If you think cruises are too expensive for your budget, think again. Cruises are actually great options for saving money on your vacation. It’s one of the best types of vacation for budget travelers. Here are the reasons why cruises will save you money on your next vacation.
1. Watch Broadway Shows for Free
Broadway show tickets can be quite expensive, with prices exceeding $100 and orchestra seats costing over $250 per person. However, on Royal Caribbean, you can enjoy Broadway shows like Mamma Mia, Cats, Grease, and Hairspray for free! Other cruise lines also offer Broadway-quality musicals.
This is fantastic for budget-conscious travelers as you can get free accommodations, unlimited food, shows, and activities for the same price as a Broadway show ticket. For example, a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise costs $1036, which includes all taxes, fees, and gratuities, making it just $148 per night – the same price as a Broadway ticket.
2. Free Transportation Between Countries
One of the best things about going on cruises is you get to visit several ports and it’s all included in your cruise fare. If you add up how much it would have cost you to buy plane tickets or train tickets to get from one country to another, you are saving hundreds or even thousands!
Take, for example, our 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, which departs from Miami and stops at Grand Cayman, Haiti, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Booking a plane ticket from Miami to Jamaica alone costs $330, including tax. Imagine the added expense if you had to fly to Grand Cayman, Haiti, and the Bahamas!
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3. Upscale Dining
Cruising is an experience that’s hard to beat, especially when it comes to dining. You get a fine dining experience with elegant white tablecloths, three or more courses, and attentive service. If you were to dine at a fancy restaurant, just one meal could cost you $100 per person.
But on a cruise, you’ll enjoy this type of dining experience three times a day, plus afternoon tea, snacks, and even room service. It’s a a great deal, since it would easily set you back at least $250 per person if you were to pay for it at a restaurant.
Take, for example, the 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas. At just $148 per night, it’s a steal when you consider the quality of the food you’re getting.
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4. Free Childcare
One of the great things about cruising is that childcare is free. It’s a great option for families because you don’t have to worry about childcare costs. Unlike other vacations where you have to pay extra for babysitters or kids clubs, cruising comes with free childcare as part of the package.
The kids clubs on cruise ships are amazing, with lots of fun and engaging activities for your children to enjoy. Plus, if you find a deal where kids sail free, you’re getting an even better bargain. You’re basically getting a free vacation for your kids and free childcare at the same time!
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5. Free Rides
Another thing about going on cruises is that you can go on rides for free. Many cruise ships have water slides that you can go on for free, you are basically saving on water park admission fees. Some Royal Caribbean ships offer free bumper cars and free iFly indoor sky diving. That’s a great deal, considering that an iFly session near my home would set me back $75!
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6. As Low as $50 a Day
Where can you get an all-inclusive vacation with food, accommodations, evening entertainment and daily activities for as low as $50 a day? If you are savvy and know where to look for the best cruise deals, you can go on a cruise for as low as $50 a day. Check out my tips on when to book your cruise to get the best deal.
Let’s Compare Caribbean Cruise versus All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort
Now let’s take a closer look and compare a Caribbean cruise versus an all-inclusive resort vacation in the Caribbean. For example, let’s take a look at the 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas and 7 Night stay at Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica. Both types of vacations include accommodations, food and entertainment.
The Caribbean cruise costs $148 per person per night ($2072 total for 2 adults), including all taxes, fees, and gratuities. While the all-inclusive resort costs $394 per person per night including taxes and fees ($5516 total for 2 adults). That’s a big difference!
But you might be thinking that we are not comparing apples to apples since Sandals includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, while the cruise does not.
Well, that’s true, let’s add a deluxe beverage package to your cruise for $125 per person per night (gratuity included and priced it at the higher end). That brings your cruise total to $273 per person per night, which is still cheaper than the all-inclusive resort by $121 per person per night. You’re saving $847 per person for the 7-night vacation. And don’t forget, you also have to pay for your flight to Jamaica, while the cruise departs from Florida.
So, as you can see, cruising is a great way to save money. And if you’re flexible with your dates and can book last minute, you can find even better deals on cruises, sometimes lower than $100 per person per night! Cruising is definitely a smart choice for budget travelers.
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