I’ve been on 200 cruises – my tried-and-tested tips to make them cheaper

As memories of Christmas and New Year slowly ebb, it means one thing in the cruise world – the start of the Wave Season. This surge of special offers runs until April and can bring fare discounts as deep as 40 per cent, up to 80 per cent off for a second passenger and other deals such as half-price drink packages.

I’ve been on 200 cruises in the past 20 years and discovered Wave Season is just one of the ways to save money on your next cruise holiday. Here are my tried-and-tested, year-round tips.

Wave Season

To successfully navigate the cruise equivalent of an extended Black Friday you need to make a plan, rather than plunge in headfirst. Nearly every cruise line offers deals including fare reductions, low-or-no deposits, flight savings, free shore excursions, complimentary drinks packages, spa treatments and more.

The choice is overwhelming

The Wind Spirit Tall Ship Moorea in Tahiti (Photo: Provided)

Firstly, decide where you want to go, set a budget and stick to it. Prioritise what perks are important to you. If dining is a highlight, look for lines with restaurant offers, and if you’re a family seek out children-sail-free promotions.

Speak to an expert

The DIY approach won’t save you money. Because they deal with so many bookings, specialist cruise agents have access to exclusive rates and extras that are not available to the public. They’ll often throw in a bottle of Champagne and unexpected gifts too.

Their in-depth knowledge can also save you from making costly mistakes. They’ll ensure you book the destination, cruise line, ship and cabin grade that will float your boat.

Stay loyal

Found a cruise line you like? Then it pays to stick with it. All operators offer reward programmes to encourage loyal passengers to come back, and there are big benefits to be gained.

You’ll start off with extras such as complimentary internet, a welcome drink and free laundry, and can build up to a private party with the captain, room upgrades and even free cruises. These loyalty schemes are free to join.

A pre-purchased bar tab allows you to dip in as much or as little as you fancy (Photo: StockPlanets/Getty/E+)

Swap a drinks package for bar tab

Drink packages can be pricey, but if you enjoy cocktails and wine, they save money compared to paying as you go. However, if one person has a package, other adults in the cabin have to purchase them too. Unfair if they’re light drinkers or teetotal.

Virgin Voyages broke the mould with its pre-purchased bar tab, and Celestyal followed suit with Celestyal Pay. The amount is shared per cabin, and each guest can dip in as much or as little as they want, whenever they want.

Cruise closer to home

Pick a no-fly round-trip cruise from a UK port, such as Ambassador from Tilbury and P&O, Cunard and MSC out of Southampton. There’s no need to fork out on air fares or book into a hotel the night before you sail. As a bonus, your holiday will start much sooner.

A state room on MSC Virtuosa: the line offers cruises from UK ports (Photo: Ivan Sarfatti/MSC)

Don’t dismiss older ships

Each year sees a raft of shiny new ocean ship launches – more than 12 are coming this year. Cabins sell at premium rates to cruisers who enjoy the cachet of being first onboard. Sister vessels even a couple of years older, with almost identical facilities, are cheaper.

Older ships are regularly refurbished and emerge looking as good as new, without the price tag to match.

Consider a luxury line

It sounds a contradiction to suggest booking a more expensive cruise line to save money, but if you already push the proverbial boat out and splash out on things like top suites and excursions, it’s worth looking at all-inclusive lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and SeaDream.

Book again while you’re on board

Most ships have a future sales desk, offering exclusive perks such as reduced deposits, discounted fares and onboard credit if you book before you disembark.

You’ll also have the benefit of talking to staff who know all about the line’s ships, and upcoming itineraries.