Cruising is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore new destinations while only unpacking once — but like any trip, the costs can sneak up on you if you're not careful. We've been on more cruises than we can count at this point, and over the years we've picked up a fair few tricks for keeping the budget under control without sacrificing any of the fun. Here are our top tips for cruising smart and saving big.
1. Book Early or Last Minute — There's No Middle Ground
Cruise lines love rewarding early birds with genuine discounts and perks. Booking several months in advance often gets you great rates, cabin upgrades, or onboard credit worth $100–$300 AUD depending on the line and itinerary. On the flip side, if your schedule is flexible, last-minute deals can be even better — we've seen cabins slashed by 40–50% within a few weeks of departure. Just be ready to pack quickly! These deals usually land in mailing list inboxes first, so sign up to every cruise line's newsletter you can find.
2. Choose Inside or Oceanview Cabins Over a Balcony
Balcony cabins are tempting — we get it, the photos look amazing — but inside or oceanview rooms are usually hundreds of dollars cheaper per person, and that gap only grows on longer cruises. With plenty of public decks, lounges, and outdoor spaces onboard, you honestly won't miss the balcony as much as you'd think, especially if your plan is to be out exploring in port most days anyway.
3. Look for Package Deals
Many cruise lines bundle all-inclusive drinks packages, WiFi, or shore excursion credits at a discount when added at the time of booking. These almost always work out cheaper than buying drinks, WiFi, or excursions individually once you're onboard and the prices are, frankly, designed to catch you out. If you know you'll want a drinks package, add it before you sail — prices tend to jump once you're already on the ship.
4. Bring Your Own Essentials (Within the Rules!)
Cruise lines have rules about what you can bring onboard, but in most cases you can absolutely bring your own sealed water bottles and snacks. There's plenty of food included, but if you know you'll be craving chips, lollies, or a particular snack at 11pm, buy it before you board — anything from the ship's shop or bar usually comes at a serious premium.
5. Book Shore Excursions Independently
Official ship-run shore excursions are convenient, but they can be genuinely pricey — sometimes double or triple what you'd pay booking the same tour independently or through a local operator at the dock. If you're comfortable exploring on your own or joining a small local tour, booking independently can save you a decent chunk of change. Just do your research, stick to reputable operators, and be back at the ship well before final boarding — don't be the person who misses the ship because a "quick" local tour ran long. Worth pairing with our guide to avoiding scams when travelling, since port towns are prime territory for opportunists targeting cruise passengers on a tight schedule.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Onboard Discounts
Once onboard, cruise lines often run specials on spa treatments, specialty dining, or future cruise bookings — sometimes with real savings if you book while still on the ship. Also, if you attend the demos and art auctions (even with zero intention of buying), you can usually score a free drink or two out of it.
7. Use Your Loyalty Programs
If you cruise more than once every few years, it's worth joining the cruise line's loyalty program — the perks add up over time, even for occasional cruisers. Also check whether your credit card offers travel rewards or cruise-specific benefits, like onboard credit or complimentary travel insurance. Speaking of prep, make sure you've ticked off everything on our pre-cruise packing checklist before you leave home.
8. Don't Be a Sucker for the Sales Pitch
Do you really need that professional photo package as a souvenir? Is an onboard massage genuinely better value than a proper local one in port? Cruise ships are extremely good at sales techniques, and it's easy to get swept up in the moment. Take a breath, sleep on bigger purchases, and don't let a persuasive crew member talk you into anything you'll regret when the credit card statement arrives.
9. Join In — It Genuinely Pays Off
Cruise staff want you to have a great time and get involved, and they'll usually reward you for doing so. Volunteer for the onstage quiz show. Win trivia. Get up and dance like nobody's watching. All these little things can win you free drinks or onboard credit — it's one of the easiest "hacks" on this whole list and nobody ever talks about it.
Quick-Reference: Our Cruise Savings Checklist
- Sign up to cruise line newsletters for early bird and last-minute deals
- Book an inside or oceanview cabin instead of a balcony
- Pre-purchase drinks, WiFi, and excursion packages before boarding
- Bring your own snacks and water where the rules allow
- Book shore excursions independently (safely!) instead of through the ship
- Watch for onboard specials on spa and dining
- Join loyalty programs and check your credit card perks
- Skip the upsells you don't actually need
- Get involved in onboard activities for freebies
If cruise jargon like "muster station" or "tender port" still throws you, our guide to decoding common cruise terms is worth a read before you sail. And if seasickness is your main worry rather than your wallet, we've also covered simple tricks that actually help with seasickness.
Final Thoughts
Cruising does not have to break the bank. With a bit of smart planning and a handful of insider tips, you can absolutely enjoy a luxurious, memorable cruise experience while keeping your budget nice and happy. We've used every single one of these tricks ourselves, and they genuinely add up to real savings over a week at sea.
Our tip in a nutshell: book smart (early or last-minute, never in between), skip the balcony, pre-book your packages, and book your own shore excursions where it's safe to do so. Have your own money-saving cruise tips? Share them in the comments below — we're always keen to swap notes with fellow cruisers.
0 comments