All Aboard Your $199 Cruise!
By Ellie Kay
Winter 2008-09
There he was, my retired military man in full uniform, with pants that could still zip and pockets that didn’t bulge at the seams. I was so proud of him as I stood at his side, waiting for the start of formal night aboard the cruise ship.
“Excuse me,” a woman in a black jet-beaded dress said to Bob, “Can you tell me how long it will be before the dining room doors open?”
Bob checked his watch. “About three more minutes, ma’am.”
She had scarcely left before an older gentleman in a black tuxedo tapped his shoulder. “Captain,” he began, “my friends and I were discussing the average speed of a ship this size and wanted to know if you could tell us how fast your ship cruises.”
Suddenly, Bob and I realized that these people thought he was the ship’s captain! The rest of the night, I enjoyed watching all the attention paid to my retired fighter pilot as passengers asked him various questions about the ship.
The wonderful cruise we experienced was not only thoroughly relaxing, but it cost only $199 per person – plus, we were offered a $100 shipboard credit (per room). For one basic price, we got our room, all the food we could eat, admission to free shows and classes, use of the gym, and access to all ports of call.
More and more couples are taking their entire families on cruises because of the affordability of the experience. So how do you find the cheap cruises, and what are savvy and simple ways to keep the costs down? Here are some top tips for titanic savings on a cruise:
Travelzoo. Subscribe to the "Weekly Top Twenty" at Travelzoo.com, and be prepared to act fast once you get notification of the $199 to $239 cruises.
Spa tips. Be prepared to say "no" when you go to the spa for the $99 special, or you may wind up spending far more on the many products offered there. The staff will try to sell from the moment they massage your shoulders to the time they finish up your beautiful hair – while you are relaxed and vulnerable.
Pass on the soda pass. On the first day, you may be offered a "soda pass" that gives you all the pop you can drink for one low price. Au contraire! Drink lots of water, not soda, to get your money's worth on a cruise because it will help protect you from all the salt in the rich food.
Pack two water bottles. Each person should pack two bottles of water (we stick them in shoes in our luggage) to save big bucks. You’re not allowed to bring cases of water or six packs of soda on the ship, but you can bring a couple of bottles to use and refill. The tap water in your room is the same water used for glasses of water in the dining room.
Digital pix. One of my favorite events on a cruise is formal night with Bob in his dashing Air Force mess dress uniform. Be sure to ask your new friends on board to take plenty of digital photos with your own camera. You will save the cost of the formal photo and probably get better shots anyway.
Rank and research shore excursions. You could easily double or triple the bottom-line cruise total by spending money on shore excursions. Before you sail, go to the cruise website and print out the shore excursion options. Get the best value by ranking the top three according to things you want to do, amount of time included on the excursion and cost.
Excursion extras. It's important to walk and work off some of that rich food – you will feel better and get more for your money. Try to walk as much as possible during excursions and avoid bus, shuttle or cab fares. Save more money by eating breakfast on board. Try to postpone lunch until you’re back on ship, or bring an apple or banana to tide you over.
That's show biz! The entertainment on board is generally pretty good, but it's hit and miss. Get your money's worth by going to the shows, but walk out if it stinks. Sign up for the free classes – salsa, line dancing, pilates, yoga, etc. – and try your hand at karaoke.
All aboard – and enjoy the midnight chocolate buffet!
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Ellie Kay is an author, radio/TV commentator and motivational speaker at military events. Her newest book is “A Tip a Day with Ellie Kay: Twelve Months’ Worth of Money Savings Ideas” (Moody Press, 2008). She is the wife of an Air Force pilot and mother of seven children. To receive Ellie’s free newsletter or browse money-saving tips, visit www.elliekay.com.
