One popular reason to take a cruise is the great prices offered on products in the port locations. You can find everything from jewelry to clothing to electronics, and more for a low price. However, just because you find good deals doesn’t mean you should spend a lot of money. There are several times when you should pinch pennies to get the most out of your cruise.
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1 “Limited Time Only” Sales
One marketing strategy companies use to lure cruisers is to offer “limited time only” sales. This is pretty common with clothing and jewelry shops. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy items from these stores, but you should remember that the prices might not reflect the products’ values. So, just because a shop says their diamond is worth over $1,000, there’s no way for you to check its authenticity before buying. Plus, most of the time “limited time only” does not have a specific end date, so it’s not really an exclusive sale.
You also need to be careful not to spend more than the import maximum. Yes, you can get some good deals, but you shouldn’t spend a lot of extra money doing it because you can get these good deals other places, too. So, be careful not to get ripped off.
2 Liquor and Alcohol
When you cruise to exotic places on Western Europe cruises, wine and liquor is usually less money than at home because it is “duty-free.” If you’re tempted to stock up, don’t. Airlines limit how much you can travel with, and it takes up a lot of space in your luggage. Plus, the quality isn’t always like what you find at home, even if you are in a location that is known for their wine.
Additionally, people spend a lot of money on alcoholic beverages when on a cruise because it is offered so readily at meals. Opt for water during lunch instead of a mixed drink to save a little money. There is plenty of time in the evening to enjoy a cocktail or two.
3 Lunch in a Port City or On the Ship
Many cruisers buy lunch in port locations, even though lunch is free aboard the ship. If you want to get a bite to eat while exploring a port, watch how much you spend since you can fill up at dinner on the ship for free. Plus, some locations offer exotic foods that can make you sick if you’re not careful. So, lunch off the ship might not be worth the chance.
Lunch on a cruise ship, however, is another time to pinch pennies. For instance, you shouldn’t spend money on juice when it is offered at breakfast for free. Plus, if you have a big lunch, you won’t feel like doing much else the rest of the day, so why spend any extra money on it.
4 Products with a Guarantee
Electronics are typically cheaper in cruise locations, but that doesn’t mean they are high quality. One marketing strategy is to offer a product guarantee to make you think an item is worth the price. You shouldn’t believe any product guarantee when cruising because the chances you’ll be able to return a defective item are slim. And, if you really want to return an item, the postage will be high and the responses will be low. You can definitely get some good deals on souvenirs when on a cruise, but that doesn’t mean you should spend a lot of money.
5 Specialty Restaurants
Many cruise ships now have specialty restaurants on board. Unlike the dining rooms and buffets where meals are included in the price of your cruise, prices for a meal in a specialty restaurants usually start at $25 per person. This price tag can be tempting, as they usually have upscale fare that would cost you three times as much on land. However, your total meal cost can add up quickly if you’re drinking during dinner as well.
What other penny-pinching tips do you have for cruisers?