Tips for Saving Money on a Cruise

Cruising has become a popular form of travel and there are many ships to choose that can take you just about anywhere in the world you want to go. A cruise vacation is unique from any other since it allows you to see a variety of places without having to change hotels or get on and off planes. Unfortunately, a cruise can cost you a lot of money if you aren't careful. There are some tips to follow so you can save money on a cruise.

1. Compare Prices. The cruise line's phone number should be your final stop when comparing prices for a cruise. If you want to save money, check the prices on AOL Travel, Cruises.com, and Travelocity. Then, based on the information you have put together, go to the individual website of the cruise line(s) you are most interested in. Once you have narrowed down what you really want and the best price for it, call the cruise line directly (or have your travel agent do it). Give them the price you have and ask if they have a better deal.

2. Check back. A cruise line will almost always adjust a price for you if it has changed. If you see a better price somewhere for your cruise, call and ask if you can get that price. This also applies to special offers, like cabin credits or upgrades. You won't know if you don't ask and you have nothing to lose. Even if you can't find a price better than the one you got, call before you go to see if there is an upgrade or special available that you can take advantage of.

3. Budget carefully. A cruise vacation includes meals and accommodations. It does not include tips, drinks, souvenirs, spa services or bingo. If you want to save money, take a good look at the itinerary and divide your extra expenses of into two lists. The first list contains items you can't or aren't willing to change, like tips or camp for the kids. The second list contains more flexible items like souvenirs or wine with dinner. Figure out before you go how much you can afford to spend and where you will spend it each day.

4. Plan your excursions. Before you leave on your cruise, check the cruise line's website for an exact itinerary. Then, print out a list of all the excursions offered at each port. In most cases, you can save money if you plan activities on your own. Websites like Port Promotions, and Viator offer tours that are similar (sometimes exactly the same) as those offered by the ship for a lot less money. Also check Cruise Reviews for private tour companies on islands, as well as ideas for venturing on your own at some ports.

5. Bring the booze with you. Travelers often forget that, unlike an all-inclusive vacation, a cruise does not offer free drinks. Wine and liquor can quickly add up. The worst part is that you won't even know it (you can simply sign for everything on a ship without ever taking cash out) until you get that large bill at the end. Bring as much of your favorite drinks as possible. Or, pick up some duty free bottles on your trip. Just check with the ship in advance to see how much is allowed and whether they have corking fees if you bring a bottle down to dinner.

6. Limit what the kids spend. While you are sipping from the bottle of wine you brought from home, your kids can be raising the bill with every soda and virgin strawberry daiquiri they can find. Many ships offer "soda cards" which you can purchase so they (or you) can have unlimited pop while on the ship. As for the non-alcoholic treats, discuss in advance how much they can have. Maybe you can budget one a day, but warn your children to ask before they sign for anything so there are no surprises in the end.

7. Food isn't always included. The vast majority of the food you will eat on a cruise ship is included, but everything isn't. Some ships now have specialty restaurants, in which you can get reservations for the exact time you want, have a bit of a more gourmet menu - and pay an extra fee. Before you make plans at any restaurant (other than the main dining room) ask whether or not there is an extra charge. The same goes for the various snack bars around the ship. The ice cream and pizza may be free, but that muffin at the coffee bar might not be.

8. Make sure you are getting a bargain. As you travel on the ship and to various ports, you are going to have the opportunity to buy just about everything. And everything will be prefaced with signs like "duty free," "sale" or "special for travelers." There are some places that can offer real bargains and others that don't. Before you go and buy, do a little research on the items you want and how much they would cost you at home. Also check what the duty free limits are. If you bring back a bottle of rum that is beyond the allowance for liquor, you will have to pay tax on it.