Why Cruises Are the Best Affordable Family Vacation Option
Organizing a family getaway can be a delightful yet daunting task. You’ll need to find a vacation option that appeals to most of your family members while sticking to your budget.
Although camping or securing a beachside rental may be cost-effective and enjoyable, cruising has become a popular choice for families seeking adventure at a reasonable price. Cruises are filled with various activities catering to all ages, and surprisingly, they can often fit within your budget.
Here are some compelling reasons to consider cruising as a family-friendly vacation option, along with tips to lower your expenses even further. (See also: Your First Cruise: What to Anticipate)
1. Kids may cruise for free
Many cruise companies, such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, provide promotions that allow children to sail at no charge, which can result in significant savings. Additionally, MSC Cruises offers enticing deals where kids can cruise for free on select itineraries, mainly during their Caribbean routes.
Although you will still need to pay taxes and fees for “free” child tickets, which can add up to several hundred dollars, eliminating the regular fare for kids can substantially reduce your overall costs. (See also: Top 5 Affordable Cruise Lines for Families)
2. Affordable lodging, meals, and activities included
A cruise encompasses much more than a simple hotel stay. Your fare covers accommodation, constant entertainment, and a wide array of dining options available around the clock.
When budgeting for your trip, remember to take advantage of what’s included in your cruise fare. Not needing to pay for most family meals can free up money for other vacation activities. (See also: 6 Tips for Saving Money During Your Next Cruise)
3. Complimentary childcare services
Cruise ships are designed for fun, offering a valuable perk that many parents appreciate: complimentary childcare. Most ships provide supervised activities for children aged four and older in dedicated kids’ clubs that feature extensive play areas, organized activities, and the opportunity for kids to socialize.
This means children can enjoy themselves while parents get some much-needed time off. The babysitting service is offered at no extra cost during designated hours.
4. Experience multiple locations
Can you think of another vacation style that allows you to explore several locations in a week without needing to travel by car? Probably not.
A significant advantage of cruising is the ability to choose an itinerary that includes various exciting stops, all while the cost of transportation to each destination is bundled into your cruise fare.
5. Drive to the cruise terminal to save on flights
With cruise ports located along many coasts, there’s a good chance you can drive to one and skip air travel entirely. This could save you upwards of $400 per person or more on domestic flights, although you will need to budget for parking your vehicle while you cruise.
If driving isn’t an option or you prefer not to, consider using airline miles to fund your family’s travel. For instance, Southwest Airlines’ co-branded credit cards are popular among cruisers since their loyalty program bases rewards on fares and services various cruise port cities like New Orleans, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. (See also: 5 Affordable Caribbean Ports for Families)
6. Low-cost or free excursions
While many cruise-goers voice concerns about the high price of excursions organized through the ship, these worries are often justified. Excursions can easily exceed $100 per person, which can become quite costly for families.
Fortunately, many destinations provide opportunities for exploration without the need for organized tours. You can typically disembark and explore the local port area at no cost, or grab a taxi for a day trip to a local beach or landmark.
Research your excursion options thoroughly; don’t feel obligated to book through the cruise line. Instead, consult travel forums or TripAdvisor for affordable ways to spend your day off the ship.
7. Take advantage of limited-time offers
If you have your heart set on cruising with a specific line, consider subscribing to their newsletter to stay informed about special promotions and deals. In addition to kids sailing for free, you may find offers for complimentary drink packages, free internet access, onboard credits, and other fantastic discounts.
8. Save by booking early or last-minute
Securing your cruise early is often the best strategy to access exclusive promotions while also having first dibs on available cabins. Experts typically suggest booking nearly a year in advance to snag the lowest prices and preferred perks, along with your desired cabin.
Conversely, significant savings can also be found by booking closer to your departure date. For instance, sites like VacationstoGo.com provide access to unsold cabins at substantial discounts, sometimes up to 82% off regular prices.
9. Utilize travel rewards credit cards
Lastly, leveraging a travel rewards credit card can be a smart move to mitigate your out-of-pocket cruising expenses. Not only can you find cards that offer rewards sufficient to cover part or all of your cruise, but you can also use the benefits for rental cars, flights, and other travel-related costs.
