Why a Cruise is a Budget Vacation

Why a Cruise

is a Budget Vacation

One of the main attractions to booking a cruise is that just about everything is included in the price.

When many people think about a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus.  However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most thrilling – the cruise vacation.

Cheap Accommodation

In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  In addition, the food on cruise vacation ships is often better quality than many land-locked restaurants and, of course, the food is included in the price.

Traveling Off-Season

It is possible to save money by traveling in the off-season and this can often be a great plan. For instance, even though most people are not thinking about vacations where you are, it may be warm and tempting in many tropical cruise ship destinations.

It is important however, to check out the local weather, and to avoid the rainy season in the destinations you are considering. Steering clear of hurricanes, tropical downpours and other weather problems can help you get the most out of your cruise vacation.

Cabins

If you have never taken a cruise before, it is a good idea to get advice from those who have experienced cruising. These people can give valuable insight on the best balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise ship experience.

The location of the cabin is another important consideration when booking a cruise ship. The interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive.

But also keep in mind that cabins located in the middle of the ship and on the lower decks may experience less movement and might be better if you are prone to seasickness.

Discounts and Cheap Cruise Deals

It is not always necessary to shop early, although it’s often a good idea. Cruise lines have been known to offer some fantastic discounts at the last minute in order to move unsold cabins or avoid leaving with less than a full passenger load.

There are many last minute travel newsletters that provide details on these types of cruise deals, and these last minute deals are a big hit with retirees and others with the time to see the world.

Food and Gym

After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise vacation also typically includes use of the workout center, the weight room and sports locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel fitness center, with a cruise vacation it is generally included.

Shipboard Entertainment

The cost of a cruise also includes most or all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options on a cruise are often one of the best parts of the experience and many cruises offer such things as movie nights, theaters, spas, nightclubs, discos and even casinos.

There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are included in the price you pay for the cruise.

Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise vacation are alcoholic beverages, shore excursions and premium restaurants. Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list so that it will not be a surprise while you are on the cruise.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions by booking the tours locally at portside instead of booking with the cruise line. Just be sure however, that the excursion you book will get you back to the ship on time.

For all of these reasons, a cruise vacation can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacations. The ability to enjoy a week or two week cruise at one low price is just one more reason to love cruising.