deal with airfare. There are risks, but just add at least a day on each end.

*Choose a port closer to you! Save on airfare! (Live in Dallas? Go out of Galveston instead of Florida!)

*Look around, don't just assume that sites like priceline has the best prices! Check with the cruise lines. Sometimes there are incentives when you book with them!

* If you are planning on doing specialty dining or spa treatments, book them in advance!

*Alcohol/Beverage packages are not always cheaper or realistic. Research ahead of time!

*Watch for free upgrades!

*Keep an eye on the price of your package (and any incentives) after you book. Sometimes the cruise line will honor those prices and discount.

*Choose realistic departure ports. Sometimes the airfare can cost more than a 7 night cruise!

*Book early or last minute!

*Use your rewards credit card to book! You may get extra miles to help pay for your plane ticket! (Don't forget to pay it off!)

* Look for incentives before you book! Sometimes you can get a free room upgrade or onboard credit!

*Use your head and do research. Don't book the first cruise you like. Look around, look at various cruise lines, times of year and different ships! 

*Do your best to get the most out of your cruise. Spend a few days in the departure port!

*Don't book the most expensive cruise you can afford. Remember, there are extra costs like alcohol and you will want spending money in the ports of call! 

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Our final segment of our 

'Choosing the Right Cruise For You - Picking your Cruise Line' 

will be posted soon! 

Did you find this helpful? Let us know! 

Have you decided to take a cruise because of this blog segment? Let us know!

Have additional questions about cruising? Feel free to ask us!

Don't forget to share this with your friends by 'Pinning' our infographics on http://www.pinterest.com/ by pressing the 'RED P' in the middle! 

Happy Travels! 

-Callie