Do's and don'ts for your first day onboard a Cruise Ship!

1. Use a Travel Agent

A travel agent can explain the ships to you, but cabin credit and other perks are bigger money-saving reasons to book through an agent. There’s nothing like a little free money to start your cruise.

2. Know the Additional Fees

You may see what seems like an amazing offer of $699 per person for an inside cabin on a seven-day cruise. But that $699 quickly becomes $875 or more when you add tax, tips, fees, and port charges.

3. Book Early

Cruise lines offer several last-minute deals, and some of them are outstanding. These last-minute specials often come 90 days before the cruise date.

4. Think Long & Hard About a Drink Package

Ships offer a litany of drink packages – soda packages, coffee packages, and alcohol packages – and the cost can add up. To save money, stick to the drink specials cruise ships offer daily. These $5 or so drinks are a bargain. Domestic beer, at $5 to $6 apiece, will also stretch your budget.

5. Avoid Expensive Internet Access Packages

Many cruise ships are connected to the web, and that can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. With that connection comes a cost. Instead of purchasing, wait until you get to the port to check emails and make calls. It’s a lot cheaper, especially if you purchase an international calling plan.

CRUISING IS ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCING NEW DESTINATIONS AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ABOUT OVERSPENDING.

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IT WILL TAKE SOME RESEARCH, BUT SAVING SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS COULD WELL BE WORTH IT.