Soda isn’t usually included with your all-inclusive cruise ship fare. Instead of buying a pricey soda card, bring along your own drinks!
Before boarding the cruise ship, stop at a grocery store and purchase a few cases of your favorite pop or bottled water.
You don’t even need to sneak it on or hide it in your luggage — almost all cruise lines allow you to bring a reasonable amount of non-alcoholic beverages on board the ship.
Skip (or severely limit) casino time.
Ahh, the open seas. The relaxing, stress-free moments of your annual cruise to a tropical paradise. Sun, drinks, food and all the entertainment you can handle. That is — until you drop more cash in the casino than you spent on the cruise itself!
The siren’s call of the cruise ship casino is sometimes too much for passengers to resist. However, to make sure you don’t end up bankrupt post-vacation, be sure to limit your time playing games of chance to ensure your trip remains fun-filled and memorable for you and your entire family.
Every port of call has local individuals and companies that offer excursions, and they’re often much cheaper than those offered by the cruise line.
There’s a reason your cruise director is constantly urging you to purchase your excursions early — the cruise line wants to make money! Instead of using the cruise ship’s excursion options, consider making your excursion plans before you leave home — or you can even decide when you get off the ship. Just use your best judgment in choosing with whom you go.
Have a good time, be sure to get back to the ship safely and on time, and always travel off the ship with at least one companion.
[Image credit: Luke Robinson]