Embarking on a cruise holiday doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, with the right planning and savvy strategies, you can enjoy an unforgettable voyage without emptying your wallet. Welcome to "Bon Voyage on a Budget”, where we’ll walk you through the best times to book, the most budget-friendly destinations, and the top tips for getting the best deals.
One of the biggest advantages of booking an affordable cruise holiday is that most of your expenses are bundled into one package. This means that your accommodation, meals, and entertainment are all included, allowing you to budget more effectively.
Additionally, many cruise lines offer special promotions and discounts, making it even more affordable. Like NCL’s January 2024 flash sale, which offers 50% off cruises plus five Free at Sea benefits: Free Open Bar; Free Speciality Dining; Free Excursions; Free WiFi; Free 3rd and 4th Guest on select sailings (full deal details at the end of this blog).
Another benefit of choosing an affordable cruise holiday is the variety of destinations and itineraries available. Whether you dream of exploring the Caribbean islands, cruising through pristine waters to Mauritius, immersing yourself in the rich history of Europe or exploring your own backyard on South Africa and Namibia cruises, there is a cruise for every budget.
Additionally, cruising offers a hassle-free travel experience. Once you're on board, you can relax and let the ship take you to multiple destinations without the need for packing and unpacking. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to see more while minimising the logistics and stress of travel.
Timing is everything when it comes to booking a budget-friendly cruise holiday. The general rule of thumb is to book early, or to book late to cash-in on last-minute deals. By booking early, you have access to the best selection of cabins and can take advantage of early bird discounts. On the other hand, if you can be flexible with your travel dates, booking last-minute can lead to significant savings.
You’ll also score excellent deals during off-peak seasons, as cruise lines often offer lower prices during these times to fill up their ships. For example, if you want to cruise to Mauritius from South Africa look for cruise deals during the low-season months of May to June and September. And you'll get great deals for Mediterranean cruises from June to October.
Finding the best cruise deals requires a bit of research and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you snag the most affordable options:
1. Subscribe to Cruise Line and Travel Agency Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from your favourite cruise lines and trusted travel agency (sign up for our newsletter here) to receive exclusive offers and promotions directly in your inbox. For example, if you’d subscribed to Sure Travel’s newsletter, you would already have received news about NCL’s January Flash Sale, offering 50% off cruises as well as 5 Free at Sea Benefits (Free Open Bar; Free Speciality Dining; Free Excursions; Free WiFi; Free 3rd and 4th Guest on select sailings).
2. Be Flexible with Dates: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of last-minute deals and discounted fares.
3. Consider Repositioning Cruises: Repositioning cruises occur when ships are moved from one region to another. These cruises often offer significant discounts, as they are not round-trip.
4. Consult with a Travel Agent: Travel agents have access to a wide range of deals and can help you find the best cruise options within your budget. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to get the latest cruise deals.
5. Monitor Online Travel Booking Sites: Keep an eye on websites that specialise in cruise deals and reputable travel agency booking sites, and compare prices across different platforms.
While onboard the cruise ship, there are several tips and tricks to help you save money and stick to your budget. Here are some suggestions:
1. Avoid Specialty Dining: Many cruise ships offer specialty restaurants with additional fees, unless Speciality Dining is included in the package like it is with NCL’s current promotion for bookings made by 4 February 2024. Otherwise, while speciality dining can be tempting they can be pricey, whereas the main dining options are usually included in your cruise fare and offer delicious meals.
2. Limit Beverage Expenses: Beverages, especially alcoholic ones, can quickly add up. Consider purchasing a beverage package if you plan to indulge, as it can save you money in the long run. Also look out for drinks inclusive specials, like the Free Open Bar offer included in NCL's 50% off special offer for bookings made by 4 February 2024.
3. Try Local Cuisine: When exploring ports of call, opt for local restaurants or street food to experience the authentic flavours of the destination without the high price tag.
4. Take Advantage of Happy Hour: Many cruise ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Be sure to check the daily schedule to make the most of these promotions.
5. Avoid the Casino: If gambling isn't your thing, steering clear of the onboard casino no matter how tempting it may be!
Cruise ships are known for their diverse range of onboard entertainment and activities. From live shows and musical performances to comedy acts and themed parties, there is something for everyone. To make the most of these experiences without breaking the bank, consider the following tips:
1. Attend the Free Shows: Most cruise ships offer nightly entertainment shows that are included in your cruise fare. Make sure to check the schedule and attend as many free shows as possible.
2. Participate in Onboard Activities: From trivia contests to dance classes, cruise ships offer a variety of free activities throughout the day. Take advantage of these offerings to stay entertained without spending extra.
3. Enjoy the Pool and Sun Deck: Relaxing by the pool or on the sun deck is a great way to unwind and soak up the sun. These areas are usually included in your cruise fare and provide hours of entertainment.
Shore excursions are a highlight of any cruise holiday, allowing you to explore the ports of call and immerse yourself in the local culture. To make the most of these experiences without blowing your budget, consider the following:
1. Do Your Homework: Research the ports of call to determine which excursions or attractions are worth the extra cost and which can be explored independently. Many popular destinations have attractions within walking distance or accessible via public transportation.
2. Book Early: Always book in advance via trusted booking platforms to secure the best prices and availability.
3. Spot the Specials: Look out for free or discounted excursion offers from cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise’s Free Excursions offer that forms part of its Free at Sea Promotion.
Finally, when it comes to packing for your budget-friendly cruise holiday, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Pack Versatile Clothing: Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This will allow you to pack less and save on luggage fees, and it will help you avoid having to buy often-pricey clothes at ports of call.
2. Bring Reusable Water Bottles: Bringing reusable water bottles can help you save money on bottled water while onboard and during shore excursions.
3. Pack Snacks: Bringing snacks onboard (if allowed by the cruise line) can help you save money on expensive snacks or meals while exploring ports of call or during long days at sea.
4. Don't Forget the Essentials: Remember to pack essentials such as sunscreen, medications, and toiletries to avoid having to purchase them at higher prices onboard.
Sure Travel is offering 50% off Norwegian Cruise Line cruises booked by 4 February 2024. Plus the offer includes 5 Free at Sea benefits: Free Open Bar; Free Speciality Dining; Free Excursions; Free WiFi; Free 3rd and 4th Guest on select sailings.
Here are our top 3 picks for NCL's special offer:
10 Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Norwegian Epic from R31,445 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
10 Night Asian Cruise onboard Norwegian Spirit from R34,462 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
9 Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Norwegian Pearl from R34,117 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to book by 31 January!