You might be on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t finally take that vacation you’ve been dreaming about.

Cruises can seem like a luxury, but with a little planning, they can be surprisingly budget-friendly for families. Plus, with all the on-board activities, there’s really no need to overspend.

Setting a Realistic Cruise Budget

The ultimate family vacation doesn’t need to break the bank.

For starters, you can look at travelling during off-peak times to save on costs, but if that’s not an option, keep an eye out for last-minute deals.

When setting your budget, the main costs you will need to factor in are your cruise ticket prices, port fees, gratuities, and travel insurance. Keep in mind that your tickets will generally include meals and most onboard activities, so you won’t need to put anything extra away for this.

However, some additional costs that you may want to budget for are specialty dining, babysitting, Wi-Fi, extra activities, and shore excursions. What can help is if you set a small budget for each family member per day to keep costs under control.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your Family

When you need to stick to a budget while planning your vacation, shopping around is a must.

Prices and offerings are always slightly different between cruise lines, and you never know when one might be having a deal you can benefit from. You will also find that some cruise lines are more budget-friendly in general.

Since you’re travelling as a family, it helps to get strategic about accommodation. Look out for family staterooms, bunk beds, and adjoining room options to save on costs.

Activities also matter. Before you pay for your tickets and start packing, take some time to explore what kids’ programs and general onboard activities are included in the price. The last thing you want is to board and realize your kids can’t access the attractions they want to.

Itineraries Matter Too

Another consideration to keep in mind before you finalize your cruise is the itineraries they offer.

A shorter cruise can make it easier to stick to your budget, as can departing from a port that’s closer to home.

It’s also recommended that you hone in on cruises that include more sea days, where you can really take advantage of the onboard activities. And for those shore excursions, stick to routes and destinations that offer more inexpensive activities.

Saving On Onboard Costs Without Sacrificing Fun

Once you’re onboard, you don’t want to spend unnecessary time worrying about your budget, so this is where it’s useful to plan ahead and make sure the entire family is on the same page.

• Stick to included meals. Instead of indulging in specialty dining, rather stick to the meals already included in your ticket price. You will have plenty of options to choose from anyway.
• Weigh up the drinks packages. Look at whether drinks are included in the price and what the additional costs might be so you can budget accordingly.
• Plan your entertainment. Many attractions and activities will be free, so try to shape your days around them to ensure your kids don’t get bored and go hunting for things they can’t do.
• Bring along small essentials. To avoid onboard markups, you can always bring along some small snacks, water bottles, and kids’ toys. Just check what your chosen cruise line allows.

Ready, Set, Cruise

You really don’t need to book the fanciest cruise to have the best experience. By weighing up your options, setting a clear budget, and taking full advantage of everything offered on the ship, it’s more than possible to have a dream cruise vacation.