11 Money-Saving Secrets Cruise Lines Don't Want You to Know

Cruises are a great way to visit different ports on one vacation, as well as partake in any onboard fun like rock climbing or daily trips to a pool or spa. And, of course, there is plenty of yummy food and delicious drinks to enjoy.

But there are also a few secrets the cruise lines may not tell you that can bump up your enjoyment on the ship and relieve some money stress. Check out a few tips and tricks that could make your next cruise extra special.

As soon as you consider leaving land and begin planning your trip, sign up for email newsletters from several cruise lines and read them whenever they show up. You might catch a deal specifically for subscribers or a quick pick that can save you money if you pounce on it before it expires.

When a cruise ship sails into port, there are plenty of options for you to explore. Perhaps you want to sign up for an excursion organized through the cruise line. Or maybe you want to try something a little different on your own.

Be aware that if you’re part of an organized cruise trip and you’re running late, the ship will wait in port for you. But if you choose to do something on your own instead, you may watch your cruise sail away with you on shore if you don’t make it back in time.

Pro tip: Book your cruise with one of the best credit cards with travel insurance to get rescued if you're stranded at port.  

There are many hidden cruise costs that may surprise you. For example, soda may be a daily expense you didn’t factor into your budget. Excursion costs also can add up. And there may be extra fees for Wi-Fi.

Cruise lines are counting on you having too much fun to notice the bill you're running up until it’s time to get off the ship. So, try and keep track of these things.

Cruise lines may include a newsletter under your door each night about the next day’s activities. Such newsletters often include information about excursions or details about which restaurants will be open and when.

But cruise lines may also include small notes about freebies, special events, or discounted items. Read up on the news and see if you can find out about those little secrets that your fellow passengers may not be paying attention to.

One of the common cruise mistakes people make is to head to the main dining room the first night on the ship. But with so many people going in that direction, some of the specialty restaurants on board may be close to empty.

That could give you the perfect chance to get a seat and enjoy a special selection for a quiet dinner. Do this early in the cruise, because if the restaurant is good, word will get around. Then, you might have to fight for a reservation at the same restaurant later in the trip.

Have fun on your cruise, but be aware that you can have too much fun — and it might cost you. If you do something illegal, the cruise line may throw you in the jail that is on their ship.

When the cruise arrives at the next port, they might hand you over to the authorities. So, try to moderate your fun, or your cruise might be over much sooner than you expect.

Sometimes, cruise lines want to move their ships from one group of ports to another. Perhaps an Alaskan cruise goes south to Hawaii for the winter, or a ship may simply go to a different set of ports to cruise around for a few months. Book one of these repositioning trips and it might save you some cash.

Pro tip: You could save even more when you book your trip with one of the best credit cards for cruises. 

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a veteran, you might think it’s great to pick up the drink package for your trip. But before you do that, make sure you do some calculations and check with the cruise line on their policies.

Some cruises may include wine at dinner or allow you to bring a few bottles on the ship that you can open and have your waiter re-cork for your nightly meals. If so, those factors can be an argument against getting the drink package.

When you go to dinner in the main dining room, you may be given a menu with several items to choose from that night. This might include a few appetizers, main courses, or even some desserts.

But don’t think you have to limit yourself to one of each. If you see two entrees that sound delicious for the night, try both of them. Or get a few desserts to share among your group instead of limiting yourself to just one. Any additional plates you order often are included in your dinner, so why not indulge while on vacation?

Cruise ship companies would love for you to stay on the ship all day drinking and gambling your money away, but don't forget to get off the ship at ports and explore new surroundings. Sure, your ship might have an exciting casino and drink specials to keep the good times flowing, but visiting new cities is a great chance to make life-long memories. That slot machine will be waiting for you when you leave the port.

Being flexible on which cabin you book is a great way to save money. As long as you don't absolutely require a bigger room or a window, booking an inside cabin may be significantly cheaper. Just remember to know what kind of traveler you are. If you're someone who spends very little time in the room and can sleep pretty much anywhere, feel free to save some money on the cabin. 

Pro tip: Many cruises offer a bridge cam on the room's tv. So if you're concerned about not having any light in the room from a window, you may be able to turn on the tv and get some illumination throughout the night. In the morning, you'll receive even more light as the sun rises on the camera.

A cruise can be a fun way to see the world and get away from the daily grind for a few days. And if you know the secrets that the cruise lines may not share, you can increase your holiday fun.

Try to find cruise lines and itineraries that fit your level of fun and head out on the water for a good time. And don't forget to book your voyage using one of the best travel credit cards for more potential savings.