Stop Overpaying: 11 Genius Cruise Hacks to Score Luxury Perks on a Mainstream Budget

8. Buy smart add-ons and book specialty dining during promotions

Specialty dining, drink packages, and shore-excursion bundles often come on sale during booking windows or just before sailing. Rather than buying full-price packages onboard, look for early-booking discounts or member-only deals. Track promotions from the line and your travel agent, and compare per-item costs versus package prices for your group size. For singles or couples who rarely drink, paying à la carte may be cheaper than a full drink package. Conversely, larger groups or heavy drinkers can save with a package. When specialty dining is discounted, reserve early to secure preferred time slots. Sometimes the line offers complimentary specialty dining as part of a loyalty or promotional package—claim these when possible. Smart add-on purchasing focuses on what your group will actually use and avoids blanket buying. Thoughtful choices around dining and packages let you direct saved funds toward higher-impact luxury items, like a spa treatment or private shore tour.