3 steps to an affordable, hassle-free cruise

Stick to one cruise line. All cruise lines have loyalty programs – perks could be anything from cruise vouchers to private cocktail parties or free bottles of wine. And once you prove that you’re a loyal customer, many of the big lines will allow you to skip from brand to brand within the same company and still retain your standing in their frequent-cruiser program.

Be clear what’s included in the price. Some cruises are ‘all in’, others charge separately for items such as tips, drinks, port charges and excursions, so it can be difficult to work out which is really the cheaper deal. 

If there’s a problem, simply tell someone. Cruise ships have the best customer service you’ll find anywhere in the travel industry, according to one veteran of the business. There is plenty of competition, and bad word of mouth can sink a ship. So if you don’t like the people at your table or your cabin’s too close to the disco, speak up.