My First Cruise: Five Ways I Saved Money Without Skimping on Fun

A year ago, an unexpected email arrived in my inbox announcing I'd secured a win in a cruise sweepstakes. Initially skeptical, I nearly dismissed it, recalling how frequently 'free cruise' scams circulate.

Surprisingly, I remembered I had indeed signed up for a Princess Cruises contest at a community fair months back. A quick phone call to the company confirmed the legitimacy, and soon, my $2,000 prize voucher was in hand.

Choosing Affordable Accommodations

To stretch our budget, my friend and I opted for an Alaskan journey, a little pricier than the voucher itself. We consciously decided on an interior cabin, bypassing the more expensive balcony options.

Though there was no exterior view, the cabin was perfectly sufficient, furnished with twin beds, a dresser, nightstands, a closet, and a private bathroom. This choice saved us considerable money and, due to the long Alaskan summer days, the dark room was ideal for sleeping.

Sidestepping Additional Cruise Packages

The allure of cruising can be heightened with package upgrades, but my travel companion and I chose not to indulge in the 'Princess Plus' or 'Princess Premier' options.

Eschewing these meant foregoing amenities like unlimited drinks and premium internet, yet it allowed us to stay present and simply enjoy the moments. We made do with our phones when docked and embraced the cruise's disconnection from the digital world.

Dining Decisions: Making the Most of What's Included

We made sure to enjoy meals covered by our cruise fare. Our dining experiences included various options like buffets, grills, and pizza stations aboard the ship.

To avoid additional charges, we avoided specialty venues available at extra costs, such as seafood eateries and gelato bars.

Planning Excursions Independently

While visiting Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan during our voyage, opting for independent explorations instead of pre-arranged excursions proved economical.

In Juneau, for instance, we joined a local whale-watching tour at a fraction of the cruise line's rate. Skagway offered scenic hikes, and Ketchikan's Salmon Walk was a leisurely discovery of nature.

Keeping Souvenir Spending in Check

Our approach to shopping was minimalist. Bringing our own toiletries negated unplanned purchases. As someone who prefers photographs as mementos, I limited keepsake buying to a single pack of treats for my pets.

Reflecting on Our Frugal Adventure

Having wrapped my inaugural cruise, I appreciated how our economical strategies enriched rather than detracted from the experience. Though exact figures on savings are elusive, the joy of the journey remained unmarred.