Here’s a comprehensive list of nearly 100 ways to save money on a big ship family cruise, compiled based on general advice and insights from personal experience and a variety of sources:

1. Book in Advance – Often, the earlier you book, the better the price.
2. Choose Off-Peak Seasons – Cruises during non-peak times like late fall or early spring can be cheaper.
3. Select the Right Cabin – Opt for inside cabins, which are generally cheaper than those with balconies or windows.
4. Use Travel Agents – They might offer perks like onboard credits or free upgrades. More importantly, having a travel professional on your payroll is a good idea.
5. Look for Special Deals – Cruise lines often have last-minute deals or special promotions. Like all the time. Your good travel agent can help with this as well.
6. Avoid School Holidays – Prices soar during these times; consider cruising when school is in session.
7. Book with a Group – Cruise lines offer discounts for group bookings. Maximize savings by being the group leader. It takes some work but free is free.
8. Loyalty Programs – Join the cruise line’s loyalty program for perks on future cruises.
9. Check for Bundles – Sometimes, packages for flights, transfers, or excursions can save money. Viking bundles a LOT!
10. Avoid Extra Fees – Know what’s included in your fare to avoid unexpected charges.
11. Bring Your Own Beverages – Within the allowed limits, bring bottled water or non-alcoholic drinks or a refillable water bottle at least.
12. Use Onboard Credits – If offered, use these for purchases rather than paying out of pocket.
13. Eat at Included Dining Options – Stick to complimentary dining rather than specialty restaurants. The kids probably won’t appreciate it anyway.
14. Skip the Drink Packages – Unless you’re sure you’ll use it, individual drinks might be cheaper.
15. Take Advantage of Free Activities – Many ships offer free shows, games, and activities.
16. Use the Gym – Instead of paying for spa treatments, consider the included gym facilities.
17. Avoid Souvenir Glasses – Say no to souvenir drink glasses, which add cost.
18. Check for Kids’ Clubs – These are often included and can be a great way to entertain children for free.
19. Pack Snacks – For kids or snacks in between meals, bring your own.
20. Use Public Transport in Ports – Instead of cruise line tours, use local transport.
21. Research Port Activities – Plan free or low-cost activities in ports of call.
22. Avoid Onboard Internet—Unless included, use it sparingly or not at all if you can wait until you’re back on land.
23. Bring Entertainment – Books, games, or tablets can keep you entertained without cost.
24. Check for Onboard Sales – Sometimes, items like photos or merchandise are cheaper during sales. Spa Treatments too.
25. Avoid Room Service – If it comes with a fee, use the buffet or dine-in restaurants.
26. Use Your Cruise Card Wisely – Monitor charges, probably available on your stateroom television, to avoid surprises at checkout.
27. Book Spa Treatments on Sea Days – They might be discounted when the ship is at sea.
28. Opt for Early Dining – Sometimes, early seating can be less crowded.
29. Use the Laundry Facilities – If available, doing laundry onboard can save on packing.
30. Avoid Mini-Bar Charges – If there’s a mini-bar, check if it’s included or if you should avoid it.
31. Check for Free Movies – Some ships offer free movies in certain theaters or on stateroom televisions.
32. Use the Library – Many ships have libraries with free reading materials.
33. Skip the Photo Packages – Take your own photos or buy individual photos. Better yet, make one of the kids “the cameraman”.
34. Avoid Overpacking – Less luggage means less to manage and potentially less to spend.
35. Use Onboard Apps – Many lines have apps that can help you find free activities or discount offers.
36. Check for Discounts on Future Cruises – Buying a future cruise while on board can offer savings.
37. Avoid the Arcade – If there’s an arcade, it can be pricey; bring portable games instead.
38. Shop Duty-Free Wisely – Only buy what you know you’ll use or can’t get cheaper at home.
39. Use the Cruise Line’s Credit Card – If they offer one, it might come with perks like onboard credits.
40. Book Excursions in Advance – Sometimes, booking before you board can save money.
41. Avoid Overdoing Souvenirs – Decide in advance what you want to buy to avoid impulse purchases.
42. Check for Free Shore Excursions – Some ports offer free walking tours or beaches.
43. Use the Cruise Line’s Shore Excursion Desk – They might offer last-minute deals.
44. Avoid Overpriced Shore Excursions – Research alternatives like local tours or self-guided tours.
45. Eat Local in Ports – Skip the cruise ship’s food for a day and eat where locals eat.
46. Use Public Wi-Fi in Ports – If available, use it instead of the ship’s internet.
47. Avoid the Casino – It’s entertainment, but can lead to significant spending.
48. Check for Free Classes – Cooking, dance, or art classes might be included.
49. Use the Ship’s Daily Planner – It lists all free activities for the day.
50. Avoid Specialty Coffee Shops – Stick to regular dining areas for coffee.
51. Bring Your Own Travel Insurance – Sometimes, cruise insurance can be overpriced.
52. Use the Cruise Line’s Loyalty Program – For discounts on onboard purchases or future cruises. We like Travelguard.
53. Avoid Overpriced Water – Bring your own or use the water stations if available.
54. Check for Free Shows – Many ships offer free Broadway-style shows.
55. Use Onboard Credits for Excursions – If you get credits, use them for expensive activities.
56. Avoid the Ship’s Shops – Items might be cheaper on land or online.
57. Use the Cruise Line’s App for Discounts – Some apps offer exclusive deals.
58. Avoid Overpriced Snacks – Bring your own or use the buffet for snacks.
59. Check for Free Kids’ Programs – These can be a lifesaver for parents.
60. Avoid Overpriced Photos – Take your own or buy only the photos you really want.
61. Use the Ship’s Gym – Instead of paying for personal training sessions.
62. Avoid Overpriced Spa Products – Buy these at home or in ports if needed.
63. Check for Free Movies in Cabins – Some ships offer free movies on cabin TVs.
64. Avoid Overpriced Cocktails – Drink of the day specials can be cheaper.
65. Use the Cruise Line’s Shore Excursion Deals – Sometimes they offer cheaper group rates.
66. Avoid Overpriced Room Service – Use the buffet or dine-in restaurants.
67. Check for Free Activities in Ports – Many ports have free attractions.
68. Use the Cruise Line’s Credit Card for Points – If they offer one, use it for points or rewards.
69. Avoid Overpriced Mini-Bar Snacks – Bring your own or use the buffet.
70. Check for Free Workshops – Like photography or cooking classes.
71. Avoid Overpriced Specialty Dining – Stick to included dining options.
72. Use Onboard Credits for Spa – If you must use the spa, use credits.
73. Check for Free Poolside Activities – Like water aerobics or games.
74. Avoid Overpriced Shore Excursion Food – Eat before or bring snacks.
75. Use the Cruise Line’s App for Navigation – Saves on buying maps or guides.
76. Avoid Overpriced Souvenir Photos – Take your own or buy only what you love.
77. Check for Free Concerts or Music – Some ships offer free live music.
78. Avoid Overpriced Arcade Games – Bring your own entertainment.
79. Use the Cruise Line’s Shore Excursion Desk for Last-Minute Deals – Sometimes they offer discounts.
80. Avoid Overpriced Shore Excursions – Research cheaper alternatives.
81. Check for Free Walking Tours in Ports – Many cities offer these.
82. Use Public Transport in Ports – Instead of cruise line tours.
83. Avoid Overpriced Water Bottles – Bring your own or refill.
84. Check for Free Activities for Kids – Like scavenger hunts or crafts.
85. Avoid Overpriced Coffee – Bring your own or use the buffet.
86. Use the Ship’s Daily Planner – For all free activities listed.
87. Avoid Overpriced Specialty Coffee Shops – Stick to regular dining areas.
88. Check for Free Classes – Like dance or art classes.
89. Avoid Overpriced Snacks – Bring your own or use the buffet.
90. Use Onboard Credits Wisely – For expensive items or services.
91. Avoid Overpriced Water – Bring your own or use water stations.
92. Check for Free Shows – Many ships offer free Broadway-style shows.
93. Avoid Overpriced Photos – Take your own or buy only what you really want.
94. Use the Cruise Line’s Gym – Instead of paying for personal training.
95. Avoid Overpriced Spa Products – Buy these at home or in ports if needed.
96. Check for Free Movies in Cabins – Some ships offer free movies on cabin TVs.
97. Avoid Overpriced Cocktails – Drink of the day specials can be cheaper.
98. Use the Cruise Line’s Shore Excursion Deals – Sometimes they offer cheaper group rates.
99. Avoid Overpriced Room Service – Use the buffet or dine-in restaurants.