Cruising on a Budget

It can be done. Here are some tips that you may want to think about when planning your next cruise vacation but are on a budget.

• If you drink soda, get the soda card. around $5.50 per day, depending on cruise line, all you can drink ($1.50 a can otherwise)
• Drinks such as tea, punch, and orange juice are free and self serve on lido deck.
• Booking a tour through the cruise line is usually more expensive. Look into booking yourself, or some places have free tours available. Use the internet to find deals.
• Stay away from the specialty coffee shop, bakery, and any other specialty eateries on board. These cost extra, but are not necessary with all the other food and drink available.
• If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear. Its $10-$20 to buy at Walmart, and $25 or higher to rent at the beach.
• Many cruise lines will allow you to bring a small amount of your own soda and water on board (check to make sure the cruise you book allows it).
• Try to find off season cruising dates to get bigger discounts.