Save money on drinks by taking advantage of free events on board, such as the free welcome aboard toast, on some ships this is called the captain's toast. Look for the art gallery, if your ship has one, and it's auction event. Champagne is generally complimentary and the auctions are fun to watch. In addition, the casino typically has an evening where they offer free drinks as well.
Purchase beverage packages before or at the very beginning of the cruise. Find out the deadline for purchasing these packages because they become unavailable once the vacation starts. The packages usually offer unlimited soda, unlimited wine, unlimited beer, unlimited liquor or a variety of one or more.
Avoid dining in the restaurants that are not included in the price of the cruise. These are usually known as the "signature" restaurants. Unless it is necessary due to dietary restrictions, stick to the other included food options. Most ships offer a variety of other places to eat and many ships also offer complimentary room service 24 hours a day.
Resist on-board purchasing for souvenirs and shop on dry land instead. Ask the tourist information desk at the port for the best local market or shopping area. There, you will find the best deals and can sometimes bargain with locals for lower prices. Ask only an official tourist guide for information and stay in well populated areas at all times.
Book spa treatments during port visits, when the rates are usually lower. Sometimes there will be a cancellation and a time slot may be heavily discounted. Call the spa the day before to inquire about cancellations.
Book your own shore excursion. Typically, these excursions are one of the costliest parts of a cruise. While onboard, pick an excursion at each port that interests you. When you port, ask the tourist information desk for their recommendations on those excursions and book them directly and not through the cruise.
Take some food from breakfast, which is usually a buffet, and make sandwiches to take onto land when you port. Food around the port is often expensive as the restaurants are designed to cater to tourists. Avoid those costs by packing a lunch. Most ships don't mind if you take food off the ship, they just don't allow you to bring food on board.
