Cruise ship holiday deals: How to save money on cruises – ingenious restaurant trick

Cruise holidays are a luxury for many, with some Britons saving all year for theirs. Website Cruisecritic.co.uk offers to expert advice to those looking for cruise holidays. It recommends eating in specific restaurants onboard to look for deals.

The cruise experts wrote: “Want to dine in Holland America’s Pinnacle Grill? Go for lunch when the cover charge is less.

“Looking for a discount on dinner? Try one of Celebrity’s specialty restaurants on embarkation night; if they’re not full, they often offer two-for-one or otherwise reduced cover charges.

“Carnival will often offer a free bottle of wine to those who dine at their steakhouses on the first night, as well.

“If it doesn’t make sense to book a package, definitely ask onboard or keep an eye out for the occasional alternative restaurant deal to save money on a special meal.”

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How else might one save money on a cruise? 

Lonely Planet has offered some handy tips on how you can save money.

As part of the new “The Cruise Handbook” from the travel experts, insiders have revealed some little-known ways travellers can adjust their sailing options to bag a little extra cash.

“The best way to hit up the most popular cruising destinations on the planet at a fraction of the cost is to select a sail date outside of high season,” writes an expert.

“Fares follow projected weather patterns meaning that off-season or low season fares cannot guarantee the most ideal weather – but with fares being half the price, it’s worth checking out.

“Besides, you could luck into some serious sunshine.”

Sometimes cruise deals become available online. You can save £125 on Marella Cruises with this code – but you’ll have to be quick. The offer is valid on all Marella sailings in Asia and the Caribbean from 1 January 2020 – 30 April 2020.

Cruisers should use discount code EXOTIC125 on the booking page of the Marella website or tell their holiday travel advisor if booking in a TUI holiday store.

There is one cruise holiday feature you should avoid to save cash. 

Operators advertise excursions to passengers, with ship-to-destination transfers and sometimes lunch included. One cruise expert has revealed his top tips for enjoying every exotic cruise stop whilst getting the most for your money.

In his book ‘How to be a Crafty Cruiser’ Dave Dutton says passengers can: “Save money by NOT going on the ship’s shore excursions. You will get the frighteners put on you by being told that if you make your own way ashore sightseeing, the ship won’t wait for you if you are late or there are strikes on public transport.

“It could happen but generally speaking you will save a massive amount of money by opting to go your own way.”

source: express.co.uk