BEST way to save money with Cruise Critic

[dyslexic pirate]

I have saved literally THOUSANDS of dollars on cruising since finding this website. We are taking a family of 7 on the Star and maybe spending all totalled with excursions etc. what it probably costs just one person to cruise.

 

I keep a little notebook by the computer and jot down little helpful nuggets as I find them. Discount codes, tips on ships I plan to sail, new tips on ships I've already traveled etc.

 

I enjoy the reviews and especially ideas on what to do in ports.

 

In this economy we are really appreciating the fact that we will be cruising next week - debt free/prepaid and guilt free! ;)

 

Thank you to everyone who shares their tips and tricks!

 

Smooth Sailing :)

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

I read it and i have been on a few cruises

[chasetf]

..............We are taking a family of 7 on the Star and maybe spending all totalled with excursions etc. what it probably costs just one person to cruise......

Pretty wild claim.... Are you claiming you seven are sailing in the same category and doing the same excursions. :confused:

 

I am sure there is someone on our ships that spent seven times what I spent..... when you add in large bar bills, art auctions purchases, casino nights, and cost of the owner's suite...... which are all expenses we don't have. ;)

[dyslexic pirate]

Our NCL Compass rewards points more than covered the costs of our cruise. 2 mini suites. Gotta love those discounts for 3rd and 4th person in a cabin.

 

$600 OBC

 

Booked excursions independently.

 

Used Christmas cash towards expenses.

 

Priceline for airline/hotel also used free flight vouchers from accepting bumps from other flights.

 

Tips regarding discount codes etc. have all come in handy.

 

Just sharing the info that it can be done and you can go on a "budget cruise" without feeling like you are on a "budget."

 

No "wild claims." ;)

[Roadtripster]

Our NCL Compass rewards points more than covered the costs of our cruise. 2 mini suites. Gotta love those discounts for 3rd and 4th person in a cabin.

 

$600 OBC

 

Booked excursions independently.

 

Used Christmas cash towards expenses.

 

Priceline for airline/hotel also used free flight vouchers from accepting bumps from other flights.

 

Tips regarding discount codes etc. have all come in handy.

 

Just sharing the info that it can be done and you can go on a "budget cruise" without feeling like you are on a "budget."

 

No "wild claims." ;)

 

 

That's my kind of trip. I love to spend hours and look for deals for any vacation I am doing. I like to challenge myself and see how well I can do.

 

I learn so much more too than just how to save.

[Kim4]

I just saved $1000 on our cruise ($260 pp) because I knew to look for price drops, and I learned that from reading this board. Thanks everyone!! :) I'm very excited!

 

We got a residency discount, but only two of the family members are residents of that state, so I switched the names in the cabin around, which then allowed for all 4 people to get the discount instead of only 2. Again, thanks everyone -- I would have never of thought of that if it wasn't for this board.

[cruisdog]

You can also copy the parts of threads that you like and paste it onto a word document. Saves a lot of writing, and in the end you have a 20 page document full of goodies from lots of threads to read and use.

[cruiserbryce]

cc has been both useful and entertaining, but echoing your statements, thank you everyone!

[mom2girls]

I have to say that I have saved thousands of dollars during my years with cruisecritic as well. I am thankful for all the advice and tips this board gives me! :)

[Bowie MeMe]

Not to mention the entertainment value. Puzzle books and magazines add up. :D I have so many excellent port reviews that I print and carry with me I can make due with the occasional library browse of "official" guide books.