How to Save Money on Cruises (and Save on Every Sailing)
Want to know how to save money on cruises without sacrificing the fun? The secret is stacking deals—layering cruise line promotions, casino offers, credit card perks, loyalty discounts, and travel agency bonuses to cut your cost dramatically. This guide breaks down the smartest cruise deal hacks, with real examples and step‑by‑step strategies to help you sail for less (sometimes hundreds or more less). Whether you're a first‑timer or a seasoned cruiser, these tips will help you unlock the best cruise savings possible.
How to Save Money on Cruises
Cruise pricing is flexible. Promotions overlap. And most cruise lines allow you to combine multiple types of offers as long as they don’t conflict. That means you can often stack:
Public cruise line promotions
Loyalty discounts
Casino offers
Travel agency perks
Credit card portal bonuses
Cashback extensions
Credit card protections and points
When you combine them strategically, the savings add up fast.an make all the difference.
Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
Let’s break it down step‑by‑step.
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Step 1 — Start With the Cruise Line’s Best Public Offer
30–70% off second guest
Free drinks + Wi‑Fi
Reduced deposits
Bonus onboard credit
Kids sail free
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Step 2 — Compare Prices in Credit Card Travel Portals
Step 2: Add a Credit Card Offer (Easy, Free Money)
Once you have your casino offer, check your credit card portals for:
Amex Offers
Chase Offers
Bank of America BankAmeriDeals
Capital One Offers
Citi Merchant Offers
These often include:
$100 back on a $500 cruise purchase
10% back on Princess or Carnival
$50 back on travel purchases
Extra points on cruise lines
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Step 3 — Add Casino Offers (The Most Underrated Stack)
Casino rates can slash cruise fares dramatically—even if you’re not a big gambler.
What casino offers may include:
Free or nearly‑free cruises
Reduced deposits
Bonus onboard credit
Free drinks in the casino
Learn how I booked a $325 Alaska cruise using casino offers
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Step 4 — Stack Loyalty Program Discounts
Most cruise lines offer loyalty perks that stack with public promotions.
Examples:
Past guest discounts
Free cabin upgrades
Priority boarding
Onboard credit
Tip: Even one prior sailing can unlock perks.
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Step 5 - Add Third‑Party Perks (Huge Overlooked Savings)
Travel agencies and booking partners often add:
Extra onboard credit
Free gratuities
Specialty dining
Wi‑Fi packages
Next: Save more with Points and Miles
Flights to the port
Pre‑cruise hotels
Rental cars
Airport lounges
Excursions
Best programs for cruisers
Chase Ultimate Rewards® (Hyatt + United + JetBlue + Southwest)
Amex Membership Rewards® (Delta + Air Canada)
Capital One Miles® (erase travel purchases)
Real Examples of Stacking Cruise Deals, Free Flights and Free Pre-Cruise Hotels
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Alaska Cruise How to Save Money on Cruises
We saved HUGE on our Alaska crusie thanks to a casino cruise deal, free flights to Seattle and a free pre-night hotel stay in Seattle. Check out the full breakdown →
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Caribbean Cruise $420 a Person
How I stacked a Princess Casino Cruise Deal wtih free flight to Ft Lauderdale for a 7-day cruise for $420 a person with $200 onboard credit.
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Greek Isles Cruise
We stacked a 7-day Greek Isles Cruise with a free flights to Rome and return flights from Athens. One free night in Rome on points and two free nights in Athens to make a dream trip come true!
Learn more about my personal cruise agent, Mary Kennedy
I share this with you because she really is the best! (not sponsored or an affiliate)
Don’t Forget These Extra Stackable Perks
1. Military, teacher, or first responder discounts
Some lines allow you to stack these with casino offers.
2. Referral bonuses
Virgin Voyages and MSC often run referral credits.
3. Travel insurance from your credit card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Reserve® may offer excellent coverage.
4. Gift card stacking
Buy discounted cruise line gift cards through:
Raise
Costco
Amex Offers
Bank offers
Then use them to pay your taxes/fees.
Ready to Start Stacking Cruise Deals?
Use these tools, cards, and strategies to save hundreds on your next sailing.
FAQs About Stacking Cruise Deals
Can you stack multiple cruise deals at once?
Yes. Most cruise lines allow you to combine public promotions, loyalty perks, casino offers, and travel agency bonuses.
What’s the easiest way to get free onboard credit?
Casino offers and travel agency perks are the most reliable sources of bonus OBC.
Do casino rates stack with credit card perks?
Yes—casino rates usually stack with credit card insurance, points, and cashback tools.
Is it cheaper to book directly with the cruise line?
Not always. Travel agencies often add extra perks that the cruise line won’t.
About Julie
Hi, I’m Julie — and I believe travel shouldn’t be expensive or confusing.
I started No Point Left Behind to help families and everyday travelers use points, miles, and cruise hacks to see more of the world for less. I share real trips, real strategies, and real wins — all explained in a simple, beginner‑friendly way.
Whether you want to cruise smarter, book free flights, or finally understand how points work, you’ll find everything you need here.
Let’s make your next trip your smartest one yet.