All meals, onboard entertainment, movies, gym, pool area activities, accommodations, room service and the view, are all included in the basic cost of the cruise. You only have to pay for your cabin (double occupancy) in order to enjoy a budget, yet luxury vacation. Unpack once, bring alone some movies that you might want to watch on your laptop and a good book, and you have the makings of a five, star luxury vacation, on a three star budget.

Choice of a five course dinner every night, or pizza, whatever you like. Dress up for dinner, or wear jeans to the pizza bar. Go to the disco, (drinks cost extra) or sit in the lounge and sip on a glass of wine.

Regardless of how you spend your time, your biggest expense will be offshore tours, when the ship docks. You can pay for these tours in advance, before your vacation begins. In fact, signing up and paying for your offshore excursions before you depart is a good idea, because once aboard ship, the tours sell out really fast.

You will need money for extras such as tips, which is added on to your bill. Be sure to find out what the tip amount is per day, you don’t want any surprises at the end of the cruise when you settle your bill.

Ladies, can start to purchase outfits for the cruise months before the cruise date, and this plan works well for men as well. You will need after-five attire as well as dressy casual and pool side attire. If you spread out the cost for the cruise over a six to eight month period of time, the financial cost of the vacation will be more manageable.

Cruise companies, usually will allow you to pay for your cruise in installments. In almost all cases, you will need to pay the full cost of the cruise at least 60 days prior to departure.

Booking early has its advantages. You can get real bargains when you book early. If you book online with one of the major consolidated travel web sites, you have to pay the full price when you book. However, if you book your cruise with a cruise agent, he or she will initiate the installment agreement with the cruise company.

A cruise travel agent can also help you select a cabin, which will fit your budget, and can often times get you a free upgrade and, or onboard credits when you book early.