Cruise on a budget: money-saving tips

By Sophie Butler Published: 10:54AM GMT twenty-two February 2010

Previous of Images Next Find an pick to the�expensive half-day or full-day excursions by engagement by a in isolation association Casinos are an viewable money-spinner Photo: Corbis

The cost of a journey might embody place to live and all your food and entertainment, but that still leaves on-board extras, that can supplement extremely to the altogether cost of a trip. Ship income depends on offering costly drinks, sauna treatments, "speciality" dishes and excursions, so there are copiousness of ways in that journey companies have you piece with your cash. But being a budget-conscious cruiser doesn"t have to be a make a difference of relentless scrimping and saving here are 10 ways you can keep an eye on your bill and still have a great holiday:

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Currency sell Look for cruises charging for purchases in argent so you don"t have to compensate unfamiliar sell fees.Tipping Choose a association that includes tips in the simple cost (these embody packages offering by Thomson and Swan Hellenic, for example).Excursions Find an pick to the costly half-day or full-day excursions (that typically cost from �20 to �90 per person) by engagement by a in isolation association such as Port Promotions (portpromotions.com ) or arranging tours yourself, utilizing taxis. Dining out Consider a freestyle cruising plan, that gives a larger preference of restaurants and an pick to the ship"s dining room, at in accord with prices.Spa treatments Take value of sauna specials when the boat is in pier or at the commencement of a cruise; or get a improved cost by engagement multiform treatments at once. Drinks Consider shopping a pre-bookable drinks package (typically costing around �10 per day).Laundry bills Avoid charges of up to �5 for a integrate of shirts at the ship"s washing by utilizing the self-service launderette or seeking for deals where you get a bag of garments cleared at a cheaper rate.Essential incidentals Don"t compensate an on-board reward for small necessities, such as object thickk cream or batteries. Take enough reserve with you. Internet entrance Use onshore internet cafs rather than profitable around �10 for thirty mins for online entrance on the ship. Or ask about packages where you get some-more mins for less.Miscellaneous extras Hold behind on shopping photos and DVDs from the boat photographer it"s cheaper to organize your own. Casinos are an viewable money-spinner; not so viewable are the art auctions, where you"re since free champagne and afterwards invited to bid.Readers" questions

W P, by email, writes

I would similar to to rent an unit in Boston, in the US, for dual weeks in mid-June. Where can I find out what is available?

Sophie Butler replies

For report on the city"s accommodation, revisit bostonusa.com. Click on "Where to Stay" for a inventory of short-term furnished rentals.

F O, by email, writes

I am travelling to Cuba. What is the most appropriate approach to buy banking and outlay income once I"m there?

Sophie Butler replies

The peso is not accessible outward Cuba so take argent (in records of �20 or less) to sell on arrival. Credit cards can catch high charges so check effect with issuer. Specialist Voyager Cuba advises not to rely on income machines.

G B, from London, writes

I would love to transport the Pacific Coast Highway, but at 60 I feel nervous about driving. Are there any escorted tours that you can recommend?

Sophie Butler replies

Titan HiTours (0800 988 5800; titanhitours.co.uk) has a 16-day "California and the Golden West" debate from �1,395, room only, together with flights.

R D, from Essex, writes

Can you indicate a debate user that organises long-haul tours directed at womanlike travellers?

Sophie Butler replies

The Independent Traveller (01628 522772; eccentric traveller.com) operates holidays for women to Africa, India, Nepal and Morocco.