Cruising is popular all year round but there are some especially good bargains available right now. Not a day goes by that cruise offers don’t clutter up my e-mail box and I advise you to jump on one if cruising is in your future travel plans. I’d like you to just be aware of these seven money-saving tips:

1. The costs given per person in all ads and e-mails trying to entice you do not include port charges and taxes. A 3-night cruise to the Bahamas may be advertised for $179 per person in an inside cabin. Your Government taxes and fees can then add another $300 per person! Suddenly, the cruise cost doesn’t sound that cheap anymore.

2. Book an interior room if you are not claustrophobic to really cut down costs. A balcony cabin for sitting outside gives an air of roominess. However, the inside cabins are surprisingly large and are you going to spend all day in the room? I hope not.

3. Think twice about shore excursions before booking with the sole exception being scuba. Shore excursions are very expensive and can usually be done on your own. I’ve paid for glass bottom boats with no fish swimming underneath. I’ve paid for snorkeling excursions over bleached coral. On another excursion, the wind had roiled up the sand and you couldn’t see a thing. Be pro-active and really decide what you must see and whether it is worth the price.

hot tubbing on the NCL Star
4. The cruise staff circulates around the decks, day and night, carrying tall and attractive glasses of whatever the “drink of the day” is, while asking, “Ma’am, would you care for a drink of …..?” These are not free! Don’t accept, take a slug and then find out it was $6.00-8.00. Ask how much first.

5. Factor in gratuities for each person. The NCL charge was $10 U.S. per day per adult, and $5 U.S. per day per child on our cruise. The staff earns and deserves every penny but it adds up. Know before you go.

6. Do not try to sneak your own bottles of liquor on board the ship. The crew is on to all the gimmicks and you are absolutely not allowed to bring your own liquor on board. They will confiscate and hold until disembarkation. Prepare to pay for all alcoholic beverages. You can pre-pay for different packages that are “such a deal.” Check them out..

7. You’ll need transportation to and from the ship. Think before automatically booking the ship’s transfer offer. Taxis at LAX Airport to the Los Angeles World Cruise Center ran a flat rate of $59 U.S. (flat rate) for up to seven persons. For two persons or less, use your ship. Their transfers may only be $25 a person. Big family? Do it yourself and pre-book a van. The lines of passengers waiting for taxis after disembarkation are horrendous.

If any of these suggestions save you money, I’m happy. Enjoy your cruise.