Cruise Tips for the Budget-Minded Traveler

One of the reasons why Norwegian Cruise Line is favored by travelers is the value it offers for a premium vacation experience by way of its cruise packages and onboard amenities. It’s the perfect combination of all-inclusive luxury services, incredible food selections, and amazing excursions.  With Norwegian, it’s easy to avoid the trappings of overspending, especially if you’re a savvy traveler. Here are some of our most helpful tips for keeping all of your cruise vacation costs to a minimum:

Cruise Deals for a Steal

Be sure to visit Norwegian’s Cruise Deals page, where you will find everything from the greatest savings on the cost of your cruise to special package offers (such as past guest offers and special group prices.

Beverage Bargain

Did I really just say “free drinks”? Why yes I did. If you sail on Norwegian Sky, you’re in luck: this is the ship that flows with complimentary margaritas, piña coladas, or whatever your drink of choice. There are 12 bars and lounges to choose from. Norwegian Sky, which has won several awards for “Best Nightlife” and “Best Inside Cabins,” sails from Florida with itinerary offerings to the Bahamas, Mexico, and more.

Free at Sea

On Norwegian Sky, the sky is the limit. This is the only cruise ship that gives you full access to an open bar. But Norwegian is never one size or drink fits all. If you have another cruise ship in mind, you can take advantage of the Free at Sea promotion, offering free choices such as Ultimate Beverage Package, 250 minutes of WiFi, Specialty Dining, or free extra stateroom guests to name a few.

Three's Company & Four Means More Savings

Here's a money-saver that works just as well at sea as it does in hotels: Add more guests to your stateroom to save on total costs for everyone. If you are worried about being too cramped, no worries. Murphy beds and pull out couches are made available for extra friends in your cabin. If its privacy you're craving, you have the entire ship as your personal pleasure house. There are all sorts of secret places to escape to. My favourite escape, when I need a moment away from my friends, is a quick slip into the library or hot tub.

Complimentary Activities

Shore excursions in ports-of-call are the highlights of cruising, but you will also have complimentary access to some of the most beautiful beaches. My favorite stop on a Bahamas cruise is Great Stirrup Cay, an exclusive private island for ship guests. The waters are sparkling turquoise; the sand is snow-white, and the average spring temperature 80°. What’s more, the island offers an all-you-can-eat complimentary dining at Abaco Taco. Before or after your meal, you can chill on the 800 square-foot deck that’s built out onto Lighthouse Bar. Or for, a real Bahamian experience, you’ll want to sample the rum, which runs plentifully at the Bacardi Bar. But the best part? When you cruise Norwegian Sky,

Adventure on Great Stirrup Cay

Or maybe you’d like to splurge on one add-on adventure? The fee-based excursions are well worth their price. But if you’re on a fixed budget, I suggest investing on one special excursion – something you’ve never had the opportunity to do before in a place you’ve never seen. Parasailing? Rainforest hiking? Or how about a luxury beach-side island cabana to rent on Great Stirrup Cay? C’mon, just this once…