How to spend less on travel before and after the cruise
By now, you’ve heard that cruise costs are skyrocketing, and that’s just the base fare before you consider all the extras. Transportation to the ship and back home after a cruise is a necessary expense — a “need” not a “want,” when compared to a spa service or wine package. But that doesn’t mean you have to overspend on it.
From airfare tips to hotel tips, try some of these tips to cut your cruise travel costs.
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Fly the day you cruise
Although this goes against my usual advice, which is fly in at least a day earlyif you’re really on a budget, cutting out the extra cost of a hotel before your trip can help your bottom line. Just make sure you book your flight as early as possible on your departure date and that you have travel insurance in case something goes wrong with your flight and you can’t make it to your ship.
Book a hotel room with amenities
If you decide to arrive in your cruise city a day or two early, choose a hotel that offers free or discounted parking if you drive or a free shuttle to the cruise port and airport if you fly. This will save you a lot of money on parking, taxis, and ride-hailing service.
Also ask about free breakfastcan cut your costs even further. Some hotels will offer free meals if you have an elite membership, although free breakfast isn’t a perk for everyone.
Fly with low cost airlines
If you want to save a bunch of money, give it a try low cost airline. Many travelers stay away from them, but if you’re just looking for the lowest price without getting too fussy, they’re the way to go. Know what the airline will and won’t offer, so you can be prepared to deal with any assigned seating and bring your own snacks. You will also want to light package to avoid baggage fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
Take advantage of points and miles
If you’re someone who regularly earns points and miles, look at your account to see if you have enough money to redeem for flights and hotels. Even if you don’t have enough money in the bank to pay the full amount, some booking portal will allow you to apply what you have, thus reducing the final price you pay.
Drive (almost) to your dock
If you live near a cruise port, you can avoid paying expensive dock parking costs by finding cheaper off-port parking.
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Garages in the area will often offer lower rates if you book your cruise time in advance. Many garages offer shuttle service to the port. Even if you have to go Uber or Lyft The rest of the way, the cost is almost guaranteed to be significantly less than what you pay to park at the station.
Use credit card perks
Don’t forget to check your credit card to see where else you can score free or discounted travel deals before or after your trip. Have co-branding hotel card? See if you have one awards night that you can use or take advantage of annual hotel credits or general travel credits offered by certain cards if you book through their portal.
If you need transportation to or from the airport or cruise port, some American Express provide Monthly Uber credits which you can use to offset costs.
Last line
Just because transportation to the embarkation port isn’t free doesn’t mean it has to cost you money.
If you plan ahead, don’t mind spending frugally, and know how to use your points, miles, and credit card benefits, you can save a pretty penny — and put that money to better enjoy your vacation.
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