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Cruise Travel: Tips & Tricks

Dining
  • Remember you can order as much food as you want in the main dining room. Order two appetizers or three desserts. There is no limit!
  • Choose the main dining rooms over the buffet. The quality of food is usually much better.
  • Take advantage of the free room service. Eat breakfast in bed or order a late night snack.
  • Beverages (including alcohol) and food can be carried throughout the ship even to your cabin.
  • Specialty restaurants can be nice for a change of atmosphere, usually costing between $10-$25 extra per person, plus automatic gratuity. Read reviews to see which specialty restaurants are actually worth dining at.

Drinks
Water
  • Fill up your reusable water bottle in the morning and take it in to port with you.
Soda
  • Sodas often cost extra, but iced tea and juices are often free.
  • Some cruise lines allow you to bring a 12 pack of soda on board
Alcohol
  • Most alcoholic drink packages don't end up being worth it, unless you can drink 6+ drinks per day. Keep in mind you will be on shore most of the day and you want to be functional for the next morning. 
  • You are usually better off paying for alcoholic drinks individually. 
  • Frozen drinks tend to be very watered down and the most expensive!
  • Order a beer bucket to share, rather than individual beers.
  • Watch for drink specials, drinks of the day, and happy hours.
Wine
  • Buying wine by the bottle is often cheaper than by the glass. If you don't drink it all, you can save it for another night.
  • Some cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine on board, but may be subject to a corkage fee.

Amenities
  • Shore Excursions: Book shore excursions locally before you go rather than with the cruise line. They are usually cheaper and offer better tours.
  • Spa services: Treatments are usually overpriced, plus there is usually an additional 20% gratuity. Look for discounts on the first and last day of sailing, as well as in port days. 
  • Library: Most ships have libraries on board with free books you can check out for the duration of your cruise. Some even have board games and decks of cards.
  • Gym: take advantage of the gym's shower and steam rooms. The shower is usually bigger than the one you have in cabin and the sauna is free!
  • Photos: Skip the cruise photos when departing the ship, so you won't be tempted to buy the $25 photo of a green screen background.

Rooms
  • Read reviews on your room number before booking.
  • Make sure your room is not beneath a busy area like the dining room, bars, casino, or pool.
  • The stairs are often faster than waiting on the elevators.
  • Booking an accessible room provides you with a larger bathroom and shower space.
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