1. Take your cruise during non-peak periods. Peak time is usually spring and summer.
2. Book your cruise with a reputable cruise broker. Always ask if there are any discounts for inter-liners, union members, senior citizens, children, military, etc.
3. Cruise with your kids! On many cruise lines, kids sail free or at a discounted rate if traveling in the same stateroom with 2 full-fare adults.
4. Check for in-port deals. Some ships offer great deals in their spa's while everyone else in on shore.
5. Make sure you join the Cruise Line Club. With every cruise you take with them your amenities grow.
6. Consider taking an inside cabin. Ocean-views and balconies are nice, but also costly. After all, how much time do you really spend in your stateroom? The answer to this is....NOT MUCH!
7. Don't buy a glass of wine at your dining room table each night. Instead, purchase a bottle the first night and your waiter will bring it to your table each night until it's gone.
8. Photo-ops.....the ship's photographers are everywhere! It's almost like being stalked by the paparazzi! My advice.....bring a camera and take your own. Ask a fellow passenger to click a couple of pictures of you and your party and you will save tons of money!
9. Soft drinks, bottled water and alcoholic drinks add up. Ask your ship if they offer a soda or drink package. This will save you quite a bit of money, especially if your traveling with children.
10. See if your ship has a self-service laundry area. I have found that some do and some don't.
11. Don't use the ship to shore phones to keep in touch with your families or friends at home. Send an email instead.
12. Eat on board, it's included in your package. Don't waste your money paying for meals while your on shore, when you could go back and eat on the ship.
13. If your planning on driving to your departure port, check and see if there is a cheaper parking garage off the port premises to leave your car. Miami now charges $20. a day at their port and I'm sure you could find one for 1/2 the price a few miles away, with shuttle service to the ship!