30 Key Cruise Hacks You Must Know Before Setting Sail

If you have your sights set on a cruise sometime this year, you’re about to treat yourself to one of the most decadent vacations of your life.

Nowadays, cruise ships are basically floating resorts. In the lap of luxury, they take you to city after city, offering adventures you can’t compare to any other means of travel. 

There’s an entire industry devoted to helping people secure the best deals and plan the right trips. Below, we’d like to share 30 tips to help you maximize your time at sea. 

1. Book Early

This isn’t exclusively true because, sometimes, you can find some steals on last-minute deals.

Typically, however, booking earlier saves money and opens the door to a wider selection of rooms. 

2. Consider Booking Through a Points Card

There are plenty of travel cards out there these days, like the Capital One Venture Card. But you may also want to consider a card that offers points or cash-back rewards. 

With all the spending up to and on board the cruise, you may be glad to come home to a few extra rewards. 

For more on that, check out these 14 creative ways to use your travel miles when you’re back home. 

3. Compare Rates

If you have a specific destination, check all the main cruise lines. Most of them likely head toward the same corner of the world. 

Another important consideration is a travel agent. Sometimes, they can make planning the whole trip a lot easier and even score deals you might not be able to access on your own. 

4. Choose an Interior Room

Consider how important it is to have that balcony view. Do you think you’ll spend a lot of time in your room? Or will you be up on the deck, sipping umbrella drinks beside the pool? 

What about all those day trips, spa days, on-board entertainment options, and dining experiences? Take a close look at your itinerary as you weigh the cost of your room in the balance.