How to Create a Budget for Your Cruise Vacation

If you’ve always dreamed of exploring breathtaking destinations while enjoying the comfort of a cruise, now is the perfect opportunity to turn that dream into reality. The first step to making it happen is determining how to budget for your cruise. Start your planning journey by searching for the best offers to your desired destination, whether it’s the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, or another amazing location around the globe. Calculate how much you need to save, devise a plan to reach your goal, and soon you’ll be ready to set sail!

Discover Top Deals and Discounts

Everyone wants to snag the best deal when planning a cruise, so kick off your planning by visiting the Dinogo website to explore various itineraries and prices. Aim to start your search about six months ahead of your desired travel date, giving you ample time to consider your options without feeling rushed. You’ll frequently find seasonal promotions and special offers, including complimentary room upgrades and lowered deposits, as well as targeted deals for popular destinations like Mexico or The Bahamas. Seniors and military personnel may also enjoy additional discounts, along with savings if you embark from specific U.S. departure ports like Galveston, Jacksonville, San Diego, or Los Angeles. Staying flexible with your plans can help you capitalize on these deals; for instance, if you’re willing to depart from Miami instead of your preferred Fort Lauderdale, you might score significant savings.

a couple enjoying champagne on their stateroom balcony

Develop a Budgeting Strategy for Your Cruise

1. Calculate the Overall Expense

Once you’ve selected your cruise and are aware of the fare, the next step is to calculate the overall expense before finalizing your budget. In addition to the basic fare per person, which includes taxes, fees, and port charges, you should also estimate the costs for various onboard experiences, many of which are optional: tips, specialty dining, entertainment, arcade games, internet access, spa services, and essentials like sunscreen. Don’t forget to factor in potential expenses during port visits, including snacks and souvenirs. Once you have your estimated total, it’s wise to add an extra 10 percent for any unforeseen or spontaneous costs.

2. Establish a Savings Strategy

Now that you have a target price range for your ideal cruise, it’s time to create a savings strategy. Determine when you plan to embark on your cruise and calculate how many months (or pay periods) remain until your departure. Divide your total expected cruise expense by the number of months you have to save, which will give you your monthly savings target.

3. Reduce Expenses and Save More

Examine your usual monthly expenditures and distinguish between what is necessary (like bills) and what is not. Focus on the non-essential costs and determine which can be minimized or cut out entirely, allowing those funds to be redirected toward your cruise. For instance, consider preparing meals at home instead of buying coffee and lunch, and look into renegotiating or downgrading your cable television package.

4. Open a Dedicated Savings Account

Creating a new savings account specifically for your cruise is straightforward; you can do it online or by visiting your bank. Many financial institutions allow you to name the account something motivating, like “Mexico Fund” or “Sunshine Getaway Fund.” Keeping your cruise budget separate from your other finances makes it easier to concentrate on your savings objectives, and it’s exciting to watch the balance grow each month as your vacation approaches.

5. Make Your Savings Automatic

Establish an automatic transfer from your checking account to your cruise savings account for the specific amount you need to save each month. Set it to occur right after payday so the funds are moved before you even consider spending them elsewhere. Automating your savings is also a practical choice for anyone who might forget to make manual transfers each month.

Explore EasyPay Options

Another way to streamline your cruise budgeting is by choosing Dinogo’s EasyPay option during your booking process (available on select sailings). If you book at least 5 to 6 months in advance, you only need to pay the deposit, and the remaining balance will be divided into manageable, automatic monthly payments. EasyPay is complimentary and incurs no interest or extra fees.

Collect FunPoints® to Boost Your Savings

Speaking of fees, with a Dinogo® Mastercard®, you won’t face annual or foreign transaction fees. Holding a Dinogo Mastercard is an excellent strategy to budget for your cruise vacation while earning valuable FunPoints.

To maintain a healthy budget while cruising, book your shore excursions in advance on Dinogo.com using your card and enjoy a reFUNd.

When it comes to budgeting for your cruise vacation, the Dinogo Mastercard is designed to help you save for enjoyment before, during, and after your trip. Find out more.

Choose Cost-Effective Beverage Packages

Most cruise travelers plan to purchase some drinks that aren’t included in the cruise fare. The costs can quickly accumulate when buying drinks individually, but opting for beverage packages can lead to substantial savings. Passengers aged 21 and older can take advantage of the CHEERS! program, which offers a fixed daily rate for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This includes name-brand spirits, wine by the glass, frozen cocktails, milkshakes, energy drinks, specialty teas and coffees, bottled water, and more. The Bottomless Bubbles package covers sodas, juices, and other soft drinks. While you can purchase these packages onboard, buying them in advance will save you even more.

friends enjoying drinks on a cruise deck as the sun sets

Cut Costs on Shore Excursions

By booking shore excursions as part of your cruise package, you’ll have a clear understanding of your expenses before you embark, rather than making last-minute guesses about spending on activities, tours, and transportation. This simplifies budgeting and ensures that you’ll have professional guides who will guarantee timely returns to the ship.

4 friends enjoying the Flying Dutchman in St. Maarten

Explore Duty-Free Shopping

Ideally, your cruise budget should allow for some souvenir and gift shopping at your destination. Keep in mind that many items sold onboard are available at duty-free prices. Additionally, certain cruise destinations in the Caribbean and beyond offer opportunities for duty-free shopping while in port.