6 tips for how to save money on a cruise

Wondering how to save money on cruise vacations? Whether you’re traveling to Europe, Mexico or any of our countless destinations, there are plenty of ways you can cut costs without sacrificing luxury. From cruising in the off-season to choosing an interior stateroom, here are six ways to save money on a cruise with Princess®.

One of the best tips for how to save money on a cruise is monitoring deals and promotions. Depending on the promotion, you can enjoy extra perks like free stateroom location upgrades, onboard spending money to spend as you wish on select itineraries.

If your schedule is flexible, consider our deals which offer last-minute cruises at reduced costs on select itineraries. Savvy cruise planners often follow one of two booking strategies: reserving their sailing early (often 6–18 months in advance) to lock in lower launch fares and better stateroom selection, or booking 30–90 days before departure when last-minute deals may appear on select sailings.

Our cruise deals look different every season, so check back frequently to see what cruise deals fit your budget or register with MyPrincess to sign up and receive special offers. It can also be helpful to work with a travel advisor, as experienced travel agents may know how to hunt for additional perks or limited-time offers that aren’t always easy to find on your own.

Regardless of your destination, itinerary or stateroom, revel in Princess Plus, our fare type that offers truly great value for your Princess cruise. If you’ve ever wondered how to save money on cruise drinks, Princess Plus has you covered. As a part of your fare, you can take advantage of our plus beverage package and enjoy specialty drinks like coffees, smoothies, cocktails, beer, wine and bottled water.

Better yet, you also get unlimited Wi-Fi to browse the web, stream your favorite movies and keep you in touch with loved ones at home. Packages like these often cost less when purchased before you sail compared to onboard pricing, making them a simple way to keep your overall cruise budget in check.

*Only available in North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Please see alternative exciting promotions for other international regions.

Discover how to save money on a cruise with our Getaway itineraries, which are perfect for tight schedules and small budgets. Embark on a short coastal cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver or a 5-day cruise to Cabo San Lucas.

Choose from itineraries in the United States — like the California Coast or Canada & New England — or explore the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, Japan or Australia & New Zealand. Those looking for a taste of gold rush history can also set sail on a 4 to 5-day Alaska cruise and visit some of the state’s most historic cities. Alternatively, if you want a longer cruise at lower cost, consider sailing during “shoulder season,” the months outside of peak travel periods, when fares tend to drop to account for decreased demand.

One of the best tips for how to save money on a cruise is to book your next vacation while on board. With our Future Cruise Deposits program, you can receive up to $300 of onboard spending money for later use depending on the duration and stateroom you book for your next cruise.

Visit the Future Cruise Office on your ship to make a fully refundable $100 deposit. Lock in the benefits now and choose your itinerary within two years. Redeem your onboard credit on your next cruise at the Lotus Spa®, specialty restaurants or on shore excursions. The choice is yours with Princess. And one more helpful tip: once you’ve booked your cruise, keep an eye on fares before final payment is due. If prices drop and your booking qualifies, you may be able to request a price adjustment or added value.

If you can forfeit a balcony or window, you can easily save money on a cruise by electing an interior stateroom. Our most affordable option features everything you might need — including two twin beds or a queen-size bed as well as a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with a shower — but with so much happening on board, you might only visit your room to freshen up or get some sleep. Inside cabins offer the lowest base fares, making these  staterooms the perfect examples of how to save money on cruises without sacrificing any of the fun.

One of the easiest ways to save money on a cruise is to make the most of your cruise fare — aka food! All guests can enjoy unlimited food at a handful of eateries on board even when the ship is docked, and that's included in the price of your cruise, while grabbing a bite to eat ashore is not.

Whether you’re whale-watching in Alaska or zip-lining in the Caribbean, head back to the ship for lunch and spare money on the cost of your meal. Stop by the Horizon Court buffet to indulge in a variety of foods that will fuel you for your next adventure. Or enjoy a sit-down lunch in select dining rooms during set hours. With our seamless disembarkation, you can refuel and be back on shore in no time. In fact, this particular tip goes beyond food; one of the smartest ways to stretch your cruise budget is to prioritize the many amenities already included in your fare and carefully consider which onboard add-ons best fit your travel style.

If you’re still wondering how to save money on a cruise, contact Princess Cruises to find out more information.