10 Cruise Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner
Cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to travel, but hidden costs, crowded buffets, and missed opportunities can turn your dream vacation into a hassle. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, these 10 insider cruise hacks will save you money, time, and stress—so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.
1. Book During Off-Peak Seasons for Huge Savings
Want to cruise the Caribbean for 80% less? Avoid peak times like Spring Break, summer, and winter holidays. Instead, aim for:
- Caribbean: September to early November or early December 1.
- Alaska: Before Memorial Day (May) or after Labor Day (September) 1.
- Mediterranean: April–early May or late September–October 1.
Pro Tip: Booking early can lock in low rates, but monitor prices—if they drop, you can often rebook for the better deal 1.
2. Try Repositioning Cruises for Unbeatable Deals
Repositioning cruises (one-way voyages relocating ships between regions) are the best travel value—sometimes as low as $12/day! These cruises often include exotic stops and extra onboard entertainment 19.
Example: A two-week transatlantic cruise with unlimited alcohol for just $159 1.
3. Bring Your Own Wine (and Save $100+)
Most cruise lines let you bring one bottle of wine per adult (check policies first). On a 7-night cruise, this can save you $100+ on bar tabs 15.
Pro Tip: Pack it in your carry-on—checked luggage may get confiscated 15.
4. Stay Onboard During Port Days
Ships empty out on port days, meaning:
- No lines at buffets or pools.
- Private hot tubs and quiet lounging 310.
Bonus: Order room service and enjoy the serenity 3.
5. Pack a Cruise Carry-On Bag
Luggage takes hours to arrive. Essential carry-on items:
- Bathing suit (hit the pool ASAP).
- Medications & toiletries (ship stores overcharge).
- Power strip (cabins have few outlets) 310.
Pro Tip: Bring magnetic hooks—cabin walls are metal, perfect for extra storage 13.
6. Skip the Buffet on Embarkation Day
Everyone rushes to the buffet first. Instead:
- Head to secondary dining (less crowded).
- Score embarkation-day spa discounts 310.
Example: Carnival’s steakhouse offers a free bottle of wine on the first night 3.
7. Use a Dry-Erase Board for Cabin Communication
Cabins are metal—stick a magnetic dry-erase board on your door to leave messages for family or fun “Question of the Day” prompts for fellow cruisers 3.
8. Take the Stairs (and Burn Cruise Calories)
Elevators get packed. Walking the stairs helps offset buffet indulgences and lets you discover hidden ship art 3.
9. Book Onboard for Future Cruise Discounts
Before disembarking, book your next cruise for perks like:
- Reduced deposits (as low as $100).
- Onboard credit ($100+ in free spending) 13.
10. Arrive at Least One Day Early
Missed flights = missed ships. Fly in a day early to:
- Avoid stress.
- Explore the departure city.
- Recover from jet lag (for European cruises, arrive 2-3 days early) 1013.
Final Thought: Hack Your Way to a Better Cruise
From bringing wine to snagging last-minute deals, these hacks turn a good cruise into an unforgettable (and affordable) escape. Which one will you try first?
Want more? Check out Roaming Around the World and The Points Guy for deeper dives!
🚢 Bon voyage!
