4 Great Strategies to Take Your First Cruise on a Budget

Cruising has gotten more popular in recent years, and the cost of cruise trips has increased as well. And it isn't just the post-pandemic demand surge. In fact, cruise prices are about 20% higher than 2019 levels, according to an analyst from Truist Securities, and pricing for 2025 sailings is even higher.

However, cruises can still be a great way to travel, and there are some effective ways you can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here are four of the strategies I use when booking cruise vacations for my family that you can use as well.

1. Look at off-peak times

While this isn't a set-in-stone rule, cruises are generally cheaper in off-peak times. And while the definition of "peak" times depends on who you ask, here's one rule of thumb: Cruises are generally much cheaper when kids are in school. The summer months, spring break, Thanksgiving week, and winter break are some of the busiest (and most expensive) times to cruise. But if you pick a time when it's not quite as easy for families to get away, it can save you a lot of money.

As a side note, using a third-party travel agent can be a great source for low-cost cruise options. Costco offers low-cost travel options, and its cruise bookings often come with perks like onboard credit.

2. Prepay for as much as you can

If you're planning to buy a drink package, eat at a premium restaurant, add internet access, or book a shore excursion, all these items can be significantly cheaper if you book and pay ahead of time. On a Royal Caribbean cruise I've booked for later this year, the Deluxe Beverage Package costs 25% less if I buy it ahead of time versus on the ship. The premium restaurants are 10% to 20% less.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Prepaying can make your cruise much more affordable, plus it can allow you to budget for things a little at a time, instead of getting hit with one large credit card bill onboard.

3. Book a "guaranteed" stateroom

When you book a stateroom on a cruise, you generally have two main ways to do it. You can choose the exact location of your room, or you can choose the category without a specific room assignment. In other words, you can book "room 7614" or you can book "balcony stateroom guarantee."

One big tip is that the latter option can be far cheaper. When I booked a recent cruise, choosing a balcony stateroom without a specific cabin number was more than $200 less per person than choosing an exact location. Sure, you won't have any say regarding where on the ship your room is located, but even if you're in a bit of an out-of-the-way location, nothing is that far on a cruise ship.

4. Consider a shorter cruise

Many people think of cruises as being six to seven nights at a minimum, and this is certainly the most popular cruise duration. But you might be surprised at the abundance of three- and four-night itineraries that are available.

Royal Caribbean does a particularly great job with this, using some of its newest and largest ships for short cruises. For example, the Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship that launches in July, is exclusively sailing short itineraries from Port Canaveral (near Orlando). If you want to try cruising, a shorter cruise might fit into your budget -- and allow you to see if you like it before committing to spending a week or more at sea.

The bottom line

Even with the rising prices, taking a cruise can still be an excellent way to travel to several different destinations and enjoy a state-of-the-art floating resort for less than the cost of most land-based vacations. And if you use some of these suggestions, your first (or next) cruise can be more affordable than you think.