Postcard Perfect Journeys
The Ultimate
The Ultimate
Cruise Savings Guide
The checklist I work through before I book a cruise
Your Progress
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Hi, I'm Karri of Postcard Perfect Journeys, a travel advisor and lifelong cruise lover. This checklist holds the money-saving tips I use on my own cruises and share with my travelers. Work through each section before you book, before you sail, and onboard. 🌊
Section 01
Book Smarter, Save Instantly
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Big oneBook early. The best cabins and early-bird fares go firstPopular seasonal sailings, like the Christmas markets, can sell out more than a year ahead
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Big oneUse a travel advisor. Many advisors, including me, cost you nothing to use. I watch my clients' fares and rebook when a better rate appearsI do not charge a planning fee. Advisors often have access to group rates and perks that are not published.
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Pro tipRe-check your cruise's price midweek. I have caught more than one drop on a TuesdaySet a Google alert for your cruise sailing to track price changes
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Easy winSign up for the cruise line's loyalty program BEFORE booking, even as a new memberSome lines give onboard credit just for being a loyalty member at booking
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Big oneAsk for a price match if the fare drops before your final payment dateMost cruise lines allow rebooking at lower rates before final payment. Check your line's date
💡 Postcard Perfect Tip
It is worth checking whether a travel advisor can beat the cruise line's own website before you book direct. I have sometimes been able to add extras like prepaid gratuities or onboard credit that were not part of the public offer.
Section 02
Slash Onboard Spending
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Easy winPre-purchase drink packages BEFORE boarding; they are usually cheaper onlineOnboard prices are usually higher than the pre-cruise sale price
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Easy winPre-pay gratuities before sailing to lock in the current rateCruise lines raise gratuity rates regularly, and prepaying protects you from increases
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Easy winBring a refillable water bottle to avoid bottled water charges that add up dailyFill up at the free drink stations; most ships have filtered water fountains
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Must doSet a daily spending limit on your onboard account to avoid checkout shockGo to Guest Services on Day 1 and ask them to alert you when you hit your limit
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Worth doingSkip the ship's spa and book port-side treatments, which usually cost lessIn the Caribbean, local treatments usually cost a fraction of the onboard price
Section 03
Score Free & Cheap Upgrades
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Big oneCall the cruise line 48–72 hours before departure and ask for "upsell rates"I ask for the "upsell rate" rather than an upgrade. That is the wording that has worked for me
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Pro tipCheck in online at exactly midnight on your check-in open date for best cabin picksSuites and balconies often open up when other passengers cancel last-minute
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Worth doingBook a "guarantee" cabin category for lower prices, and you may be upgraded automaticallyThe cruise line assigns your cabin and often bumps guarantee bookings to better rooms
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Free!Mention special occasions at check-in; birthdays and anniversaries sometimes trigger free upgradesWorth asking at the pier. The worst they can say is no
🥂 Upgrade Secret
I have had better luck calling later in the day on a weekday than first thing in the morning. Worth a try if the first answer is no.
Section 04
Shore Excursion Savings
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Worth doingCompare independent local tour operators with the ship's excursion prices before you buyRead recent reviews from other cruise passengers before you book an independent operator
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Easy winSplit excursion costs by forming groups with fellow passengers before sailingOther passengers on your sailing often organize shared tours; ask me how to find your sailing's group
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Free!Walk off the ship and explore independently at non-tender ports. It's freeResearch the port area in advance so you know exactly where to go and what's nearby
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Smart ruleOnly book ship excursions for tender ports or places with safety concernsTender ports require a boat to shore, and ship excursions get priority tender access
Section 05
Hidden Fees to Watch For
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Watch outTurn off international roaming BEFORE boarding; use ship Wi-Fi or wait for portA single day of accidental international roaming can cost a great deal in phone charges
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Must doRead your onboard account every single day and dispute errors immediately at Guest ServicesBilling errors happen. Catching them daily is far easier than disputing at checkout
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Watch outCheck if specialty dining has a "cover charge" vs. full à la carte pricing before you sit downSome ships charge a cover AND charge per item, so read the menu before ordering
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Watch outConfirm what your drink package actually covers before you boardMost packages exclude premium spirits, specialty coffee, bottled water, and fresh-squeezed juice
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Watch outCheck your cruise line's payment and settlement policies before the last nightPayment methods, holds, and any card fees vary by cruise line, and a two-minute check avoids checkout surprises
📋 Final Boarding Tip
On the last night, visit Guest Services after 9pm to review and settle your account. Lines are shortest then, and you can dispute anything calmly before the morning rush.
📋 Your Checklist Progress
Book Smarter
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Onboard Spending
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Upgrades
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Excursions
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Hidden Fees
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✅ Complete
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Seller of Travel: California CST# 2001330-10 · Florida #35395 · Hawaii TAR-6612 · Washington #603352551