Prepare to set sail with these 13 cruise hacks guaranteed to amplify your vacation experience. From insider tips to maximize onboard amenities to secrets of savvy shore excursion planning, these insights will revolutionize your cruising journey!
Prepare to set sail with these 13 cruise hacks guaranteed to amplify your vacation experience. From insider tips to maximize onboard amenities to secrets of savvy shore excursion planning, these insights will revolutionize your cruising journey!
Step into the world of cruising with one of the most basic yet paramount hacks – strategic booking. You see, there's this wonderful concept called 'Wave Season'; it's the cruise industry's version of a Black Friday or Cyber Monday Deal. From January to March, cruise lines throw out irresistible deals – which includes onboard credits, free gratuities, complimentary dinners, and sometimes even free airfare. It's akin to hitting a cruise jackpot, except it's real! However, if you're someone who gets giddy over the phrase 'off-peak', September and October offer insanely low fares. Just ensure to pep yourself up to brave the possible Atlantic storms you're likely to encounter during this Hurricane Season. We repeat: insanely low fares!
Let’s face it, we’ve all felt the adrenaline rush from the words "free" and "upgrade" paired together. Cruise cabins aren't just rooms; they're temporary homes. So why not let your home for the next week or so be a fantastic one? Booking a 'guarantee cabin' gives you a shot at a free upgrade. You pay for a lower-category room, and the cruise line guarantees you at least that category or higher, depending on availability. To optimize this hack, book when cruises have fewer passengers, typically during the off-peak times we mentioned earlier. Just remember, this is a gamble — you're just as likely to end up beside the engine room as you are to score a swanky suite.
While we're on the subject of free things, let's not overlook the open bar. Unfortunately, we don't mean the cruise ships will be serving free Piña coladas, but many allow you to bring your own wine or champagne onboard. Just ensure to check the policies of different cruise lines because they vary. Worst-case scenario, you might have to pay a corkage fee, which is still a fraction of what you’ll spend on onboard drinks. Don't forget to pack a bottle opener, lest you resort to desperate and potentially hazardous measures to open that 2008 Cabernet.
Every cruise line is vying for loyalty from its passengers, and this intense competition translates to some seriously insane perks for cruise enthusiasts. Bonus points, complimentary dinners, personalized services, and specialty amenities are just a few of the freebies you might land. Welcome to the world of cruising, where loyalty is not only appreciated but handsomely rewarded!
Everyone loves a good "early bird catches the worm" hack. This one applies to securing the best shore excursions. Cruise line-sponsored shore excursions can sell out fast, especially the really good ones. So, once you book that cruise, head over to the cruise line site, and start booking your excursions. This way, you won’t have to wrestle your way through the crowded excursion desk on the first day of your trip, wasting precious sunbathing time.
Aptly dubbed the "hidden cost of cruising", customary gratuities can turn a budget vacation into a wallet nightmare. Most cruise lines automatically add a daily service fee to your account, but you can adjust this amount at the ship’s guest services. If you've received excellent service, it's polite to tip a little extra directly to the crew member. They work unimaginably hard to make your cruise a memorable one, and it’s a gesture they surely appreciate. Plus, bonus points when they remember your preference for extra lemons with your soda on your next cruise trip!
Most newbie cruisers are floored by the amount of free, high-quality food available round-the-clock. But did you know that room service on many cruise lines is also free? Or that, at dinner, you can order more than one entrée, appetizer, or dessert? You read that right; two steaks, two lobster tails, one or even three delectable desserts. After all, you might never discover your love for escargots if you don't dare to try. Just remember not to become a walking cliché by rolling off the cruise ship due to overeating. We hear it's quite unflattering.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.