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All-inclusive indulgence, horizon-hopping itineraries and entertainment at every turn – there’s a reason more and more travellers are swapping land for sea. While the perks of life on board are easy to love, one major perk tends to sail under the radar: cruising offers exceptional value.
With accommodation, dining, transport between destinations and daily entertainment wrapped into one upfront fare, cruising makes it easier to budget – without compromising comfort or experience.
The price is all-inclusive
While the words ‘all inclusive’ often come with caveats, on a cruise they’re the real deal – accommodation, meals, transport between ports and daily entertainment are all covered. That means no hotel bills, no worrying about how much dinner is going to cost and no scrambling for train tickets or last-minute transfers.
Onboard dining ranges from buffets to luxury restaurant experiences, with nightly shows, live music, pools, fitness centres and family activities all part of the package. In many cases, you’ll only need to cover flights to and from the departure port – and if you book those in advance, you’ll score the best prices.
You can visit multiple destinations for less
Visiting three, four or even five different cities in one trip can quickly become expensive. Flights, trains, transfers, meals and hotel stays all add to the cost – not to mention the inconvenience of hotel-hopping and carting luggage through airports.
With a cruise, unpack once and wake up somewhere new almost every day. Whether it’s the Greek Isles, the Norwegian fjords or Southeast Asia’s sundrenched coastlines – everything is included in one upfront fare, with no hidden extras.
It’s easy to budget effectively
The beauty of cruising is how easy it is to plan and stick to your budget. Once you’ve booked, most of your holiday costs are already taken care of. You’re less likely to overspend once you’re onboard, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to relax.
Optional extras such as shore excursions, premium dining and drinks packages come at an additional cost but can often be pre-booked at discounted rates. Pay for these in advance and your holiday is fully budgeted before you set sail, avoiding unexpected expenses and gifting you time to completely switch off.
Some cruise lines offer complimentary excursions
If you’re a traveller who loves a good day trip, keep an eye out for cruise lines that include shore excursions at no extra charge. Luxury operators like Silversea, Azamara and Regent Seven Seas often offer immersive experiences as part of the fare. Save hundreds while embracing unforgettable experiences like guided city walks, museum visits, snorkelling safaris and cooking classes.
Even larger cruise liners are getting in on the action. Norwegian Cruise Line’s More at Sea offer includes up to US$50 shore excursion credit per port, helping reduce the cost of exploring onshore.
There are extra savings to be had
There are always ways to make a good deal even better. Cruising outside of peak season – think Mediterranean in April or Caribbean in September – can unlock major discounts. Enjoy fewer crowds, better availability and lower fares. Joining a trusted travel membership like Société by Luxury Escapes can also unlock exclusive savings and extras, from bonus onboard credit to VIP inclusions and priority access to deals.
