A Caribbean Cruise On a Budget: the Best Way To Go

It’s difficult to go on a Caribbean cruise on a tight budget.  You may have carefully laid out your spending weeks before you embark, but this practically goes right out the window and overboard once that cruise ship sets sail.  Even if you won’t be able to save as much as you expected on your Caribbean cruise, you can still manage your money while having your appetite for wanderlust satisfied.  You can save money before and during your trip.

Your choice of a cruise line for your Caribbean cruise will pretty much dictate how far you will be able to stretch your money.  Contemporary cruises are the most cost-effective, and usually offer the most in inclusive packages.  Premium and luxury lines are exactly just that; a can of beer may cost up to fifteen dollars each, and almost everything you do will involve parting with your dough.  Specialty lines are exclusive, but may offer more bang for your back since they are niche-oriented, and the rates are more affordable than if you take your Caribbean cruise anywhere else.  Take note that each of these has a different itinerary as well; depending on the cruise line you settle with and the duration of the voyage, the ship may or may not make port stops along the way.  You can compare Caribbean cruise packages online, and even search by criteria, which can be focused on the activities, itineraries, and length of voyage.  You can also contact a Caribbean cruise specialist to help you in detailing an exact itinerary for the trip.

You’ll get better deals with group rates.  You’re taking the Caribbean cruise for R&R anyway, so why not recruit some of your buddies and relatives?  The more, the merrier and cheaper.  Cruise rates take a dip with every person who accompanies you on-board, and if you are taking all your kids along, there are Caribbean cruise lines which especially cater to them, and will consequently have more to offer for less the cost.  You’ll get the best deals in the autumn and early winter months, and the costs will be inclusive of accommodations, meals, most onboard activities, entertainment, and government and port charges. 

You’ll save a lot by using your credit card only when necessary during your Caribbean cruise.  Sure, paying with plastic is much more convenient, but think of the charges you’ll rack up on perks; you won’t notice your spending habits with plastic, but with cash, you have something to gauge your expenses with.  Perk prices on a Caribbean cruise ship are needless to say inflated, and the interest rates which pile up can easily hurt your finances when it comes to repaying your dues.  Extra services also mean extra cost; you may find that your Caribbean cruise line offers babysitting services and strollers for your tyke, but don’t expect them to come in cheap.  Be prepared to shell out more money than you planned for by having a cache handy just in case.  Your Caribbean cruise should be spent in leisure, but make sure that you don’t get a financial hangover after the trip.

For more tips on your planned Caribbean Cruise, you should visit our online travel guide at caribbean cruise review