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 restaurantscan 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.
