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11 Ways To Never Pay Full Price for a Cruise Again

Optimal Cruising
Optimal Cruising
🥈Expert
👁️ 1K views📅 7 months ago⏱️ 13:56
MSC Cruises USA logo
MSC Cruises USA
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Number 10 alone saves me hundreds of dollars per person every time I book.

I found one in December for only 500 and something a person.

I found one with a third party that saved me almost $100 per person for one excursion over what the cruise line was charging for the exact same thing.

Whatever price you find online, they're going to give you a discount off of that on board. It might be five or 10%, but that's five or 10% off the lowest deal out there.

Creator's Tips & Advice

✓Book early (18-24 months ahead) or last minute for best deals.
✓Cruise during off-season or shoulder season for lower prices.
✓Check multiple sources for price comparison before and after booking.
✓Consider repositioning or one-way cruises for low rates.
✓Book with a travel agent for group rates and perks.
✓Skip a port day to save on excursions and enjoy the ship.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow can I avoid overpaying for a cruise?
QWhat are the best times to book a cruise?
QHow can I save money on shore excursions?
QWhat are repositioning cruises and are they a good deal?
QHow can I get discounts through loyalty programs or status matching?

Topics Covered

Value Pricing3 Happy BaconLoyalty Program3 Happy BaconBooking Process3 Happy Bacon
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Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description↓

Most cruisers overpay by $600+ per booking. Here's how to stop leaving money on the table. These 11 insider strategies will help you save hundreds (even thousands) on your next cruise vacation. From secret booking windows to little-known discount programs, I'm revealing everything cruise lines don't advertise. 🌴 Plan Your Cruise Like a Pro: 🧭 Book with My Recommended Cruise Travel Agent ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11926423 🛳️ Shore Excursions Cheaper and Better with Viator ➡️ http://vi.me/xqeDJ 🛳️ Shore Excursions Group GUARANTEES You Won't Miss Your Ship ➡️ http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1806165&data=garynancyward@gmail.com 🛡️ Travel Insurance I Personally Recommend ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11454010 ⚠️ These are affiliate links, which help support the channel at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’ve used or truly believe in! 👍 SUBSCRIBE for weekly cruise vlogs, tips, secrets, savings, and reviews from our cruising family. 🎥 Watch more videos from @OptimalCruising — we’re here to help you cruise smarter, save money, and have more fun at sea! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:32 - Booking Time Matters 02:02 - Off Season 02:57 - Special Discounts 03:59 - Price Comparison 05:10 - Ownership Perks 06:22 - One Way Cruises 07:52 - Travel Agent Perks 08:52 - Skip Port Days 09:45 - Ditch The Herds 10:38 - Book On Board 12:11 - MSC Status Match 🔍 Hashtags: #cruisetips #cruisehacks #cruisedeals #FirstCruise #CruiseVlog #CruiseTips #CruiseShipLife #DayInTheLife #CruisingForBeginners #CruiseVacation #CruiseLife2025 #CruiseHacks #CruiseNews 🎶 Music Credit: Music by Gary Ward @GaryWardMusic 📢 Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!