Ways To Cut Costs When Going On Carnival Trips?

The article provides 12 easy ways to save money on a Carnival cruise. These include booking early, choosing smaller, older ships, driving to the cruise, booking shoulder-season sailings, choosing shorter cruises, getting a Carnival credit card, buying Carnival stock, and requesting gift cards as presents. Guests can also save money by booking independent cruise activities, hiring a cab or guide, exploring on their own, or using the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee.

These strategies ensure that guests receive the best price and value for their cruise without compromising on quality. By thoroughly researching Carnival cruise deals, including promotions for shore excursions, passengers can make the most of their vacation. Some popular ways to save money on cruise excursions include sailing locally, considering stateroom options, using a travel agent, and being aware of potential discounts.

When booking excursions, it is essential to shop for promotions, especially for shore excursions, to ensure the lowest price available. For example, a couple can save close to $550 by booking an inside cabin with a price difference of around $275. If paying for an excursion is within your budget, booking them yourself instead of through the ship can be a great way to save money.

In conclusion, these tips and tricks can help you save money on your Carnival cruise, making your vacation even better. By following these strategies, you can secure the best deals and enjoy your cruise more often.

Should I buy cruise excursions in advance?

Starting your search for the perfect shore excursion for your party is recommended as it ensures guaranteed seats and prevents last-minute trouble. Booking with us allows you to cancel any tour up to 7 days before the tour date, making it easy and hassle-free. We aim to offer availability for tours for the following cruise season as early as October the previous year and keep our website updated with availability year-round.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our customer service reps can be contacted via phone, email, or chat on our website. Start booking your tours now to relax and focus on other aspects of planning your vacation.

How do you get free perks on Carnival cruise?

Membership in Carnival’s club offers a range of benefits, including access to exclusive promotions, collectible Carnival items, invitations to cocktail receptions, and priority boarding. Those who opt for a Platinum or Diamond VIFP membership will be invited to a celebration on five-plus-day sailings, where complimentary drinks will be provided. These drinks can be redeemed at any venue and at the Photo Gallery, provided that they are redeemed no later than two days before the cruise’s end.

Do shore excursions sell out Carnival?

If you’re interested in a shore excursion, it’s important to check back frequently as some popular options may sell out. However, it’s also possible for cancellations to occur. To avoid this, book all excursions early after booking your cruise and meeting all deposit requirements. If an excursion isn’t available, search for alternate activities or consult the Shore Excursion Manager onboard. Waitlisting is currently unavailable. Pre-paid shore excursion tickets will be delivered to your stateroom after sailing on the first evening of your cruise.

The type and degree of disability determine which excursions are recommended for physically challenged guests. For those able to walk independently, easy or moderate activity excursions are recommended.

Can I leave the cruise ship without an excursion?

Carnival does not require passengers to book shore excursions to leave the ship, as public transportation is available at each port. Instead, passengers can visit local libraries, bookstores, or websites to determine their desired destinations. Carnival does not offer alternatives from its established shore excursion program, but all excursions sold through Carnival are coordinated with reputable tour operators and include popular sites.

Booking excursions through Carnival guarantees the ship’s presence in port until all guests return, while independent excursions may not be recognized. Additionally, some ports may have visa requirements that may prevent passengers from venturing off on their own.

Are shore excursions worth it?

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but a mix of guided tours and independent exploration can be the most value. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and consider both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. If you want to stay on board while your ship is docked in a port that doesn’t interest you, that’s okay. There are several guides to choosing a cruise line, including the 5 most desirable cabin locations, the 8 worst cabin locations, the ultimate guide to packing, the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks, top ways cruisers waste money, and the ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin.

Is it cheaper to buy excursions on the ship?

Ship-sponsored tours are often more expensive than directly offered tours through the operator, as the cruise line serves as the middleman and inflates fees to take a cut before paying the tour company. Independent tours take smaller groups, allowing for more personalized experiences. When booking a private tour, you may be one of fewer than 20 people, compared to the smaller group sizes of third-party tours. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right tour option for your travel needs.

How can I save money on my Carnival cruise drink package?

Carnival offers a flat price for spirited beverages throughout your cruise, saving up to 10 by purchasing before sailing. Pre-purchase is available until 11:59 PM the day before embarkation and 10:00 PM EST through the call center. The program requires a minimum age of 21 and adult guests to purchase it. Only one drink can be ordered at a time, and sharing is not allowed. The program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period, but after consuming 15 drinks, no additional drinks can be purchased.

Carnival reserves the right to refuse service and the program is non-refundable. The program includes spirits, beer, wine, sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water, and other non-alcoholic beverages. Packaged water is available in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants. Additionally, there is a 25 discount on the menu price for spirits, wine, champagne, and beverage seminars and classes.

What are the disadvantages of shore excursion?

Cruise line excursions offer advantages such as traveling with a group of passengers and comparing notes with fellow shipmates. They are also reputable and licensed, unlike independent tours. However, downsides include potential long lines, crowded buses, and long stops at souvenir shops. Port tours can range from free on cruise lines like Viking, Crystal, and Uniworld to over $100 per person for higher-priced options like golf, helicopter rides, seaplane rides, and visits to ancient ruins.

Some lines even offer overnight excursions to swanky hotels or private limo tours. Traditional shore excursions are worth it for exploring sites far from the cruise dock, accessing historic monuments, forts, or castles, and learning more about a region.

Can I get off my cruise ship without an excursion?

Passengers are at liberty to explore the ports of call at their own discretion and are not obliged to reserve shore excursions. Passengers will be informed of the time at which they are required to proceed to their cabins, which is typically 30 minutes prior to departure. It is recommended that this time be verified on board and posted in a prominent location near the ship’s gangway. The vessel will not delay its departure from the port of call in anticipation of the arrival of all passengers.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board?

During the initial days of the voyage, bartenders were highly enthusiastic about the drink package, asserting that it would result in significant cost savings. However, the cost of purchasing the drink packages on the ship was higher than the pre-boarding prices. The discounted deluxe package, for instance, increased from $78 to $98 per person per day upon arrival.

How to get free drinks on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival offers Drinks On Us!, allowing guests to enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, and nonalcoholic drinks onboard. Earning casino points allows guests to enjoy these drinks throughout their stay onboard. Free drinks are earned twice as fast as on other cruise lines, and guests have full access to the casino bar menu. However, some state laws may prevent Drinks On Us! from being served until international waters, including Texas and New York.