Strategies to Save On Your Next Cruise Vacation!

We are often asked about the best ways to save money or find deals when booking a cruise. Here are a few recommendations that have worked for us:

Enjoying Your Savings!

Discounted Gift Cards and Rebate Sites

We tend to check if there are any sales on GCX ( formerly known as Raise.com). They offer gift cards that have been partly spent or are offered at a discount, and provides great savings. Many of the gift cards can be sent electronically and provide instant use. I’ve used the site several times and have yet to have an issue with any of the cards or redemptions.

Another option is using a website called Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates), which provides cashback if you place an order through its link. Unfortunately, there is typically a disclaimer that you cannot use a gift card to make the purchase, so combining Rakuten with GCX is usually not an option. We recommend checking both sites to see which one offers the largest discount.

Cashback / Points Credit Cards

If you are able to pay off your credit cards regularly, cash back or points-based credit cards can be a great way to save. An even better strategy is to use a credit card that earns rewards to buy discounted gift cards and stack the savings.

Stock Perks

If you are comfortable investing, purchasing cruise line stock can provide significant perks on your travel savings. Many cruise lines offer onboard credit for stockholders who hold at least 100 shares of stock.

The onboard credit is typically ranges from $50 – $250 depending on the length of the trip. If your travel companion is able to do the same, then that could result in up to $500 in onboard credit for the stateroom.

Responsible Gambling

Although we have not personally tried this, as we do not typically play in the casino during our cruises, we have been advised by a few fellow travelers that participating in table games and slots can result in comps for future cruises, leading to significant savings.

One of our friends secured a cruise for $700 less than what we were offered due to the casino comp.

We haven't been able to determine how much time and money it would take to start earning these comps, but based on our last attempt to experience this, it may require a few thousand dollars in gameplay before any meaningful comps are available.

Putting it All Together

I recently purchased $1,000 worth of gift cards through GCX for Carnival Cruise Lines at $965. Using a credit card that offers 2% cash back, I saved an additional $19.30. Depending on the length of the cruise I book, I can apply my stock perks, earning an additional $50-$250 in onboard credit.

Did we miss anything? Please share your cost-saving strategies, and we would love to put them to the test to help our fellow travelers!