Money saving tips - Luxury Cruising

The Secret Cruise Bargain Most People Don’t Know About

March 4, 2026

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations Money saving tips

If you’ve ever chatted to someone who cruises often, you’ll notice their eyes light up when the conversation turns to bargains.

And often they’ll tell you that the best-kept secret for a great deal is repositioning cruises.

These often-overlooked sailings are one of the cruising world’s great delights: part adventure, part relaxation, part incredible-value getaway.

For some people though, the term still sounds like something obscure or even industrial, as though you’re hitching a ride on a technical sailing the public was never meant to see.

I’ve done several repositing cruises, and I’ve paid as little as £99 per cruise for the priviledge. In fact, I may even go as far as to say that these are my favourite itineraries.

Repositioning Cruises Explained

Despite the slightly clunky name, a repositioning cruise is simply a journey where a ship moves from one area to another to begin a new season, or to prep for another cruise.

Repositining Itineraries I’ve sailed include:

Bristol to Liverpool
Liverpool to Southampton
Southampton to Hamburg
Barcelona to Rome
Southampton to Fort Lauderdale

One of the most common repositioning cruises you’ll see is the transatlantic. In summer the Mediterranean is full of cruise ships, but come autumn, most of them sail across to the Caribbean for winter sun.

Alaska is a popular region in the summer, but you won’t find any cruise ships there in the winter. Instead, they follow the sun for warm-weather adventures in Asia or Mexico.

Even within the UK, there are cruise lines like Ambassador Cruise Line with ships that sail from regional ports. These may sail from Liverpool for a couple of months, then move to sailing from Bristol for a few more, then sailing from Tilbury.

The one-way sailings are very rarely empty. If the ship needs to move, the cruise line will usually sell that voyage to passengers.

Because these sailings don’t fit the traditional mould, the prices often fall in the “surely that can’t be right?” category.

That’s the joy of repositionings: they’re logistical necessities for the cruise line, but unexpected bargains for those of us who love an adventure at sea.

Not All Repositioning Cruises Are Trans-Oceanic

Many people automatically imagine two weeks at sea, crossing an ocean for days on end.

And yes, repositioning cruises can absolutely be epic voyages full of sea days and starry skies. But they can also be tiny little hops that last barely long enough for you to unpack your slippers.

I’ve done both ends of the spectrum. One of my favourites was a genuinely unbelievable £99 cruise on Cunard’s Queen Anne from Hamburg to Southampton. It was only a couple of nights long, but it felt like a little slice of luxury, like sneaking into the world of classic cruising without the classic price tag.

All I needed was a cheap flight to Hamburg. By the time I stepped aboard the Queen Anne, admiring her glossy style and that unmistakable Cunard elegance, I couldn’t believe this bargain had been hiding in plain sight.

I’ve taken similarly short repositionings around the UK too. Sailing from Liverpool to Southampton on Borealis was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s three-month-long world cruise gave guests the option to start in Liverpool, or in Southampton two days later. As many of the guests opted for Southampton, that meant that there were spaces for the first two days of the epic journey – so I snapped one up for a bargain price.

Then there was the Bristol to Liverpool run with Ambassador, a friendly little jaunt that cost astonishingly little and yet felt like a full mini-holiday. Just book a cheap coach transfer to get you home and you’re sorted – so easy, so cheap, and a great break and a great price!

And of course, there are the longer repositionings, the ones that feel like stories in themselves.

Costa Smeralda – a huge, sunlit Italian resort of a ship – cost me around £30 per night on a repositioning itinerary for 5 nights. And that was for a balcony cabin as a solo traveller – both of which would normally mean paying significantly higher costs!

And then there was my Disney transatlantic crossing, which remains one of my favourites.

Disney cruises are notoriously expensive. But given that repositioning cruises are so cheap, booking the transatlantic meant that we could enjoy a two-week cruise for less than the price of a one-week round trip!

Some of the best cruise deals I find are for repositioning cruises – make sure you’re signed up to get my emails if you want to get the best offers sent to you.

Consider How Much You Enjoy Sea Days

One of the defining aspects of many repositioning cruises is the sea-day rhythm.

Without a port every morning, you have time – proper, indulgent, do-whatever-you-like time. It’s a lovely feeling to wake up, open the curtains, and realise that your only real appointment is with the horizon.

If you’re someone who always feels a little torn on port-heavy itineraries – as if you should be doing something, seeing something, squeezing every minute dry – then a repositioning cruise can feel like bliss.

There’s no guilt, no sense of missing out, just the ship itself becoming your destination. You finally get to enjoy that leisurely breakfast you usually rush.

You discover corners of the ship you’ve never had time for before: a quiet reading nook, a suntrap on the promenade deck, a little café that becomes your personal sanctuary.

Cruise lines often lean into this unhurried pace with extra activities. There might be wine tastings, guest lectures, craft workshops, cookery demonstrations, dance classes, film screenings, or stargazing sessions.

Or you might simply sink into a deck chair with a book you’ve been meaning to read for three months and lose yourself for an afternoon.

Cruise Mummy on Princess cruise in Sanctuary

Of course, some people find too many sea days a challenge, and that’s important to acknowledge.

If you’re happiest hopping from city to city, exploring somewhere new every day, a long repositioning might not match your travel style. But if the idea of a slow, serene crossing speaks to you, then you’re probably the target audience.

The Lesser-Visited Ports You Might Enjoy

Because repositioning itineraries are designed around geography rather than holiday-brochure patterns, the ports can be wonderfully unusual.

Ships tend to call wherever makes sense as they travel between regions, which means you often get destinations you’d rarely see on a standard weekly cruise.

It might be a day in Madeira, all sweeping viewpoints and cake shops. It could be the Azores, shrouded in mist and beautifully green. You might end up somewhere like Charleston or Halifax on a coastal repositioning, or sail through Hawaii on a huge Pacific arc.

Even within Europe, you can end up with charming one-off stops in places that don’t normally appear on mainstream itineraries. These ports feel like little treats, the kind you remember long after disembarking.

Quieter Ships, Calmer Atmospheres

Repositioning cruises usually sail outside the peak holiday rush, and they often attract travellers who choose them deliberately for the slower pace. The result is a ship that feels roomier, friendlier and often more personal.

Our transatlantic Disney cruise had barely any kids onboard. Most of the guests were retired couples, which was great because the ship was much quieter and there was never a queue for the waterslides!

You’ll find it easier to get a table in the buffet and a lounger by the pool. Crew members have time to chat. The entertainment feels more relaxed. You start recognising people as you wander, and the ship begins to feel like a floating neighbourhood rather than a busy hotel.

That slightly quieter atmosphere also gives the whole trip a sense of stepping away from the real world. It feels more like a retreat than a holiday.

The Real Value Of Repositioning

The main reason repositioning cruises are such astonishing bargains is simple: they’re harder to sell.

They don’t repeat every week, they’re one-way, they require a bit more planning, and they often have more sea days than the average cruiser expects. But that’s exactly what makes them such good value.

Cruise mummy taking a selfie with Ambassador Cruise ship

Because the cruise lines want to fill the cabins, the nightly cost can be dramatically lower than anything you’d normally find. Sometimes it’s much less than you’d pay for a half-decent hotel at home. Sometimes it’s less than you’d pay for your weekly food shop.

And because you’re still getting the full ship experience – all the amenities, entertainment, dining, pools, lounges and sunset views – the value becomes even more astonishing.

The only thing to plan carefully is travel. You’ll usually need to arrange your own flight to the starting point or back from the final port (or both), and prices can vary depending on where you go.

A view from an airplane window shows the wing of the aircraft against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and the sun shining brightly. Below, a landscape of fields and rivers is partially covered in snow, with clouds scattered across the horizon, creating a serene and picturesque aerial scene.

But with a bit of flexibility, or a well-timed check of flight deals, it’s easy to make the whole trip affordable. I’ve often found that even when flights are factored in, the entire adventure still comes out far cheaper than a standard cruise would have been.

Lots of Cruisers Love Them…

These voyages tend to attract a certain sort of traveller. If you love the ship as much as the destinations, you’ll probably be in heaven.

Retirees often adore them because there’s no rush, no crowds and plenty of time to unwind. Digital nomads appreciate the long stretches of peaceful days, especially now that many ships have much better WiFi than a few years ago.

And then there are the bargain hunters who simply can’t resist the idea of sailing on a premium line for the cost of a budget hotel. Hi!

They’re also wonderful for anyone who wants to ease into a new region. Imagine crossing to Europe, arriving refreshed, and starting a longer trip already adjusted to the new time zone. Or sailing from Alaska towards Japan and feeling the climate shift gently over days rather than hours.

That said, they’re not perfect for everyone. Some travellers get restless without regular port days. Others find the idea of organising flights a bit too fiddly. But cruising is wonderfully varied, and there’s a place for every travel style – repositionings included.

Some Practical Considerations

Like any trip, repositionings work best when you know what to expect. Because routes can stretch across different climates, packing layers is always sensible – a warm hoodie for breezy deck days, something summery for your ports, and perhaps a waterproof for good measure.

If you’re prone to seasickness, choosing a mid-ship cabin lower down tends to provide the smoothest ride, though modern ships are remarkably stable.

It’s also wise to keep an eye on visas, even if you’re only calling at a port for a day. And although cruise lines work hard to provide smooth sailing, captains may occasionally alter routes for weather, especially on autumn Atlantic crossings.

Think of it as part of the adventure: the sea makes the rules.

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Final Word

A repositioning cruise feels less like a holiday and more like a journey – a chance to slow down, breathe a little deeper and watch the world unfurl at a gentler pace. You feel the distances. You feel the shift from one region to another. You wake to new horizons, not new alarms.

It’s that rare combination of tranquillity, value and adventure that keeps me coming back.

Whether it’s a £99 taste of Cunard luxury, a cheerful weekend hop up the UK coast, a sun-soaked Italian mega-ship for the price of a takeaway, or a mega-ship-fuelled Atlantic crossing filled with tons of activities, these are voyages that linger in the memory.

Repositioning cruises are the best-kept secret – and I will continue to hunt the best deals I can to enjoy these super-cheap cruises!

If you found this interesting, please share!

Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay

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What Crew Members Really Think

February 17, 2026

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Behind The Scenes Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Money saving tips

Cruise tipping causes more arguments than almost anything else onboard. Some people refuse to pay extra. Others tip on top of gratuities. And both sides are convinced they’re right.

Most cruisers talk about what they think is fair. Very few stop to ask the crew.

The US vs UK culture clash only adds fuel to the fire, especially when automatic gratuities are already built into the bill. It feels like you’ve paid. So why would more be expected?

Then I came across a candid post from a Royal Caribbean crew member that completely shifted the perspective. It wasn’t defensive. It wasn’t demanding. It was honest.

And there’s one thing about tipping that most passengers never consider.

1. Tipping Means More Than You Think

For many crew members – especially those from developing countries – tips aren’t just a bonus; they’re a lifeline.

While they do get a base salary, the crew member explained that extra cash goes a long way. We’re talking school fees, medical bills, supporting families back home, or saving for a better future.

A hand holds a tip envelope from a cruise ship with the text "Tip tip hooray! Additional gratuity in recognition of exceptional service." The envelope includes fields for the crew member's name or position and the stateroom number.

That said, if tipping isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you’ve still got options for showing appreciation.

Of course, your cruise line might insist on automatic gratuities anyway (more on that in a bit), but you don’t have to be obligated to give cash tips in any situation if you really don’t want to.

There are other gestures that mean just as much (or more!) to the crew.

2. The Post-Cruise Survey Is REALLY Important

You know that survey you get at the end of your trip that you’re tempted to skip? Don’t.

Filling out that feedback form – especially if you name-drop a crew member who went above and beyond – can result in serious perks for them:

A rare and well-deserved day off
A specialty restaurant meal enjoyed as a guest
A night in a guest cabin – hello, floor space!
Scratch cards with prizes such as internet time, cash bonuses, or crew discounts

For dining staff, your review could even influence which tables they’re assigned next – meaning more chances to earn tips, or fewer if ratings are low.

So, if someone made your cruise that little bit more special, mention them by name. A few kind words go a long way – maybe further than you realise.

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3. Crew Members Love Handwritten Notes

Sometimes, a simple thank-you note does more than you might expect.

The crew member shared that they’ve kept thank-you cards and notes from guests over the years – and still re-read them on tough days. If someone made your cruise extra memorable, why not leave a postcard or short message behind?

You don’t need to be Shakespeare – just something sincere like, “Thank you for making our trip so wonderful. You made our family smile every day!” can absolutely make their week.

It’s feedback like this that really shows that the crew aren’t just financially motivated. They care about their jobs, and they want to do well, and a little bit of recognition for that will show them that they are doing so.

4. Remembering Names Matters

Want to brighten a crew member’s day in three seconds flat? Say their name.

It might sound small, but remembering and using a crew member’s name helps them feel seen and appreciated. Whether it’s your room steward, bartender, or waiter, a friendly “Hi, John!” or “Thank you, Maria!” goes a long way.

It’s easy to do, since they all wear name badges!

A crew member of Costa Cruises attentively making a bed, with a focus on comfort and neatness, showcasing the detailed and personal care provided onboard, complemented by the warm interior colors and natural light from the cabin window.

Crew members say that being greeted by name makes a real difference – and can even turn a rough shift around.

A lot of cruise crew members will come from countries with names you may not be used to. But do you want to know the secret to learn how to pronounce a name you’ve not encountered before?

You ask.

"What is something people should ask from you but don’t?""How do you pronounce your name?"

Honestly, it isn’t offensive, and the fact that you care enough to get it right is actually a gesture in itself.

5. Gifts Aren’t Always a Good Idea

Thinking of bringing a little something for your favourite crew member? Lovely idea – but there are a few rules to keep in mind.

Gifts to avoid:

Alcohol
Items from onboard shops unless you’ve got a receipt and follow ship policy
Anything bulky

Crew members only have very small cabins, and so they need to avoid clutter. When asked, almost every crew member will say that they prefer cash, as they can use it to buy the things they actually want and need.

If you really do prefer to give a physical gift, here are some ideas based on what crew members have said that they like…

Good gift ideas:

Travel-sized luxury toiletries
Sunscreen (especially if you’re heading to sunny ports)
Laundry detergent (yes, really – they often have to buy it onboard!)
Individually wrapped snacks or sweets

The crew member from Reddit shared a story of a guest who gave them a framed photo. Not only was it treasured – it became a good-luck charm they credit with helping their career take off.

Pair your gift with a thank-you card, and you’ve got a feel-good moment that’ll stay with them long after you’ve disembarked.

One interesting gift you may consider is a duck.

The cruise duck trend is still going strong, and the cheeky rubber ducks are hidden all over the ship by passengers. And they’re not just a huge hit with fellow cruisers, but also with the crew.

Many crew members collect them for their kids back home. It’s a cute way to stay connected to their families while they’re away at sea.

That said, one crew member was reportedly let go for collecting too many ducks (yikes!).

So, if you want to gift a duck to a crew member, it’s best to hand it over directly, with a quick note explaining why. It’s sweet, safe, and shows thoughtfulness.

The Truth About Automatic Gratuities

It’s important to talk about automatic gratuities at this point.

Most cruise lines now automatically add gratuities to your cruise fare. You can either pay these in advance or you can wait until you’re onboard and pay the gratuities when you’re settling your bill.

Only a handful of cruise lines don’t charge tips – typically the British ones (P&O Cruises, Marella, etc.) or the ultra-luxury ones. MSC Cruises also waives gratuity charges on certain sailings.

For the other cruise lines, they’re automatically added to your account, hence the name.

They aren’t mandatory though. You can remove them by visiting the Guest Services desk onboard.

Some people remove them because they prefer to give cash tips. Which is OK, except that the automatic gratuities are often split between several teams, some of whom you might never see to hand over a cash tip. So they get shorted when you stick to cash only.

Others remove them just because they don’t like the tipping culture.

The issue is that some cruise lines make the automatic gratuities part of the crew’s salary. So they aren’t really tips, more a part of their wage, and each guest who removes their gratuities then harms the salary earned by the crew.

So it’s always best to pay the automatic gratuities, and then if you want to, top it up with a little bit of cash for the crew members who go above and beyond.

Suggested read: How Much Extra To Tip Cruise Staff

Cash tips are really appreciated because the crew receiving them keep 100%, and so it’s really valuable to them.

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Final Word

So here’s the part most passengers never consider.

On many cruise lines, automatic gratuities aren’t just a “thank you” bonus. They form part of the crew’s expected income. When they’re removed, it doesn’t just send a message. It can directly reduce what someone takes home to support their family.

Extra cash tips are always appreciated because the crew member keeps 100%. But recognition matters too. A named mention in a survey can improve future table assignments. A good review can earn rare perks. A short handwritten note might be kept for years.

You don’t have to tip beyond what you’re comfortable with.

But once you understand what gratuities actually mean behind the scenes, it’s hard to see them the same way again.

If you found this interesting, please share!

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7 Cruise Freebies That Were Taken Away Last Year

February 4, 2026

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Money saving tips

Cruising is still one of the best-value holidays, but over the past year that “everything’s included” feeling has gotten noticeably thinner.

A lot of the little perks that used to make a cruise feel glossy, generous and surprisingly luxe have quietly disappeared or been turned into paid extras.

It’s not new – it’s been happening for a while – but it has continued.

These changes are not always shouted about by cruise lines, but regular cruisers are certainly noticing. Here are seven of the biggest freebies that are either gone in 2025 or on their way out.

1. Twice-Daily Cabin Service and Turndown

Once upon a time, your cabin steward would seemingly appear by magic. Bed made in the morning, towels refreshed in the afternoon, and a neat little turndown service with chocolates at night.

For 2026 cruises, that is no longer standard across most mainstream cruise lines.

Many ships have moved to once-daily servicing for standard cabins, with evening turndown now reserved for higher-tier suites.

Towel animals, chocolates and freshly fluffed pillows are becoming increasingly rare unless you are paying for a premium cabin.

Again, this isn’t entirely new. But it’s getting worse across the cruise lines, without a doubt. You still get a clean room, but the hotel-style pampering has very much been dialled back.

2. Shrinking Menus and Limits on How Many Entrées

Main dining rooms used to be a highlight of cruising. Large menus, adventurous dishes, and the freedom to order more than one main course if you fancied it.

For 2026 cruises, menus have become more streamlined and some lines now actively limit how much you can order without paying extra.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been particularly visible here, introducing charges for additional entrées beyond the first. Other lines have quietly reduced portion sizes or removed pricier items from everyday menus.

The result is that the “eat as much as you like” feel is fading. You can still enjoy good food, but there are more boundaries and more moments where reaching for a second dish now comes with a small fee.

That’s no good for big eaters like my husband…

3. Loopholes Being Closed on Drinks Packages

Drinks packages still exist, but they are getting tighter and less flexible. Cruise lines have been actively closing loopholes that savvy cruisers used to rely on.

Royal caribbean bartender prepares a cool cocktail onboard

A common change is requiring all adults in the same cabin to buy the same alcohol package. This makes it much harder for mixed groups where one person drinks alcohol and the other does not.

Technically this policy has been in place a long time, but you could get around it by calling the cruise line – but they’re drawing a harder line.

Fair use policies are also more strictly enforced. Expect more systems tracking how many drinks you order, longer waits between servings, and more limits on sharing.

Cruise Mummy with cocktail on Holland America ship

The headline promise of “unlimited” is still there, but the reality feels more controlled and less carefree.

4. Drinks Packages Removed From Private Island Destinations

This is one of the most talked-about changes.

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that its popular drinks packages will no longer be honoured on its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, starting in 2026. The change was announced in 2025 and has already made waves among loyal guests.

Private islands used to feel like a natural extension of the ship where your package simply followed you ashore.

Now, guests will need to buy a separate island drinks package or pay per drink once off the ship. It is a clear sign that cruise lines are treating even their own islands as separate profit zones rather than included parts of the holiday.

5. Vanishing Little Luxuries

This is not about big-ticket items, but the small things that made cruising feel special.

Fresh flowers in cabins, chocolates on pillows, quality mini toiletries, complimentary canapés in lounges and little surprise treats have largely disappeared.

Many cabins now have refillable soap dispensers instead of branded miniatures and extra touches like robes, slippers and canapés often have to be requested rather than appearing automatically.

These were never essential, but they added charm. Their slow disappearance has made cruising feel more practical and less indulgent.

6. Printed Daily Planner

The printed “daily planner” or “day sheet” used to appear in your cabin every evening. It told you what was happening tomorrow, what to wear, what shows were on and what time everything started.

For 2026, most lines have moved this almost entirely to apps. If you want a paper version, you usually have to ask for it.

For many cruisers, especially older guests or those trying to switch off, this removes a simple pleasure and replaces it with a screen. It is framed as an environmental move, but it also quietly reduces printing and staffing costs.

7. Lifetime Loyalty Perks Being Watered Down

This one is more about the future than an instant loss, but it was a major 2025 announcement. Carnival revealed that it is replacing its long-running VIFP loyalty programme with a new Carnival Rewards scheme, rolling out fully in 2026.

While the concept sounds positive, the big shift is that perks become more spend-based rather than purely loyalty-based. Longtime cruisers who once relied on stable, lifetime-style benefits are worried that their status will feel less special over time.

Does it signal a move away from rewarding loyalty simply for sailing and towards rewarding spend across more cruise lines? Time will tell.

For now, a lot of Carnival cruisers feel like 2025 was the year that their loyalty was thrown back in their face.

Other Subtle Cruise Freebies Disappearing

Beyond the headline changes, there are lots of small, quiet cutbacks that you will only really notice if you have cruised before.

Live lectures and enrichment talks are less common, replaced by generic game shows or pre-recorded content.

Sailaway parties are often shorter, less decorated and come with fewer complimentary snacks. Cabin extras like facecloths, extra pillows and ice buckets are more likely to be “on request” rather than stock standard.

More activities now carry small charges, too. Things like escape rooms, select fitness classes, interactive games and behind-the-scenes tours used to feel like hidden bonuses. Now they are carefully monetised experiences.

None of these changes ruin a cruise, but together they quietly chip away at the feeling that everything onboard is effortlessly included.

How to Cruise Smart in 2026

Cruising can still be excellent value, but it pays to be smarter than ever.

The first tip is to read what is actually included in your fare. Cruise lines sell very different experiences under similar-looking prices, and bundles like Princess Plus or Norwegian’s Free at Sea can completely change the onboard cost.

It is also worth doing the maths on drinks packages rather than assuming they are good value. With tighter rules and higher prices, they are no longer an automatic win for everyone.

Budget for extras in advance. Build in money for gratuities, speciality coffees, room service and WiFi so they do not come as a shock at the end of the cruise.

Finally, enjoy what is still genuinely free.

Main shows, sun loungers, basic meals, kids’ clubs and simple hot drinks are still included on most lines. If you go in knowing what has changed, you can still have a fantastic cruise without feeling nickelled and dimed.

Final Word

Cruising in 2026 is not worse than it used to be, but it is different. The big buffet, the shows and the sea views are all still there. What has changed is the number of small, thoughtful extras that once made everything feel effortless and indulgent.

The shift is clear. Cruise lines are chasing extra onboard spending rather than building loyalty through generosity. That does not mean cruising is no longer good value, but it does mean passengers need to be more aware, more prepared and a little more realistic about what “all-inclusive” really means.

If you know what has been taken away, you can plan around it. And if you plan around it, a cruise can still feel special. It just looks a little different to the golden age many of us remember.

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15 Cruise Money Tricks That Feel Like Cheating (But Are Totally Allowed)

January 13, 2026

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Money saving tips

Planning a cruise is one of those things that makes you feel like a kid before Christmas. You’ve got that shiny new itinerary, you’re daydreaming about turquoise water and soft-serve machines that almost never close – and then the credit card statement hits.

Independence of the Seas money cruise hacks

Cruises can absolutely be brilliant value, but once you add drinks, excursions, tips and “just one more spa treatment”, the costs build up faster than a buffet queue on embarkation day.

So, from one sea-obsessed traveller to another, here are fifteen tried-and-tested cruise hacks to keep your budget shipshape without missing out on any of the fun.

1. Book early… or ridiculously late

The biggest savings usually sit at either end of the calendar.

Cruise lines love rewarding the super-organised – book as soon as new itineraries drop (sometimes a year and a half in advance) and you’ll often lock in lower fares, plus the pick of cabins. If you’ve got your heart set on a certain ship or sailing, this is the way to go.

This image shows a woman from behind, seated on a colorful beach chair, using a laptop with a screen displaying a travel booking interface for destination, arrival, and departure options. She's on a sandy beach, symbolizing the ease of planning vacations even while enjoying a relaxed beach setting. The setup underscores the convenience of modern digital tools that enable holiday planning from any location.

And I would always recommend bigger families booking ASAP, because you’ll typically get the best price by booking a family cabin instead of two connecting cabins – and those family staterooms are always the first to sell out.

At the other end of the scale, the “I’ll-pack-when-I-get-there” crowd can win big too. When a ship’s about to sail and still has empty rooms, lines will often drop prices dramatically rather than leave them unsold.

If you’re flexible with dates and can jet off at short notice, you can nab a luxury sailing for the price of an inside cabin. It’s not for planners, because we’re talking about booking a cruise with just a few days’ notice, but it’s a thrill when it works.

2. Join Facebook cruise groups

It sounds almost too simple, but this trick genuinely saves hundreds.

Search Facebook for your chosen ship and you will usually find a list of groups you can join, some of which are just fan pages for the ship, while others might be tailored towards a specific sailing.

Inside these groups, travel agents often share group rates or exclusive packages you won’t find on the cruise line’s website.

These aren’t dodgy deals; agents get bulk pricing from cruise lines and sometimes throw in extras from their own commission – onboard credit, wine, priority boarding.

Just make sure the agent’s legit: ask the group for recommendations, or check reviews before booking.

Don’t book with someone you can’t get good information on, because scams or even just over-priced bookings as possible.

But there are plenty of good, honest travel agents populating these groups who have a mission to sell cabins, and who could help you get a great value deal.

3. Use cruise comparison tools

If you’re more of a “DIY holiday researcher”, cruise search engines are your best mate. Websites like Cruise Critic, and (for UK readers) World of Cruising let you filter by destination, date, ship, cabin type, and more.

The best part? You’ll spot flash sales that last only a day or two – sometimes even before the official site updates.

Or better yet, if you sign up to my email newsletter, I can save you the work. Every week I send out the best deals that I’ve found when I’m checking all the cruise comparison websites.

So you’re getting the best prices, but I’m the one doing all the searching for you.

4. Pick the right cabin for you

If you’re new to cruising, you need to make sure you understand the different cabin options, as booking the wrong one could be a costly mistake:

Inside cabins: No windows, no natural light, cheapest option. Great if you love a good nap and don’t care about views. They’re also the smallest rooms on the ship though, so don’t book them if you like a lot of space.
Oceanview cabins: Same as inside but with a window. Perfect compromise if you like to see daylight but don’t need outdoor space. Are often similar in size to an Inside cabin, but sometimes they’re a bit bigger too.
Balcony cabins: The sweet spot for most cruisers – private outdoor space, sea breeze, and morning coffee with a view. Typically the inside part of the stateroom is similar in size to an Inside or Ocean View, and the balcony counts as your additional space.
Suites: The dream. Think butlers, priority embarkation, and fancy bathrobes. Lovely, yes, but often double or triple the price of a balcony cabin.

That’s a really broad overview, but it works as a starting point. Depending on the ship you might have all kids of sub-categories, like studio rooms with smaller beds for single travellers, or “Spacious” versions of rooms that are much bigger, with a higher price tag.

And even within suites there can be loads of different options. A Junior Suite is going to cost a fraction of the price of an Owner’s Suite, but will also come with a much smaller list of perks.

My advice? Spend your money where it matters most to you. If you’ll barely be in your room, go inside. If your idea of heaven is sunrise on your own balcony, splash a bit.

I always say I would prefer to book two cruises in an Inside cabin instead of one in a lower-end suite.

But if you think you’d hate an Inside cabin, then paying extra to get an upgraded room is going to be more valuable to you.

5. Try your luck with upgrade bidding

Upgrade programmes are one of cruising’s best-kept secrets, unless you’re someone who regularly sails and who often takes advantage of these.

After you’ve booked, keep an eye on your emails – many lines invite you to bid for a better cabin. You name your price (say, £300 extra for a balcony), and if the offer’s accepted, you get the room.

Of course, it is far from guaranteed, and you might not get all the perks of that higher category, but it’s an affordable way to level up your trip.

Sometimes you can bid the minimum and win an upgrade for a tiny fraction of what it would’ve cost you to book it outright. But other times even a high bid can fail, especially when it’s peak season and ships are selling out.

6. Watch for price drops after booking

Here’s the sneaky one: if the fare drops after you’ve booked but before your final payment date, most cruise lines will match the lower rate or offer you the difference in onboard credit.

A woman with wavy hair and glasses is working on a laptop at a wooden desk in a cozy, well-decorated room. The desk is adorned with several plants, a notebook, and a cup of coffee, creating a warm and inviting workspace. The wall beside her is decorated with framed artwork and a wooden map, contributing to the creative and personal atmosphere of the space.

That’s because, if it’s before your final payment date, you can cancel – and they don’t want the hassle of re-selling the cabin to someone else. It’s better value for them to retain you as a guest, and hopefully give you that small financial win that makes you more likely to book again in future.

Check your fare regularly (once a week is plenty) and if you spot a drop, call them straight away.

7. Keep an eye out for “Kids Sail Free” deals

Cruising with little ones? These promotions can make a massive difference. Lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC and P&O Cruises often run “kids sail free” events where you’ll only pay port fees and taxes for your children.

kids playing cluedo board game on Marella cruise

That’s hundreds saved per child.

If the deal’s not live when you book, no panic – just note your final payment date and keep checking. You might be able to call and have the discount applied later.

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

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8. Cruise during the off-season

I adore shoulder-season cruising. You get calmer crowds, cooler weather (no baking alive on deck), and much better prices.

Caribbean in September, Mediterranean in November, Alaska in April – all great value.

Yes, you might have the odd rain shower or slightly chillier evening, but you’ll also have space to breathe on deck and fewer queues at the buffet. I’ll take that trade any day.

The only thing to bear in mind is that you need to be a bit flexible with your itinerary. If you’re cruising when the weather is more likely to be rough, that’s when you’re at a higher risk of port visits being cancelled, if the ship can’t safely dock.

If you aren’t too fussed about every port on your itinerary, then go for it. And just make sure you’ve got cruise insurance with missed port cover anyway, so you get a bit of a refund if you do miss a port.

My Recommendation

My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.

These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.

9. Think about bundled packages

If you need flights and hotels, some cruise lines or especially travel agents offer packages that combine everything – often cheaper than booking separately.

You’ll sacrifice a bit of flexibility, as the cruise line picks your flight times and hotels, but it can simplify things massively, especially for long-haul trips.

There are pros and cons here and you might get an even better deal if you put the work in and book your own extras.

But it’s always worth checking and comparing. Maybe you can save money booking a 3* hotel for the night before your cruise yourself, but for a very small extra charge a travel agent can get you a deal on a 4* one – and perhaps that’s worth it to you.

10. Bring your own drinks

Most ships let you bring limited drinks onboard – usually one bottle of wine per adult and a small pack of soft drinks or water.

A person's hand displaying a bottle of Grand Michell Brut sparkling wine in a cabin room aboard a cruise ship, with a teal armchair in the background. The label indicates it's a 'Quality Sparkling Wine, Metodo Charmat'.

Doesn’t sound like much, but considering wine can cost £30 a bottle onboard, that’s an easy £60–£80 saved.

Just double-check your cruise line’s policy before packing – they vary. And yes, a sneaky bottle of your favourite rosé on the balcony at sunset tastes far better when you didn’t pay ship prices for it.

Just ask your cabin steward or room service for some wine glasses, and ice if you like.

11. Prepay your gratuities

The automatic gratuities that most cruise lines charge will often increase year-on-year, so paying them in advance locks in the current rate. It also means you won’t get that “surprise” bill at the end of your trip.

A cheerful bartender in a vibrant blue Hawaiian shirt and straw hat pours a drink at a Royal Caribbean bar, sharing a moment of joy with laughing guests clad in tropical attire, encapsulating the lively spirit of a cruise vacation.

A few people grumble about tipping, but here’s the truth: those crew members work insanely hard, seven days a week, often months at sea. Prepaying means everyone gets looked after properly, and you can relax knowing it’s already handled.

12. Snag those onboard credits

Look out for deals offering onboard credit when you book. It’s basically cruise cash that can be used anywhere onboard – cocktails, spa treatments, gift shops, you name it.

Some travel agents also offer it as an incentive for booking through them. Even if it only seems like a small amount, it’s a nice bonus to get.

Treat it like found money – but remember, it doesn’t carry over. Use it before disembarking or you lose it.

13. Be smart about excursions

Booking excursions through the cruise line is easy, but you’ll pay for the privilege. Independent tours can be half the price – and often much better.

Smaller groups, more flexible timings, and fewer selfie sticks in the background of your photos.

Just plan wisely and leave plenty of time to get back to the port. I always aim to be back an hour before the all-aboard time, just in case.

Save up to 40% on Cruise Excursions!

Choose from over 4,000 excursions with a return-to-ship guarantee

14. Pack like a pro

You really don’t need half your wardrobe. Most people overpack massively for cruises. Remember, there’s laundry service onboard (or self-service on some lines), and the airline baggage fee for an extra case is often higher than the cost of getting your clothes washed mid-cruise.

Think mix-and-match, lightweight layers, and leave space for souvenirs. And if you’re a snorkelling lover, bring your own kit – better quality, more hygienic, and saves money long-term.

15. Avoid onboard spending traps

This is the big one. Cruise ships are designed to tempt you – art auctions, spa deals, casinos, “souvenir” photos. Before you go, set a budget for onboard spending and stick to it.

An art auctioneer on Royal Caribbean's cruise ship engaging with guests during an art auction, gesturing towards a colorful framed artwork, providing an entertaining and cultured experience at sea.

Work out what genuinely makes your cruise better and skip the rest. Or if you want to try a bit of everything, make sure you budget for it all – don’t just turn up and hope it all works out by the time you get your final bill. You’ll enjoy yourself more when you’re not dreading it towards the end of your cruise.

Suggested read: The 9 Most Overpriced Extras On A Cruise

Final Thoughts

Cruising doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning and a few insider tricks, you can stretch your budget and still have an unforgettable trip.

At the end of the day, the best parts of cruising – the ocean views, the sunsets, the laughter – don’t cost a thing. So grab that glass of wine (preferably the one you brought onboard), find a deck chair, and toast to smart sailing.

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Former Crew Member Starts Petition for Gratuities to Be Included in Cruise Fares

January 10, 2026

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Money saving tips News

Gratuities are once again a hot topic in cruising – and this time, the conversation is being led by someone who knows ship life from the inside.

Carnival stateroom attendant working on towel animals

A former cruise ship crew member has launched a petition calling on cruise lines that currently charge gratuities separately to include them in the upfront cruise fare instead. The aim, he says, is to bring more transparency for passengers and greater financial certainty for crew.

The petition has been started by Zlatko Simovski of OwnTheShip.com, who spent six years working at sea. He says the ongoing debate around tips is starting to harm both cruising’s reputation and crew morale.

The Crew Worker Behind the Petition

Zlatko worked on cruise ships for six years, mainly as a pool attendant and lifeguard. Before joining the cruise industry, he grew up in a small developing country, working in construction from the age of 12 while also studying biotechnical sciences.

Aerial view of a large cruise ship sailing on vibrant green ocean waters. The top deck is bustling with amenities including two large swimming pools, rows of lounge chairs, and a variety of colorful recreational areas, showcasing the ship’s leisure and entertainment facilities.

He says working on cruise ships was extremely important, giving him opportunities he wouldn’t otherwise have had – which is why he feels strongly about speaking up now.

“The cruise industry gave me everything I have in life, and I couldn’t stand aside and watch cruising get a bad name over gratuities,”

How Cruise Gratuities Work

On most cruise lines, gratuities (sometimes called service charges or crew appreciation) are a daily charge added per person, designed to cover tips for crew members who look after guests throughout the cruise.

The exact amount varies by cruise line and cabin type, but on most mainstream cruise lines gratuities typically range from around $14 to $20 per person, per day. Suites usually attract a slightly higher daily rate.

These charges help cover a wide range of crew roles, including cabin stewards, dining staff, and behind-the-scenes crew you may never meet.

There are usually two ways gratuities are handled:

Prepaid gratuities – Some passengers choose to pay them before sailing, often when booking the cruise or as part of an add-on.
Paid onboard – If not prepaid, gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account each day and settled at the end of the cruise.

In most cases, you don’t need to do anything – the charges appear automatically unless you’ve already prepaid them.

Technically, on many cruise lines, gratuities can be adjusted or removed by visiting guest services onboard. Policies vary by cruise line, and while it is possible, it’s worth noting that gratuities form a significant part of many crew members’ income.

This is where much of the ongoing debate around cruise gratuities comes from, with passengers holding a wide range of views.

Not all cruise lines handle gratuities the same way.

Many British cruise lines, such as P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises, include gratuities in the cruise fare as standard.
Ultra-luxury cruise lines often include gratuities (along with drinks and other extras) as part of an all-inclusive model.
Most American cruise lines, however, still charge gratuities separately as a daily onboard fee.

Because of these differences, two cruises with very similar headline prices can end up costing different amounts once gratuities are taken into account.

The Petition & Why Now Is The Right Time

According to Zlatko, the growing number of passengers choosing to remove daily service charges has created uncertainty for crew and tension between guests and staff.

A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting. A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting. A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting.

He also believes that passengers aren’t necessarily in the wrong.

“Passengers only want things to be more transparent and straightforward – no surprises, no second thoughts, just one clear price,” he says.

At the same time, he acknowledges that cruise lines are unlikely to act alone.

“In a situation where there’s no law requiring them to include gratuities in the fare, no cruise line will take that step on its own and make its offer look less attractive than the competition.”

His petition calls on cruise lines to act together and agree on a shared approach.

Removing Gratuities Genuinely Affects Crew

One of the most common questions cruisers ask is whether removing gratuities really makes a difference to crew pay.

Based on his experience, Zlatko says the impact varies significantly depending on the role.

Cabin attendants and dining staff, who serve a fixed group of guests, are often the most affected. If several passengers remove gratuities, their pay can change noticeably from one contract to the next.
Public-facing roles such as pool attendants and cleaners usually receive gratuities through a pooled system. Their earnings are typically lower, but more stable.
Behind-the-scenes crew, including laundry and crew-area cleaners, also receive pooled gratuities but do not benefit from cash tips given directly to individual staff.

He adds that when passengers remove gratuities and tip selectively in cash, not all crew benefit equally.

A Common Misconception About Cruise Gratuities…

One of the biggest misunderstandings, according to Zlatko, is the belief that cruise lines keep part of the gratuities.

“In today’s world, even a single leak could seriously damage a cruise line’s reputation,” he says. “The last thing these companies would risk playing with is money that belongs to the crew.”

Cruise lines themselves consistently state that service charges are distributed among eligible crew, though exact systems vary by company and role.

There’s a Good Reason Not to Make Gratuities Completely Optional

Many cruisers strongly believe gratuities should remain optional, allowing guests to reward good service as they see fit.

Zlatko’s view is that gratuities already function as part of the overall cost – just framed differently.

“Charging gratuities separately is meant to make the cruise line’s offer look more attractive,” he says. “In every business, the customer pays staff wages one way or another.”

He compares cruising with hotels, where service costs are typically built into higher nightly rates rather than itemised separately.

That said, others argue that optional gratuities give passengers more control and encourage higher service standards – a debate that shows no sign of disappearing anytime soon.

Current Crew Are Reluctant to Speak Up

When asked whether current crew members feel able to speak freely, Zlatko says many are reluctant – not necessarily because they are forbidden to talk, but because cruise work is such a vital opportunity.

“For many crew from developing countries, working on cruise ships is their best chance to support their families,” he says. “Most would rather not take any risk, even if they technically could speak openly.”

The petition’s goal is not to remove gratuities entirely, but to see them included in the cruise fare, similar to how many luxury cruise lines already operate.

Zlatko hopes this would:

Create clearer, all-in pricing for passengers
Reduce tension and judgement around tipping
Provide crew with more predictable income

“Either gratuities are included, or we keep wasting time discussing them instead of focusing on enjoying our cruise,” he says.

Final Word

Gratuities remain one of the most divisive topics in cruising, with strong opinions on all sides.

While some passengers appreciate lower headline fares and flexibility, others would prefer a single, transparent price – even if it’s higher.

This petition represents one former crew member’s perspective, shaped by years of life at sea.

Whether cruise lines will ever agree on a unified approach remains to be seen, but the conversation around tipping clearly isn’t going away.

If you’d like to sign the petition, you can do so here.

Get the best price on your cruise…

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Should You Really Wait Until Black Friday to Book a Cruise? My Expert View

November 7, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Money saving tips

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year – but does that apply to cruises too?

Well, every November, cruise lines roll out flashy “can’t-miss” offers that promise huge savings and free perks. But are they really as good as they look?

Before I became a full-time cruise blogger, I spent five years working in the marketing department at Cruise118, part of World Travel Holdings – the world’s largest retailer of cruises.

I saw exactly how these deals are created, so I know what’s genuine and what’s just clever marketing. Plus, I hand-source cruise deals every week, spending hours looking over the promotions.

So, should you actually book your next cruise on Black Friday… or wait for a better deal? Let’s find out.

The Truth About Black Friday In The Cruise Industry

Here’s the truth – there are always cruises with cabins that are hard to sell.

While the family cabins on the newest ships are selling out over a year in advance, there will always be be plenty of obstructed, oceanview cabins on older ships during the off-season that are tricky to fill.

Cruise Mummy in an orange top gives a thumbs-up while sitting on the deck of the Cunard Queen Mary cruise ship. Behind her, an orange lifeboat is visible, along with some outdoor seating and railings. She appears to be enjoying her time on the ship.

So, cruise lines use traditional sale periods like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the January Sales to drop the prices on anything that might otherwise go unsold.

But… if that’s all they did, you’d notice, wouldn’t you? You’d be like: “Hmmm, why can I not find any August sailings on the Black Friday page?”

So what you’ll see, is sitewide offers like “Up to 75% Off The Second Guest” or “Save Up To £600 Per Cabin”.

Yes, those offers will apply to certain cruises. But they won’t apply to all of them.

That means that sometimes, if you book during the Black Friday Sales, you’ll get a great deal. But sometimes, you’ll pay exactly the same as you would have done in October.

The trick is knowing which is which – and that’s where a little insider knowledge helps.

What You Can Actually Save

Let’s be honest – cruise prices don’t usually fall off a cliff on Black Friday. You’re unlikely to find half-price cruises, but you can grab some great value if you know where to look.

Most cruise lines offer around 10–30% off, and they may also add bonuses like free drinks, onboard credit, WiFi or kids sail free.

Sometimes, those perks are worth more than a straight discount – especially if you’d have paid for them anyway.

For example, Royal Caribbean often runs “up to 30% off” plus a second offer like up to £250 off. Last year, Holland America Line offered savings of up to £800 per cabin, plus free upgrades. Princess Cruises offered discounts of up to £500 per cabin, plus free onboard spending money.

It’s important to note the phrase ‘up to’. If It says up to £800 per cabin, you can bet that you’ll probably need to book the top suite to save that much. The saving on an inside cabin will be much, much lower.

The best way to tell if you’re getting a true saving is to check the historical cruise prices before you book. If they haven’t changed much, then you’ll know it’s not actually a bargain. Unless, of course, you’re getting extra value added, like free onboard credit.

How To See Historical Cruise Prices

My favourite way to see cruise prices over the past 90 days is with Cruise Critic.

It’s easy. Just search for the cruise that you’re interested in, then scroll down to the Price Insight section.

Choose your cabin type and it will show what the price was price every day for the past 90 days, like this…

It will also tell you whether the price you see today is low, high, or typical, based on historical prices for the cruise. Like this…

When Black Friday Cruise Deals Are Worth It

Black Friday (and a couple of weeks leading up to the actual day) can be a brilliant time to book – but only if you find a good deal.

Not every Black Friday deal is good, but some of them are unbeatable. You can find real value, especially when deals include extras and not just discounts.

A free drinks package or £300 onboard credit can be worth more than a fare discount, especially if you’d spend that money on board anyway.

Travel agents may give extra discounts on Black Friday too. That could be an extra 5% off on top of the cruise line’s price, or something like a free case of wine or a Christmas hamper.

So, even when you’ve found a cruise you like, it can be worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting it for the best price and not missing out on any free gifts.

Expert Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deal

Want to make sure you don’t miss a genuine bargain? Here’s how to stay one step ahead of the crowd.

1. Sign up for Black Friday alerts from Cruise Mummy

I’ll be watching every cruise line’s sale closely and listing them all in one place.

I’ll also share my handpicked Black Friday cruise bargains straight to your inbox so you can book the best ones before they’re gone.

Pop your email in the form above and I’ll email you as soon as the deals are out.

2. Be ready to book fast

Black Friday isn’t just one day in the cruise world. Cruise lines start releasing offers from early November, so by the time Friday 28th November rolls around, many of the best cabins may be gone.

Do your research ahead of time so that you have an idea of when and where you want to go.

And if you need to get your annual leave approved, put that request in now so that you’re ready to book as soon as you spot a good deal.

3. Double check it’s a good deal

Remember, perks are only perks if you’ll actually use them. So while free WiFi and drinks may sound great, if you wouldn’t have bought them anyway it may not be such a good deal.

When you spot a deal, be sure to use the Cruise Critic Price Tracker to see what the price was before the sale started.

The Bottom Line

So, should you book a cruise on Black Friday?

Yes! I do it every year and have gotten some great deals. But, don’t assume that every cruise is cheaper, just because it’s Black Friday.

Some deals are genuinely fantastic, especially when they include free perks or extra onboard credit. Others are just clever marketing with prices that haven’t really changed. The key is to compare, stay alert, and move quickly when you spot a real bargain.

I’ll be tracking every cruise line’s offers and sharing the best of the best. So if you haven’t already, sign up for my Black Friday cruise deal alerts to get my handpicked recommendations as soon as they drop.

Happy bargain hunting!

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5 Insider Tips for Booking a Family Cruise with Free Child Places

October 20, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Choosing a cruise Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Kids Money saving tips

Want to know the best cruise deal out there? It has to be when kids sail free. These rare offers can slash your cruise bill by hundreds – sometimes even thousands – of pounds.

Cruise lines often charge children almost the same as adults, so when a free child place pops up, it’s worth jumping on fast. I’ve managed to grab these deals several times, and in this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find them – before everyone else does.

1. The 5 Cruise Lines That Offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ Deals

Not all cruise lines offer free child places, so the first step is to identify which ones do.

Cruise lines that I have seen offer this deal include:

P&O Cruises
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line

However, these offers aren’t available all the time, so you need to keep an eye out for their latest policies and deals.

Often, the kids’ sail free deals are only available on term-time cruises. This makes sense because cruise lines have no problem filling the kids’ clubs during the school holidays.

But sometimes you can find these deals on school holiday cruises as well. I’ve done this many times, and even managed to get the kids on board Britannia for free at Easter.

Here’s how I did it: How to Find Bargain School Holidays Cruises with P&O Cruises

2. How to Get a Cheap Last-Minute Deal on a Cruise

The cheapest cruises are sometimes available to book two to three months before the ship sets sail. At this point, the cruise lines know how many cabins there are left to fill. If they’re not selling as fast as they should, they drop the price. However, the keyword here is SOMETIMES…

Cruising is becoming more and more popular every year. The cruise lines literally cannot build ships fast enough to accommodate the growing demand. So having empty cabins is becoming rarer, meaning that last-minute price reductions are now few and far between.

If you do want to book a last-minute cruise, you’ll need to be really flexible. It’s also worth noting that just because a cruise has a large price reduction, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap.

The cheapest cabins will likely have been sold months ago, leaving the higher grades of cabins to be reduced later. Rather than paying less for your cruise, you might instead pay the same, but get a slightly larger cabin in a better location on the ship by booking late.

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3. Cheap Last-Minute Cruises for Families

Finding a last-minute cruise for a family is like finding a needle in a haystack. Why? Well, ships only have a limited number of cabins which are suitable for families.

The majority of cruise ship cabins only fit two passengers. Although the demand for cruising is growing, the family sector of the market is growing even faster. This means that many ships simply do not have enough four-berth cabins to accommodate the demand.

Another problem you might encounter is that cruise lines tend to only admit a certain number of children in each age group. This is so that they can better accommodate them in the kids’ clubs.

In school holiday periods, parents sometimes find that there is a cabin available on the cruise they want, but no space for one of their children. The ship already has the maximum number of children in that particular age group booked on board.

4. Book Your Family Cruise Early

For anyone travelling with children, I would strongly recommend booking early. And the earlier the better! Cruises generally go on sale 18 months to two years before departure, and booking then will ensure that there is availability for your family.

Plus, for popular sailings which don’t get reduced, the best prices are often available when the cruises first go on sale.

Look for Promotional Deals for Early Bookers

Cruise lines have promotions all the time. Sometimes it’s a lower price, but more often than not you can get extras such as free drinks, free port parking or credit to spend on board the ship.

However, these deals are only available for early bookers. Each cruise line will have different offers that change every couple of months. If you see an offer that really appeals to you, such as free all-inclusive drinks, then don’t hang around.

Suggested read: How To Get A Cruise For Free

5. Contact a Travel Agent for the Best Cruise Deals

A good travel agent will be able to help you get the best deal. I’d recommend signing up for all their email newsletters. They can email you all the details of each cruise line’s latest promotions, and also let you know when the next batch of sailings is released, which happens a few times each year.

If you’re determined to take a cruise soon, then look at what last-minute deals are available (and find out how late you can book a last-minute cruise). However, if you’re not sure when you want to cruise, then it pays to look as far ahead as you can.

Final Word

Free child places on cruises are like gold dust – but with a bit of know-how, they’re absolutely worth hunting for. Whether it’s keeping an eye on the cruise lines that regularly run kids sail free offers, booking early to grab the best cabins, or letting a good travel agent do the searching for you, there are plenty of ways to save big.

I’ve managed to cruise with my kids for free more than once, and trust me, the feeling of knowing you’ve cut your holiday cost in half makes it even sweeter when you’re sipping that first poolside cocktail.

So keep your eyes peeled, stay flexible with dates, and be ready to book fast when the right deal appears – because those free child places never hang around for long!

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

Let them find your perfect trip…

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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I Spent $10,000 In The Casino Trying To Get A Free Cruise

October 7, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Money saving tips

I’d heard all the rumours – people getting free cruises just for spending a few nights in the ship’s casino. Play the slots, rack up some points, and voilà… your email inbox is filled with offers of free sailings.

It sounds too good to be true, I’ll admit. Yet after speaking to multiple people who told me that’s how they manage to cruise so much, it really did seem legit.

So, I decided to put it to the test. On a single cruise, I spent more than $10,000 trying to crack the casino rewards system and get invited back for free.

Did I walk away with a free cruise? No, I did not. (insert crying face emoji)

But I did learn a lot about how these programs really work – and how easy it is to spend the big bucks when unlimited free cocktails keep arriving without you needing to move from your seat at the machine.

The Hype Around Free Casino Cruises

Before I tried it myself, I’d seen loads of cruisers bragging online about getting “free” cruises through casino play.

They’d post screenshots of complimentary cruise offers, selfies with big wins on the machines, and talk about how they received so many free cruise offers they didn’t have time to take them all.

In theory, it’s simple: every time you play in the ship’s casino, you earn points. The more you play, the higher your casino status climbs and the more freebies you get.

Reach the right level, and you’re suddenly getting invites for free cruises. At least, that’s what I hoped would happen.

My $10,000 Casino Experiment

Before parting with my hard-earned cash, I spoke at length with several cruise ship gamblers over dinner and while sitting at the slots. They explained that, in general, 5,000 points would be sufficient to get an invite to the casino rewards program.

Once in the program, the value of the free cruises *should* outweigh any casino losses.

Usually on a cruise, I’m so busy with the kids that I barely get time to spend $20 in the casino. But, as I was on a solo cruise for a week, I thought it would be the perfect time to dive in and try my luck to get the much-coveted casino program invite.

And also, I’d just a flyer in my cabin that said I could have $25 in free play, as I hadn’t used the Holland America Line casino before. So off I went.

I was cruising on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam. The casino on that ship is huge, with an endless array of brightly coloured slot machines. I had time to kill and money to ~~lose~~ invest.

Not all casino points schemes work the same, but on Holland America Line, 1 point is $2.

That means that every $2 you bet earns you one point.

It’s important to note that you don’t have to lose the $2 to get the point. And that’s key.

You’ll win some and lose some – so that $2 is recycled through the machine many times, earning you multiple points.

Here’s How I Did The Maths

According to my friend ChatGPT, cruise ship slot machines typically pay out at 85% to 92%. Let’s call it 90% for simplicity’s sake.

That means, that if you place 1,000 individual $1 bets, you should still have $900 in your account, on average.

That $1,000 spend will have earned you 500 points (at $2 per point), and you’ll be $100 down.

So in theory, getting to 5,000 points would involve putting $10,000 through the machines, but I should only lose $1,000 on average.

Even if I only get one free cruise in an interior cabin, that should be worth it, right? Those cruises cost more than $1,000 for two people.

Of course, I could be unlucky and lose way more than $1,000.

But then again, I could hit the jackpot and win a huge prize, plus unlimited free cruises for the next year!

For me, the gamble seemed worth it. I dove in.

What Actually Happened

I spent a two or three hours each day in the casino.

On Nieuw Statendam, the entertainment is mostly in the form of live music. That’s great, but it’s not something I usually attend much of when I’m cruising solo.

Plus, the weather en route to Iceland was pretty cold, so sunbathing on sea days wasn’t an option. So I didn’t feel that I was missing out on anything fun by spending time in the casino.

I started with the minimum bets, which were usually 60 to 80 cents per spin, depending on the machine.

But as I got bored of sitting there hitting the spin button like a caged rat trying to earn a treat, I realised that I could earn points faster by placing bigger bets. And sometimes I would bet up to $6 per spin.

You can bet more than that, but the thought of losing $6 every few seconds was just too scary for me!

By the end of the cruise, I had run $10,000 through the machines, achieved my goal of 5,000 points, and was $700 down.

The machines had paid me out 93% of what I put in, which is pretty good, as far as averages go.

At one point, things were not going at all well, and I was down by $1,200 with only 3,000 points to show for it.

But, I didn’t throw in the towel. I kept playing for a couple of hours each night and by the end of the cruise I was on 5,000 points and had reduced my losses to $700.

The charge to my room was $1,200. I transferred this from my room account to the machine in $100 chunks as I lost more and more money.

As casino ‘winnings’ are paid out in cash, I walked off the ship with $500. And, of course, a credit card bill for $1,200.

So even though I had lost $700, walking off the ship with $500 in my purse felt like I had won, in a strange way.

But still, no free cruise, yet…

Free Drinks Are A Dangerous Perk

Reaching 1,500 points was an important milestone as it meant I became entitled to free drinks in the casino.

The servers come round regularly and, as the casino wasn’t particularly busy, as soon as my glass became empty someone was there to ask if I’d like another.

There’s also a bar in the casino and the bartenders were really friendly and chatty. Sometimes, I’d go to the casino bar even when I wasn’t playing, just to get free drinks.

The casino was next to the theatre, so on my way to watch the show, I’d stop to pick up a free glass of wine to take into the theatre with me, which was a great perk.

I only knew about the free drinks perk because a fellow gambler told me. Nothing happened when my points ticked over to 1,500. But when I went to see the casino host, she put a special sticker on my card and explained that from now on, all my drinks in the casino were complimentary.

A tactic that I was told that some cruisers do is to gamble a lot on the first night, to quickly reach the free drinks threshold.

1,500 region should cost you in the region of $300.

The Signature Beverage Package costs $60 per person, per day.

So if you’re taking a two-week cruise, then you should definitely get your money’s worth on the drinks.

Of course the temptation is that each time you visit the casino to get your free drink, you’re then likely to then end up gambling even more.

cocktail at the casino bar on Holland America cruise

Free Cruise Offers

Free cruise offers, also known as ‘casino comps’, are usually delivered in one of two ways.

Firstly, you may get a letter in your cabin on the last night of your cruise, inviting you back to sail again for free. The cruise isn’t 100% free, as you’ll still have to pay port fees and taxes. But it’s a pretty sweet deal.

Additionally, after the cruise you may get an email with a list of cruises that you can book for heavily discounted rates. Again, you’ll have to pay the port fees and taxes, but for many of the offers that’s all you’ll pay. You may get other perks too, such as free casino credit or free drinks.

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Carnival make it clear exactly how many points you need to get to earn yourself a free cruise.

For example, on Sun Princess, I saw this board, which said that you would need 2,000 points to get a cruise in an interior stateroom with $100 of free play (casino credits).

Holland America Line, however, is different in that they don’t publish how many points you need to get invited back for free.

Instead, cruisers like me are left to trawl forums like Reddit, to see how many points other people had, and what reward they got.

Why I Didn’t Get A Free Cruise

Sadly, despite my 5,000 points, I never did receive any casino offers from Holland America Line. It’s been 8 weeks since my cruise, and so I don’t think it will happen.

So what went wrong?

Well, I do have a theory…

While my cruise was a 7-night cruise, most guests onboard were actually doing a 14-night sailing. I just did the first 7-nights because it was a press trip.

The points threshold on a 14-night cruise will be higher than on a 7-night cruise. So perhaps, for this sailing, the threshold was actually double what I thought it was.

I can’t be sure, but that may be it.

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What Now?

I don’t regret my decision to test out the casino, even though I ended up out of pocket. I enjoyed stepping into the ‘other world’ that so many cruisers are obsessed with.

I do still think that getting into a casino rewards program is a good idea. Once you’re in, there are schemes you can join where you can then also get complimentary cruises on other lines you haven’t sailed with. Like a status match thing.

Also, UK-based cruisers have a couple of advantages when it comes to casino perks.

Firstly, we don’t have to pay tax on our winnings. In the USA, gamblers have to pay taxes on any winnings over $1,200. So us Brits are better off there.

And also, many Americans only get two weeks on annual leave per year. This makes it difficult cruise regularly, even if the cruises are free. For us Brits that usually get more paid time off work, cruising more often is more achievable.

I probably will have another go at getting enough casino points to cruise for free. It has to be with the right line though.

Usually, if I’m with other people, then I’m too busy having fun to spend hours in the casino.

And one things for sure, I’d want to know exactly how many points I need before I start next time!

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How To Get FREE (ish) Casino Cruises

October 7, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Money saving tips

You don’t need a cruise expert like me to tell you that a free cruise is better than one you’re paying for. But where I can help you is to tell you how to get those free cruises…

One option is a free casino cruise. In fact, not just one. I’ve spoken at length with people who book free casino cruises every single month and rarely, if ever, pay for the actual cruise fare themselves.

Of course, there’s a catch. How could there not be? But despite that, there are still many people who swear by casino offers – so you’re going to want to know more.

Free Casino Cruises Explained

Let’s start with the basics. Casinos – land-based ones – love to give their top customers a ton of perks, often known as “comps”. This can be free meals, tickets to shows, hotel rooms and so on.

And on a cruise, the same kind of thing applies. The people who spend the most time playing casino games can get a ton of casino perks, including ‘free’ cruises.

Basically, every dollar you wager (there’s a reason I’m using dollar – more on that later) earns you loyalty points. And once you hit a certain threshold, you’re going to be offered the chance to cruise again, for free.

Essentially, instead of paying your cruise fare with cash, you’re paying for it via the casino plays.

These offers are designed to keep you playing – and coming back.

The more you wager (known in industry speak as “coin-in” for slots) and the longer you play at the tables, the more valuable you become to the onboard casino team. As that theoretical value goes up, so do the rewards.

The Cruise Lines Offering These Deals

Not every cruise line offers free casino cruises. For a start, not every cruise line has a casino. Most do, but there are some like Disney Cruise Line that don’t, for fairly obvious reasons.

But then the cruise lines that offer casino comps tend to be the more American-style ones. So that’s:

Royal Caribbean
Celebrity Cruises
Carnival
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Virgin Voyages
MSC Cruises

I know MSC is more of a European cruise line, but they’re expanding their American offering more and more and they definitely have a blended American/European style to their sailings.

That’s why I talk about $dollar spend – it’s typically the American cruise lines that offer these types of programmes and so it’s dollars you’ll be using to fund your cruises.

Defining ‘Free’

Is it misleading to call these cruises “free”? Yes, in a way.

The Cost of Qualifying

Firstly, let’s clarify more on how you get the free cruises.

It’s based around a couple of statistics – your “Coin-in” and your “Average Daily Theoretical”. These are fancy terms for “how much you spend” and “how much you’re likely to lose, on average”.

Spending and losses are tracked differently because, shockingly, it is possible to win in a casino. Here’s a quick example:

Person A walks into a casino with $50. They have terrible luck and they win nothing. They have spent $50.

Person B walks into a casino with $10. They play a slot machine and win big early – getting them up to $100. They re-invest that $100 into more spins, lose most of it, and quit while they’re ahead at $20 remaining.

Person B has profited to the tune of $10, but they’ve spent $90 in the casino – their original $10, and then another $80 from their winnings.

(I know this is an extremely simplified version and you’re likely to have a lot of smaller winnings as you play, but it’s for the sake of painting the picture).

Person B is actually more valuable to a casino even though they walked out with $10 profit. That’s because they’ve shown they’re willing to spend more, and on average they will lose more money across multiple casino visits.

Remember that all casino games have some form of payout. Casino games can’t just keep taking money without ever paying out. So a casino is much happier with someone winning who will then spend that money in the casino again instead of it being withdrawn.

Those are small examples, but as a benchmark, you’ll need to have a coin-in of around $3,000 to $5,000 to qualify for a free cruise in an Inside Cabin.

That doesn’t mean you need to lose that much.

Casinos pay out at around 90%. So you may only need to spend $300 to $500 to get that free cruise for two.

If you walked in with $100 and were very lucky, won a few $500 jackpots but then kept re-investing the money, you’d probably get some free cruise offers.

However, nothing is guaranteed. I actually ran $10,000 through the machines to try to get an invite to the casino rewards program. I failed. And if you want to know why, then read this article…

Also They Aren’t Fully ‘Free’…

Even when you qualify for a ‘free’ casino cruise, they aren’t free.

You’ll need to pay your port fees and taxes, which is usually a couple of hundred dollars depending on your itinerary.

A casino's elegant gaming floor with poker tables ready for players, luxurious chairs awaiting guests, and slot machines in the distance, all under soft and sophisticated lighting. The opulent design elements create a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.

And then you’ll also need to pay gratuities.

Most other extras onboard your cruise remain payable too, like drinks or WiFi. If you’re a very high roller and you spend a LOT in cruise casinos, you might get some of those extras included though.

Casino Reward Programmes

Every cruise line that operates a casino also runs its own Reward Programme, designed to thank you for your play by converting your wagering into points – and those points translate into a variety of perks.

From the moment you insert your players’ card into a slot machine or buy in at the blackjack table, you begin accumulating loyalty points. As your point balance grows, you move through tier levels, with each level unlocking a new set of benefits.

Typical rewards include:

Stateroom Upgrades: A boost from an interior cabin to an ocean-view, balcony or even a suite once you hit the next tier.
Free Speciality Dining Meals: Invites to eat at the fancy restaurants during your cruise
Free Drinks: Complimentary cocktails, beers or soft drinks in the casino (and sometimes across the ship).
Shipboard Credit: Vouchers you can spend on speciality dining, spa treatments, gift-shop purchases and more.
Priority Reservations: Early access to shore excursions, dining reservations or show bookings.
Exclusive Events: Invitations to cocktail parties, tournaments or meet-and-greets with the ship’s cruise director and casino hosts.

While these are the headline perks, there’s another benefit that often goes unlisted: complimentary cruises.

A sophisticated casino setting showing an array of slot machines on one side and card game tables on the other, all under elegant, modern lighting. The plush blue chairs and the dark carpet add to the luxurious ambiance of the gambling floor.

As soon as you start earning points – and provided you generate enough “coin-in” (total amount wagered) and demonstrate a sufficient Average Daily Theoretical loss – the casino will extend offers for free or heavily discounted sailings.

These free-cruise vouchers may not always appear in the standard Reward Programme perks list, but rest assured: once you’ve played your way up to a qualifying point threshold, those full-fare comps become every bit as real as that promised drink package or suite upgrade.

Status Matching: Stretching One Offer into Many

One of the cleverest ways seasoned casino cruisers multiply their free-sailings haul is by status matching.

Put simply, once you’ve earned a complimentary-cabin offer from one cruise line’s casino programme, you don’t have to let that voucher gather digital dust in your inbox.

Services such as URComped allow you to upload your existing free-cruise offer and have rival cruise casinos match it with an equivalent deal of their own.

Imagine you’ve just secured a free interior cabin on Royal Caribbean after a week of diligent slot-play.

You register on URComped, scan or forward your Royal Caribbean offer, and submit it to MSC or Carnival.

Within days or weeks you may find yourself with an MSC or Carnival free-cruise voucher in your email.

Sites like URComped will vary with their offers. Sometimes it’ll be equivalent to your existing ones, or it’ll be a bit less. And sometimes the offers only apply to cruise lines you’ve never sailed with before.

Still, it’s a great way to explore more options.

Bouncebacks vs. Email Offers: Timing Your Next Sail

Casino comps typically arrive in two flavours.

Bounceback offers land in your stateroom on the final night of your cruise, rewarding your play from that single voyage. Because they’re handed out immediately, you know exactly where you stand before you disembark.

By contrast, email offers arrive days, weeks or even months later. After crunching final figures on your coin-in, Average Daily Theoretical and any follow-up activity (for instance, if you played on a second cruise before the first offer had been issued), the casino sends a more polished deal by email.

These can sometimes be more generous than the bouncebacks, particularly for high-value players whose true worth only becomes clear after the data is fully analysed.

Veteran casino cruisers check their inbox religiously in the six weeks following a sailing, since it’s not uncommon for the best offers to arrive well after you’ve unpacked at home.

How the Game Has Changed

Prior to 2022, it wasn’t unusual to trigger a free-cruise offer with a few hundred dollars’ worth of slot play.

Today, with cruise demand and onboard competition at record highs, most lines have raised their thresholds substantially.

Whereas an interior-cabin comp might once have required around $2,000 coin-in, you can now expect to need closer to $3,000–$5,000 – and table-game ADT requirements have similarly climbed.

Simultaneously, some operators have reduced the generosity of perks bundled into comped offers.

Free drink vouchers, specialty-dining credits and shipboard credit that once came automatically with certain casino tiers are now reserved for only the most prodigious gamblers.

If maintaining your “free-cruise” strategy is central to your holiday planning, you’ll want to monitor each line’s casino newsroom or Facebook-group chatter for the latest changes – and adjust your play budget accordingly.

Gambling Responsibly: The Most Important Rule

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of chasing comps, but remember: the primary purpose of casino play should be entertainment, not profit.

A cruise ship casino staff member is assisting a couple seated at a row of slot machines. The staff member, dressed in a formal blazer, is attentively explaining something to the guests, who are focused on the machines. The casino is brightly lit with colorful lights and displays from the various slot machines, creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere.

Even if you walk away “ahead” one day, a streak of losses can follow – especially when you’re travelling and socialising. Always:

Set a firm daily limit before you board, then stick to it, charging only what you can comfortably lose.
Track your play meticulously; registering every slot session and table bet ensures you actually earn the points you deserve.
Take breaks to explore the ship, join a shore-excursion or simply enjoy a sunset on deck. A clear head makes for better decisions at the machines and tables.

By treating casino cruising as a controlled leisure activity rather than a money-making scheme, you’ll safeguard both your holiday enjoyment and your bank balance.

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Final Word

Earning a free casino cruise isn’t magic – it’s a combination of understanding how onboard loyalty programmes work, being smart with your bets, and leveraging status-matching opportunities.

Professor Melissa is a university professor and travel enthusiast who regularly cruises for free with casino points. Make sure you check out her guide too. She has some good tips for you.

While the landscape has grown more competitive, those who plan ahead, budget sensibly and stay informed can still turn a week’s worth of coin-in into multiple complimentary voyages.

But don’t make the same mistakes I did on my Holland America Line Cruise.

Smooth seas and good luck!

And remember, the casino is just one of the ways you can get a free cruise. If you don’t like playing slots, or you’re worried that you might develop an addiction, then don’t do it! It’s not for everyone.

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The 7 Cheapest Cruise Lines (In Order)

September 9, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Choosing a cruise Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Money saving tips

When it comes to booking a cruise, budget plays a big role for most of us. Sure, we’d all love to sail anywhere without checking the price tag – but for many, finding the best value is key.

And sometimes, you’re simply after the cheapest possible deal.

I regularly find cruises for as little as $50 (£40) per night – and I love nothing more than tracking down bargains and sharing them with my email subscribers.

So, I’ve crunched the numbers, checked the lowest-priced cruises, and compared the cheapest cruise lines in the world. Here’s how they rank – and a few surprising stats I found along the way!

The Cheapest Cruise Line is… MSC Cruises!

The cheapest cruise line is MSC Cruises. On average, their cheapest cruises can be as much as 30% less than those of other similar cruise lines. Generally, the cruises are not as well-reviewed as those from other cruise lines, but most people still have a very enjoyable experience.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that every MSC cruise is going to be cheaper than cruises from other cruise lines. There is a huge host of factors that go into deciding the price of a cruise, including the month that you cruise, the duration, location and more.

But on average, MSC cruises tend to be a lower price than other, similar cruise lines.

Other low-cost cruise lines, provided you book at the right time of the year and for the right duration, include P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. These offer the best value cruises, even if some of them are hardly considered budget cruise lines!

Read more: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?

The 7 Cheapest Cruise Lines

Deciding the cheapest cruise line isn’t an easy task, because there’s so much you need to consider.

It’s not just about the advertised price, but also any other fees you have to pay – port taxes, gratuities, and so on.

Plus, different cruise lines offer different cruise lengths. Some cruise lines may offer cheap 7-night cruises, but they’ll never beat the price of a 2-night cruise with another, ‘more expensive’ cruise line.

So to work it out, I’ve taken a look at the cheapest cruise option for several of the biggest cruise lines in the world, but not just their single cheapest cruise – I’ve looked at their cheapest 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-night cruises and then taken an average of their cost per day to cruise.

Cruise Line	Cheapest 2-night cruise	Cheapest 3-night cruise	Cheapest 4-night cruise	Cheapest 5-night cruise	Cheapest 6-night cruise	Cheapest 7-night cruise	Average cost per person, per night
Carnival	$328pp	$300pp	$407pp	$425pp	$756pp	$778pp	$115
Costa Cruises	$191pp	$247pp	$316pp	$425pp	$630pp	$564pp	$88
MSC Cruises	$117pp	$208pp	$253pp	$446pp	$497pp	$446pp	$71
NCL	$358pp	$324pp	$388pp	$459pp	$533pp	$605pp	$114
Princess Cruises	$255pp	$417pp	$481pp	$571pp	$590pp	$829pp	$120
P&O Cruises	$350pp	$513pp	$446pp	$635pp	N/A	$784pp	$139
Royal Caribbean	$266pp	$318pp	$372pp	$413pp	$566pp	$557pp	$98

These prices include all port fees and taxes, and the gratuities that you’d be expected to pay.

But what’s really important to remember is that this is just the cost of the cruise. And so it doesn’t mean this is the average price you would pay when you book, because it depends on the location.

If you live in the UK, you’re hardly going to get a cheap deal booking a 4-night cruise to the Caribbean from Florida! And if you’re in the US, you can’t really take advantage of the lower port fees for cruises from Australia without paying a huge amount on flights.

1. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises are often some of the cheapest you can book. They’re a fun, family-friendly line that primarily sails around the Mediterranean, although they do have sailings in the Caribbean, the Middle East and other destinations.

The cheapest cruises will be on older ships in the fleet, rather than the epic World Europa or World America. And they usually won’t be round-trip sailings either, so you’ll always need to arrange flights. Depending on where you’re based, that can push the prices up.

2. Costa Cruises

Costa is an Italian cruise line that offers most of its cruises around Europe. Fares are typically low and there’s not much variation between the cheapest itineraries and those in peak seasons, so even during the most popular months, you’ll get a good price.

The quality of a Costa cruise depends on your tastes and what you want from your cruise, but reviews are typically good, even if there’s not as much to enjoy onboard as on, say, a Carnival or Royal Caribbean ship.

3. P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is a popular choice for British travellers. While the cheapest prices are unlikely to be found on the newest ships in the fleet, like Arvia and Iona, the older ships are still well-maintained and offer a great experience.

Prices vary a lot with P&O, so depending on the destination and the month, fares can be a lot higher. But there are some excellent deals to be had if you’re more flexible.

If you’re a family or are cruising with friends and don’t mind having more than two to a cabin, look out for special offers where the third and fourth guests sail for free. This can halve the price of your cruise.

4. Carnival

Carnival has a reputation as one of the cheapest cruise lines, but when you factor in the costs of port fees and taxes, it’s not quite as low-priced as the line’s website makes out at first glance. But the older and smaller ships in the fleet do still have some excellent prices available.

The only problem is that most of them are from US ports, so if you don’t live within easy reach of Florida or Texas, you might not be able to enjoy the best fares that this cruise line has to offer.

5. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is considered a slightly more premium cruise line by some, though it is still cheaper than many other cruise lines targeted at a mainstream audience.

With Princess, the lowest prices are split between cruises all around the world, so no matter where you live, you may not get a price as cheap as another cruise line, but you won’t be paying huge sums more than the typical best Princess fares.

Just be careful, though, because Princess also offers the upgraded Princess Plus and Princess Premier fares, which can add a lot onto your cruise price.

6. Royal Caribbean

You might be surprised to see Royal Caribbean on a list of cheap cruises, especially with the sky-high costs of the newest ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, but remember this is based on the cheapest available cruises.

Royal Caribbean has a lot of older and smaller ships in the fleet like Vision of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. You won’t get the same low prices on the Oasis-class ships, never mind Icon of the Seas, that’s for sure!

But if you want a fun-packed cruise, then it’s worth checking the cheapest Royal Caribbean prices as you will often find some fantastic fares, though again your flights can push the price up a lot.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL cruises aren’t the cheapest, but they’re far from the most expensive when compared to luxury cruise lines, too. It’s the short breaks that tend to drive the average prices up, although once you look beyond the cheapest fares, you’ll see that the newest ships are also a bit more costly.

However, an important caveat is that NCL will almost always have an offer where your fare includes something extra – maybe free drinks, free WiFi or some free excursions. This is also important to bear in mind when comparing prices.

Older, Smaller Ships Tend to Be Cheaper Than Big New Ones

There is no single answer for the cheapest cruise ship in the world, but look for older cruise ships sailing for the cheaper cruise lines. MSC Orchestra and MSC Opera are two of the cheapest cruise ships sailing in the world.

The ship does play a part in the cost of your cruise. Older ships tend to – but only tend to – cost less to cruise on than newer ships.

And the reason for that is down to the quality of the ship. The newest ships are nicer, they’re better maintained, and because they are often bigger, they have more exciting things to see and do onboard.

Whereas older ships, even if they’ve been renovated, can sometimes feel a little tired. They might not have the fancy go-kart tracks, virtual reality or robotic bartenders. And so cruise lines charge less because the experience isn’t worth the same.

But again, the ship is just one factor when it comes to pricing a cruise. An inside cabin on a brand-new megaship will likely be cheaper than a suite on an older, smaller ship, for example.

It’s Possible to Cruise for $25 per Night!

The cheapest cruises you can book are often $100 per person for 2-3 nights, though these may not include tips and port fees. It is possible to cruise for $25 to $30 per night, but you’ll need to factor in other costs like flights, too.

Obviously, the cheapest cruise available to book at any one time will constantly change. Prices aren’t static; new itineraries and dates are released on a regular basis, and sometimes the cheapest cruises sell out, leaving another cruise to become the cheapest one available.

There are some cruises that are shorter than 3 nights, but they are rarely any cheaper than around $80 total, so getting a 3-night cruise for around that price (with taxes and tips on top) should be seen as an excellent value.

Advertised Prices vs. the Price You Actually Pay

When you’re booking a cruise, you should always check what’s included and what other fees you might still need to pay.

I’ve already mentioned these briefly, but the two most common additions are for port fees and taxes, and for gratuities.

Port fees and taxes are completely mandatory. Some cruise lines will include them in the advertised price, while others will mention them underneath the price, often in small print, so you may only see them when you get to the final booking stage.

Tips aren’t completely mandatory, but you really should pay them. Cruise lines will add them to your account automatically, and if you don’t want to pay them, then you need to speak to Guest Services to have them removed. They make up a large part of the crew’s salary, though, so removing them has a significant impact.

While researching the cheapest cruise line, I thought it was interesting to compare the advertised price – the one you see in big, bold numbers when you search on a cruise line’s website – and the actual price you pay with fees and gratuities included.

Because I’ve included fees and taxes in my stats above, this doesn’t impact which cruise line is cheapest, but it’s good to know so that you’re always careful when booking your own cruise, and you aren’t duped by a false low price.

Cruise line	Cheapest 7-nt cruise (advertised price)	What’s included?	Actual cost of cheapest 7-nt cruise	Price difference	% extra
Carnival	$519pp	Fare only	$778pp	$259	50%
Costa Cruises	$459pp	Fare & taxes	$564pp	$105	23%
MSC Cruises	$446pp	Fare, taxes & tips	$446pp	$0	0%
NCL	$465pp	Fare & taxes	$605pp	$140	30%
Princess Cruises	$676pp	Fare & taxes	$829pp	$153	23%
P&O Cruises	$784pp	Fare, taxes & tips	$784pp	$0	0%
Royal Caribbean	$427pp	Fare & taxes	$557pp	$130	30%

The difference is often huge – indeed, with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you’ll pay over two-thirds more than the price that they advertise as the cost of the cruise!

The Bottom Line

If you want a cheap cruise, you’d best check cruise lines like MSC, Costa and P&O Cruises if they sail near you, to see what their best prices are. Carnival and Princess also have some lower-priced sailings, too, if you’re happy on older ships.

But if you want the best experience, then a newer ship or a better cabin category might be preferable. Don’t skimp too much – you still want to enjoy your cruise.

And there are always ways you can get a good price, even on ‘more expensive’ cruise sailings.

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

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TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

Final Word

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Final Word

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1. Twice-Daily Cabin Service and Turndown

2. Shrinking Menus and Limits on How Many Entrées

3. Loopholes Being Closed on Drinks Packages

4. Drinks Packages Removed From Private Island Destinations

5. Vanishing Little Luxuries

6. Printed Daily Planner

7. Lifetime Loyalty Perks Being Watered Down

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Final Word

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1. Book early… or ridiculously late

2. Join Facebook cruise groups

3. Use cruise comparison tools

4. Pick the right cabin for you

5. Try your luck with upgrade bidding

6. Watch for price drops after booking

7. Keep an eye out for “Kids Sail Free” deals

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

8. Cruise during the off-season

My Recommendation

9. Think about bundled packages

10. Bring your own drinks

11. Prepay your gratuities

12. Snag those onboard credits

13. Be smart about excursions

Save up to 40% on Cruise Excursions!

14. Pack like a pro

15. Avoid onboard spending traps

Final Thoughts

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

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Current Crew Are Reluctant to Speak Up

Final Word

Get the best price on your cruise…

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The Truth About Black Friday In The Cruise Industry

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Expert Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deal

1. Sign up for Black Friday alerts from Cruise Mummy

2. Be ready to book fast

3. Double check it’s a good deal

The Bottom Line

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