Are you thinking about a cruise? Then check out these hacks before you do
Cruises have a rep for being expensive but there are some tricks to get great value
BOOKING:
'My advice is always to do the following before you board! Book early (6-12 months in advance) so you get the best cabin selection and promotional perks.
'Also, use a travel agent as they often have exclusive deals, onboard credit or free upgrades. We can also advise on adult-only cruises (Virgin Cruises), best for solo travellers (NCL), reduced kids fees (MSC) for example.
'Watch for perks and promotions like free drink packages, free Wi-Fi, gratuities included and onboard credit which comes in very handy during your holiday.
'Check out kids' discounts during different times of the year to save a fortune. For example, kids go free on NCL cruises (taxes apply) and at a discount on MSC. And if you can, consider older ships or off-peak times — cruises in low seasons (like May or October) are cheaper.'
Sunway's Deirdre Sweeny has top tips
ONBOARD
'I shouldn't say this but skip the drink package! Truth is, if you won't drink around seven alcoholic drinks a day, it may not be worth it. Plus, many ships let you bring a bottle of wine per person onboard.
'Take advantage of free dining where you can, as the main dining rooms and buffets on all ships are going to be included.
'If you want to save a few euro then avoid the specialty restaurants unless it's an occasion. You will be pleasantly surprised how good the quality is of the food in the main restaurants, and it's free. DIY shore excursions will also save you money. Cruise excursions are convenient and fun, but expensive. In lots of destinations, you can explore on your own (especially in walkable cities). So, don't feel you have to do the organised day trips.
'Bring essentials on board like sunscreen, medications, seasickness remedies and toiletries. I know this sounds like an obvious thing to say, but they are expensive when needed onboard.'
NCL has fab waterslides and Virgin Cruises are perfect for couples
TALK TO YOUR AGENT
'Sunway has an offer to Miami and the Bahamas for October. There is so much to do on this cruise from the comedy club to the 10-story slidecoaster.
'We recommend NCL to clients who like flexibility because they pioneered the freestyle cruising concept. No fixed dining times, no strict dress codes, and no assigned tables— just do you.
'There's a high-tech sports floor too with mini-golf and virtual-reality games for kids of all ages. And there are spa services and ocean-view infinity pools, Broadway-style shows and five speciality dining rooms.
'If you book at the moment the fly/cruise special offer is only €1,899pp for seven nights leaving on October 5.
'The price includes return flights with checked bag, two nights hotel stay in Miami (room only), five nights cruising in an inside cabin on a full board basis with onboard entertainment and activities. That is just €271 per night with all of the above included.'
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KIDS SAIL FREE
'Look out for kids sail free options (although taxes will apply). These are on several cruise lines like NCL and Royal Caribbean. It means that children (usually age 12 or under but sometimes up to 17) don't pay the cruise fare when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. NCL offer a 4-share adult cabin with the third and fourth person paying taxes only on selected dates.
'On MSC cruises, kids 11 and under sail at a discount on select itineraries across all offers, so keep an eye on that.
'The MSC ships are super family-friendly ships with LEGO play zones, water parks, and even a chocolate bar on some ships. This is the kind of inside information that agents will advise on. The kids' discount offers are on selected dates. Again, another reason to book early as they sell out quickly.'
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MORE AT SEA 'One of our cruise providers NCL has a 'More at Sea' promo and is one of the most consistently strong offers for cruising value.
'It often includes a free open bar (alcoholic drinks included), free specialty dining, free excursions credit, free Wi-Fi, third and fourth guests sail free (on select sailings). This is great for couples, families, and groups who want flexibility and add-ons included in the fare.
'Check out the NCL Encore out of Miami (leaving February 7, 2026), which is currently selling for €733 per adult.'
River cruises are very popular
SMALLER BOATS WITH FEWER PEOPLE 'Some people like a smaller cruise experience and river cruise ships are becoming more and more popular as they hold just 100-180 passengers.
'River cruises often sail through beautiful landscapes — think vineyards, castles, historic towns and lush countryside. We have companies like AMA, APT and Uniworld who provide cruises along the Rhine, Danube or Douro Rivers.
'Food on board is top quality, there is onboard entertainment, daily excursions, fine wines, beautiful cabins — all included.'
Aquapark slide
FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE 'Honestly, the best advice is to get on the phone to chat to an agent who will have all the industry information on the best cruise line for your budget, timeline, group size and where you want to go. At Sunway we have a team available on the phones with all this knowledge who have actually been on the ships and experienced them all.'
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