top 10 money saving tips on the Crown

[PescadoAmarillo]

[quote name='Elvera']If I buy a cup of coffee for $1 at the IC, does that include refills?[/quote]
No, not unless, perhaps, you're drinking it at a table right there. But in a to go cup, no.

[JerseyGuys]

I agree you don't want to skimp on the experience, but one thing for sure don't feel forced into doing excursions. One of the best, free things to do, is to stay on the ship when everyone goes off, enjoy an empty pool, read a book, sun, enjoy the empty dining rooms, tea, then just leave the ship to do some window shopping close to the ship. It's a great day, and doesn't cost a cent...

I sort of have a different opinion on the soda card. While not cheap, the soda card is cheaper that alcohol. I tried to save a few bucks one cruise and didn't buy the soda card, but drank a lot more wine and beer. It obviously wasn't cheaper. Bringing on a bottle of wine at the start of your cruise and adding as needed at ports is another way to save some money

[FLACRUISER99]

Don't buy the coupon book at the port & shopping show.

[FLACRUISER99]

Don't buy any Art at the Art Auction.

[Jo and Rob]

We are just back from the Crown and had a fabulous time. Here are some of the ways we saved money and some extra ideas.

Bring wine on board to enjoy in your cabin and on your balcony.

Empty the contents of your fridge and fill it with your own drinks.

Go to the MDR for lunch the first day it is open and you will be treated like VIPs.

On embarkation day go to Lotus for a free taster neck and shoulder massage.

Drink iced water with meals.

Drink the complimentary coffee.

On the Lido drink the complimentary lemonade.

Be in the Piazza on the first formal night at 8pm for free champagne and canapes.

Take advantage of all the complimentary pastries, salads and cakes and cookies at the International cafe.

Enjoy the complimentary ice cream on the Lido rather than paying for it at the International cafe.

Sushi and tapas is now complimentary at Vines.

Organise excursions at the ports if you don't want to pay the Princess prices.

Don't buy the Princess bottled water but get it at the port much cheaper

At Roatan, enjoy the Mahogany beach for free with complimentary beach loungers

Take your own snorkel gear, rental is quite pricey.

Have lunch on ship on port days or order room service when you get back if you are too late for the MDR

At Grand Cayman catch the bus back to the port (just cross the road) it is only $5 for two people!

Enjoy the free activities on the Princess Patter

Avoid the casino

Get a soda / ultimate card and get unlimited drinks

Cash in a return transfer if you don't intend to use it - we did and got $19 each which we put towards a last day excursion

Enjoy the shows, food and sun they are all free!

Use the adult only pool in the Lotus spa, it is free but very quiet and many think it is part of the sanctuary but it is not.

[janina]

In FLL it would be easy to take a cab to a store to buy soda. Airport is not far.