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Avoid getting nickeled and dimed on your next cruise

Weekly deals can be found for cheap cruise tickets, but are they real? The answers might be yes, but there's a catch. Use these tips to help keep your cruise cheap.

I'm a cruising fan. 听In my eyes, there's no better resort vacation - with several different islands on each itinerary, it's a built in safeguard from being "stuck" on a lesser island. With听听posting low rates so often,听sometimes as low as $199 for a weeklong cruise, I thought it would be nice to explain听how听cruises can offer such low rates, and how you can avoid being nickel and dimed on your next cruise!

听Why听Cruises Seem So听Cheap

Cruises are cheap because the cruise lines want to get you in the door. 听Once on board, there's听no way out. 听Less sinisterly put, that means that you are in an all-inclusive resort, and听one you can't just walk out the door when you would like.

That means, that when you want that Budweiser, it's going to be $7, not $2 or $3 like you're used to. 听That spa treatment could be double what it costs on land. 听These new megaships are an amazing sight to be hold, but those bells and whistles are meant to lure you in and separate you from your dollar.

4听Secrets to Save听Money on your Cruise Vacation

Fortunately, with a little preparation, it's easy to protect yourself from the cruise line! These are my favorite tips for saving while cruising:

Book either听very early听or听very late for the best deals. 听
Earlier deals often come with offers like free alcoholic beverages, prepaid gratuities, or free shore excursions. 听Later deals are often closeout sales to get you on board. 听If you live near a major port like Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, this is incredibly convenient.

If you're a drinker, these deals could easily save you hundreds during your week on board. If you don't have access to that special deal, you can often bring up to two bottles of wine on board for free to enjoy听- though keep in mind that some cruise lines, like Norwegian, don't allow you to bring any alcohol at all.

Shop around for shore excursions.

Shore excursions are a great way to explore the islands you're visiting, but they are often double the price of what you can find on land. 听Use forums like听听to find local operators for a good price and that are well-reviewed.

Opt for "Unlimited Dining."
Many ships nowadays have "specialty" restaurants that are not included in the cruise price. 听Don't be wooed by their deliciousness - the main dining room and buffet are always free. 听If you do want to try out these restaurants, cruise lines offer "unlimited dining" packages that will allow you to save a bit on the cover charge for these establishments.

Know how much听internet access will cost you.
If you're addicted to the internet, beware - broadband is听expensive听and听slow听on board (though that is changing). 听Most ships make you pay per minute, though the new Anthem of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is one of the first to offer unlimited internet packages that are near the speeds on land.

Don't Be Fooled

Cruises are an amazing time, in my opinion, but don't succumb to the allure of their temptations. 听And, if you really want to save money, don't wander into the casino late at night! 听What ways do you like to save on cruises?

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