Do you dream of taking a cruise, but think it's not within your budget? Your dreams are about to come true, as cruising has become very affordable. One price includes all meals, accommodations, on-board activities, and entertainment. Below we will show you how to get the best deal on your cruise vacation, so stop dreaming and start sailing.

LOOK TO BOOK THE BEST DEAL:

Cruise Agency & Cruise Line web sites:
Most cruise agencies and cruise lines publicize last-minute savings on cruises. Be sure to join their email list that notifies you of special deals. These specials may not offer the the best stateroom on the highest deck, however you will find some of the best rates available at sea.

Cruise Auctions:
You need to be flexible to participate in a cruise auction. Generally these sailings are offered for specific dates and ships. Be sure to check with the individual cruise line to confirm that in fact the cruise you are bidding on is really a deal.

SAVING DOLLARS & CENTS:

Short cruises:
The very shortest cruises are usually the least expensive. There are plenty of 3 day cruises to choose from. If you can afford a bit more, you can then choose from many affordable 4, 5 and 7 day cruises.

Off season sailing:
Cruise prices can vary from week to week and month to month. Bargains can be found in the weeks prior to major holidays, as well as the last week of August through the middle of December.

Close to home cruising:
Sail on a cruise close to home and save on the cost of airfare. Ships now depart from many different ports within the US. You will cruises from Miami, Canaveral, Tampa, New York, Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, Galveston, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, & Seattle. There is sure to be a sailing departing near your hometown.

Book an interior stateroom:
Book an interior stateroom on a lower deck and save yourself plenty. Cruise lines often charge a higher price the higher up your stateroom is. By booking an interior stateroom can save you up to $100 per person on a 7 night cruise. One can safely choose a lower grade stateroom without sacrificing the comfort and amenities.

Onboard savings secrets:
Alcoholic drinks and sodas are not included in your cruise price, while drinks like coffee, tea, iced tea, and juices are free. If cocktails are something you enjoy, keep your eyes open for the cocktail of the day, as they are often at a reduced price.

Shore excursion savings:
Choose your shore excursions carefully. The cruise lines are making quite a profit from shore excursions. You can often have the same experience or better if you arrange your touring on your own. For example, you do not need a city tour organized by the ship if you are content with exploring on foot or using local transportation.

Budget your spending:
Set a budget for how much you can afford to spend while on your cruise and stick to it.

Formal attire:
Do not rent a tuxedo from the ship. Prices are far more reasonable at home, even if it means you will have to pack it.

Beware the phone and Internet:
You will spend a lot in little time! Wait until you get to port if you can. A phone call can cost you as much as $10 per minute, and the onboard internet centers charge between 50 cents and $1 per minute.

Here are guidelines for the cost of today's cruising:
Budget cruise: $75 - $125 per person, per day
Moderate cruise: $150 - $250 per person, per day
Luxury cruise: $300 - $850 per person, per day
Airfare pricing is additional, as well as port charges and taxes.

KNOW THE HIDDEN COSTS:

Shore Excursions: The cruise lines will provide you with a shore excursion book or you can view them online on the cruise line web site. Attend the port lectures that are given aboard ship, as these provide you with more details about the organized excursions that are available for sale on the ship. You may wish to sign up for some of the ship's excursions if you are not familiar with the port of call, however you also have the option to tour independently at a much less cost. Before setting sail, request free planners, maps, calendars of events and attraction brochures from the tourist boards for each of the ports you will be visiting. Most of the tourists boards have web sites as well.

Drinks: Alcoholic drinks, and sodas are not included. Some choose to save by bringing their own liquor onboard. Just keep in mind that wine brought into the dining room will incur a "corkage" fee of approximately $8-10 per bottle.

Spa: A massage can run between $60-$70. You will find many other exotic, pampering treatments available. Cruise ships have elaborate spa and salon facilities. Unless your cruise plans include this type of pampering, a word of advice is to get haircuts and manicures before leaving home. Steam and saunas are generally included in the cruise fare, though the use of therapy pools may not be.

Laundry: Laundry and dry cleaning charges on a cruise can be expensive. You may pay as much as $2.50 to have 1 t-shirt washed.

Gratuities: Most cruise lines suggest $3.50 per person per day to the dining room waiter, $2 per person per day to the assistant waiter and $3.50 per person per day to the cabin steward. You will be charged a 15% gratuity automatically to all bar tabs. If your maitre d' performs a special service, such as arranging for a birthday cake, or a special meal you will want to leave him a small gratuity as well.

Airfare: Most cruise lines offer air and sea packages that will save you the time and trouble of having to booking your own flights, however this may not be the most cost-effective choice. Searching for a discounted fare on the Internet or using your airline frequent flier miles will save you a good amount of money. If arranging your own airfare, it is always good to arrive one night early, so that airline delays do not cause you to miss your ship.

Alternative Dining:
Most of the new cruise ships offer other dining options outside of the main dining room. These specialty dining options usually have a low cost service fee of about $10 to $25 per person, however you can experience a completely upscale dining experience.

Phone & Internet Access:
Ship-to-shore telephone calls are very expensive and range from $6 to $10 a minute. Most ships now have internet centers and it is far less to stay in contact this way. Connections can run from 50 cents to $1 a minute. Beware connecting time can be slow.

Medical Treatment:
No one contemplates getting sick or having an accident, however the unfortunate can happen. Check your medical coverage before leaving home. If not covered you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind and unexpected contingencies. The ship doctor can be a very pricey experience