We’re having an amazing time on our cruise so far. Many readers have asked how to get a cruise for free or for cheap, including whether it’s possible to score a free Carnival cruise. Today I’ll share tips and strategies we’ve learned so far to help you save on your next cruise vacation.
We’re on Day 3 of our trip and still have five full days and nights remaining. Cruising has proven to be a perfect way to truly relax: board the ship (it’s a ship, not a boat), unwind, enjoy plentiful food and drinks, and visit ports without the stress of planning every day. We’ve spent hours simply sitting on our balcony watching the water and enjoying the views.
There are many different kinds of cruises, ranging from short, inexpensive weekend sailings to extended, luxury round-the-world voyages. Cabin choices vary from interior rooms to multi-level suites. While stateroom comfort and amenities vary, most onboard services are available to all passengers, so the total cost largely depends on the cabin you choose and any extras you purchase.
You can find extremely affordable cruise options. For example, one-night sailings may be advertised at $50 per person, two-night sailings at $99, and short Caribbean cruises in interior rooms as low as $129 per person (often including meals and basic non-premium drinks, but not ports or taxes). If you time your booking right, you may be able to upgrade to a balcony for only a small additional cost.
If you combine some of the strategies below, it’s possible to get a cruise at a steep discount or even nearly free. Who doesn’t like free?
Practical ways to save on your next cruise vacation
- Book very early or book at the last minute. Cruise lines often reward early bookings with low rates or price guarantees. Conversely, if a sailing still has available cabins a few weeks before departure, lines may discount fares to fill the ship. Both approaches can yield significant savings and even allow you to use reward points to cover the fare.
- Bring your own drinks where allowed. Some lines permit a limited number of bottles of wine or other beverages per stateroom. On our ship, I brought two bottles of wine and a jug of water without issue, although security inspected the water closely. Always check the cruise line’s policy and comply—don’t try to hide items or break rules.
- Watch for daily drink specials. Many ships feature rotating drink specials or happy hours. Paying attention to the daily schedule can save money on cocktails and beverages.
- Monitor extra costs. Extras such as specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa treatments, and onboard shopping add up quickly. Take advantage of complimentary entertainment and activities when possible.
- Attend free events. Ships often host complimentary events that include appetizers or drinks, such as art auctions, tastings, or tastings tied to onboard promotions.
- Read your daily cruise newsletter. The daily cruising guide outlines free events, discounted activities, and happy hours. It’s the best source for timely savings opportunities.
- Wait until the end of the cruise to shop. Retailers onboard may discount merchandise near the end of the sailing to clear inventory. If you want a souvenir, consider waiting for last-day deals.
- Use budget airlines for airfare savings. Choosing low-cost carriers for your flights to and from the embarkation port can significantly reduce the overall cost of your vacation.
Below are additional ways to reduce the cost of your cruise or cover it using rewards. Some suggestions reference tools and services I use personally; you may need to accumulate enough points to cover the fare or split the cost across multiple strategies.
Use travel rewards credit cards to lower or eliminate cruise costs
Travel rewards cards are a powerful way to offset travel expenses. For this trip I used points from a Southwest card to book a free flight to the port area. Many cruises depart from ports close to major airports—for example, Port Everglades is just a few miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport—making it easy to combine award flights with discounted fares.
Have you cruised before? What did you think—was it worth it? Are you considering a free or low-cost cruise next?
If you’re new here, my focus is helping readers find practical ways to make and save money. Below are some strategies and services I recommend that helped me fund travel and reduce expenses.
- Start a blog. Blogging can be a legitimate income source. With consistent effort and the right approach, a blog can generate significant revenue. If you’re interested in building an income-producing blog, resources and step-by-step tutorials can help you get started affordably.
- Use cashback sites. Cashback platforms reward you for purchases you already make online. Signing up for a reputable cashback service can earn you meaningful savings over time.
- Take paid surveys. Survey panels and product testing sites can provide extra income. Joining multiple reputable sites increases your chances of qualifying for more surveys and higher earnings.
- Plan meals and cut food costs. Meal-planning services and affordable meal plans can reduce grocery spending and simplify weekly cooking. Small monthly investments in planning can yield substantial savings.
- Search for coupon codes. Before booking travel or making purchases, search for coupon codes and promotions. Small discounts add up across multiple purchases.
- Refinance high-interest loans if possible. Lowering interest rates on loans such as student debt can free up monthly cash that you can redirect toward travel savings.
- Cut TV and subscription costs. Dropping or trimming cable and subscription services and using free over-the-air channels or lower-cost streaming options can reduce monthly expenses.
- Try online rewards and rebate sites. Rewards platforms let you earn cash for activities like shopping, searching, or playing games. Many offer sign-up bonuses that are easy to claim.
- Pick up part-time work or side gigs. Short-term part-time jobs or gig work can quickly build a travel fund. Job listings, local classifieds, and gig platforms are useful places to search.
With careful planning, combining loyalty rewards, timing your booking, and controlling onboard spending, a cruise can be much more affordable than you might expect. Whether you aim to reduce the fare with points, find last-minute deals, or cut costs while onboard, these strategies can help you enjoy a great vacation without overspending.