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Cruising is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel, offering the opportunity to visit multiple destinations while only unpacking once. However, the cost can sometimes be prohibitive, especially for solo travelers. In this article, I’ll share how I find inexpensive cruises and some of the tips, tricks, and hacks that I use to reduce the cost even further. This way, I can explore more amazing places, like Ocean Cay in the Bahamas, without breaking the bank.
Option Trip – First, let’s define some key terms to help you understand the strategies I use. The “total cost of a cruise” includes not just the cruise fare, port fees, and taxes, but also gratuities. Some people exclude gratuities from their calculations, but I believe they are essential and should be included in the total cost. Other expenses, like internet, drink packages, or coffee packages, vary from person to person and aren’t included in the base calculation since they are optional.
Another important concept is the “cost per day” of a cruise, which is the total cost of the cruise divided by the number of days. This figure is crucial for comparing different cruises and determining the best value. By breaking down the cost this way, you can easily compare various cruise options on a like-for-like basis.
When booking a cruise, you’ll often encounter the terms “double occupancy” and “solo supplement.” Double occupancy is the price you pay when two people share a cabin, while solo supplement is the additional cost a solo traveler pays over what one person in a double occupancy cabin would pay. Many people worry about paying double occupancy as a solo traveler, but I argue that this isn’t a good indicator of value. Instead, focus on the cost per day to find the best deal.
For example, I once compared two 10-day Alaskan cruises with identical itineraries. The first was on Princess Cruises, costing $450 per person based on double occupancy, or $900 total for a solo traveler. The second was on Norwegian Cruise Line, where the solo supplement was only 50%, so the cost for one person was $1,500. Despite the lower solo supplement on Norwegian, the Princess cruise was a better deal at $90 per day compared to $150 per day on Norwegian. This illustrates why focusing on solo supplements or double occupancy can be misleading.
Similarly, solo cabins, which are marketed as ideal for solo travelers since they don’t require a solo supplement, are often not the best deal. In many cases, these cabins are smaller and more expensive than regular inside cabins, even after accounting for the solo supplement. For instance, I’ve seen instances where the cost of a solo cabin was higher than an inside cabin on the same ship, making it a less attractive option.
Now that you understand these terms, let’s dive into my favorite tool for finding affordable cruises: CruisePlum. This search engine is especially valuable for solo travelers, but it’s also useful for those traveling with others. Unlike many other cruise search engines, CruisePlum is unbiased and does not sell cruises directly. Instead, it’s designed by cruise enthusiasts and focuses on providing detailed, accurate information to help you find the best deals.
When using CruisePlum, my favorite feature is the ability to search by cost per night. This allows me to easily identify the best value cruises without getting bogged down by misleading metrics like double occupancy or solo supplements. The site also lets you search by region, cruise line, number of passengers, and even specific dates, which is perfect for those who have a tight schedule or specific travel preferences.
For instance, if you’re looking for a last-minute deal or a specific itinerary, CruisePlum allows you to narrow your search by criteria like departure port, number of days, and cabin type. This can save you a lot of time and help you find the best cruise for your budget and preferences.
In conclusion, the key to finding inexpensive cruises lies in understanding the true cost of a cruise and using the right tools to search for deals. By focusing on cost per day rather than getting hung up on double occupancy or solo supplements, you can find cruises that offer excellent value. Tools like CruisePlum make this process easier by providing detailed, unbiased information that helps you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a solo traveler or cruising with others, these tips and tricks can help you explore the world by sea without spending a fortune.