How I Saved Big Money on My Alaska Cruise — And You Can Too !

September 9, 2025

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How I Saved Big Money on My Alaska Cruise — And You Can Too !

Real Traveler Tips to Stretch Your Cruise Budget

I’ll be honest — when I first started looking at Alaska cruises, I almost fell off my chair at the prices.

Unlike Caribbean cruises, Alaska sailings come with a hefty price tag… but they also offer some of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve ever had.

After a few trips (and a few mistakes), I’ve learned how to make the most of my Alaska cruise budget without sacrificing the adventure.

Here are my tried-and-tested money-saving shortcuts — all learned firsthand or shared by fellow cruisers I’ve met along the way.

1. Skip the Balcony — And Here’s Why I Don’t Miss It

I know, I know… an Alaska balcony cabin sounds dreamy. However, after realizing I spent most of my time on the open decks.

I started booking inside cabins or oceanview rooms instead — and saved $700–$ 1,100 per person every time.

Here’s what works for me:

Inside cabins give me the biggest savings.
Oceanview cabins offer natural light and cost less than balconies.
The best glacier views are from public decks anyway!

👉 My Tip: I save on the cabin and use the extra cash for shore excursions — where the real Alaska magic happens.

2. Save Big on Shore Excursions — How I Do It Every Time

I’ve learned that shore excursions can wreck your budget if you’re not careful. Helicopter tours sound amazing… until you see the $500+ per person price tag.

Here’s how I keep it affordable:

Book with trusted third-party providers like Viator — they’re often 15–25% cheaper than cruise line tours.
Double-check reviews and make sure there’s enough time to get back to the ship.
Explore independently when possible. Ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka are perfect for DIY sightseeing.

👉 True Story: I saved 35% on a whale-watching tour in Juneau by teaming up with fellow cruisers from our roll call group.

3. Book Your Cruise in the Shoulder Season — My Favorite Timing Hack

The first time I cruised Alaska, I made the rookie mistake of going in July — peak season — and paid top dollar.

Now, I always look at May or September, the so-called shoulder season.

Here’s why it works for me:

Cruise fares are often 20–30% cheaper outside peak season.
May usually offers drier weather and fewer crowds.
September brings stunning fall colors — and sometimes even a glimpse of the Northern Lights!

👉 Real Example: A friend in my cruise group saved nearly $700 by sailing in early May instead of July — and still saw whales and stunning glaciers.

4. Book Early or Watch for Deals — Timing Is Everything

I’ve booked cruises both early and last-minute, but with Alaska, I find that booking early usually wins.

Here’s my booking game plan:

12–18 months out: I book early to grab the best prices and perks.
January–March (Wave Season): I look out for deals like free upgrades or onboard credit.
Repositioning Cruises: I once grabbed a bargain on a one-way sailing at the start of the season — amazing value if you don’t mind flying home from a different port.

👉 Pro Tip: I sign up for cruise line emails so I never miss a flash sale — it’s how I scored free onboard credit last time.

5. Don’t Blow Your Food Budget in Port — My Favorite Onboard Hack

Alaska’s port towns have amazing food… but also eye-watering prices. The first time I sat down for lunch in Ketchikan, I was shocked at the bill. Now, I plan ahead.

Here’s what I do:

Eat a full meal on the ship before heading out.
Pack snacks like protein bars and trail mix for quick energy on shore.
Bring a reusable water bottle — I fill it up before I leave the ship.

👉 Bonus Thought: I skip drink packages on Alaska cruises. The scenery is intoxicating enough for me, and I’d rather save that money for experiences.

6. Shop Around for Travel Insurance — Don’t Overpay Like I Did

I’ll admit it — I used to just click “yes” on the cruise line’s travel insurance. Then I found out third-party plans often give better coverage for less money.

Here’s what I do now:

Compare policies online before I book
Make sure the policy covers Alaska-specific risks (like flight delays or medical emergencies in remote areas)
Choose a provider that specializes in travel insurance

👉 My Advice: Spending a little time shopping around saved me serious cash, and gave me better peace of mind.

7. Pack Smart — How I Avoid Overpriced Onboard Purchases

I’ll never forget the time I forgot my gloves on an Alaska cruise… in July! And yes, I paid triple the price for a pair at the ship’s gift shop.

Now, I make sure to pack:

8. Use a Local Cruise Travel Agent — They’ve Hooked Me Up with Sweet Deals

I used to think booking online was the cheapest way to go… until a local cruise agent scored me an onboard credit I couldn’t get for myself.

Here’s what a good agent can offer:

Group rates and exclusive perks I can’t find online
Inside info on Alaska-specific deals or upgrades
Personal service — they handle price drops and changes for me

👉 Real Story: My agent once got me a lower price on the same cruise I’d already booked when the fare dropped — and I didn’t have to lift a finger.

9. Maximize Glacier Viewing Days — For Free!

I used to think I needed a balcony for glacier days… until I discovered that the best views are often from the open decks.

Plus, the crew sometimes surprises guests with hot drinks on those early mornings.

Here’s my glacier day strategy:

Wake up early to claim a spot on the bow or upper deck
Bring a hot drink and dress warmly
Attend free enrichment talks by the onboard naturalist — they explain everything I’m seeing
Rotate between decks for different views

👉 Bonus Memory: On Glacier Bay day, I grabbed a spot at 5 AM and ended up sipping complimentary hot chocolate while watching the ice calve — priceless, and it didn’t cost a cent.

10. Set a Souvenir Budget — And Actually Stick to It

Alaska ports have some of the coolest art, crafts, and local goodies I’ve ever seen… but they’re not cheap.

I learned to:

Set a spending limit before I cruise
Focus on meaningful, small items like handmade crafts or photos
Skip the big-ticket souvenirs (I’ll cherish a handmade ornament more than a pricey carving)

👉 Real Talk: I still bring home something special — I just don’t let the souvenir shops blow my budget.

11. Watch for Kids Sail Free & Special Promotions — I Love These Hidden Deals

I’ve always thought of cruise promotions as marketing fluff… until I started actually paying attention.

One of my friends booked her Alaska trip using a “Kids Sail Free” promo and saved a fortune.

Here’s how I find the best offers:

Look for cruise line promotions like Kids Sail Free, 2nd Guest at 50% Off, or Free Onboard Credit
Sign up for email alerts from cruise lines — sometimes, they drop exclusive deals straight into your inbox
Keep an eye on the wave season (January–March) for the biggest sales

👉 My Tip: I once booked during a flash sale and got a free specialty dining package — just because I opened a promotional email in time!

12. Book a Future Cruise Onboard — My Favorite Long-Term Hack

This tip is a hidden gem most new cruisers don’t know about. When I’m onboard and loving the cruise, I swing by the future cruise desk and:

Put down a small deposit for a future cruise
Lock in special rates, perks, or onboard credits
Sometimes even get extra discounts on rebooking

And the best part? I can often transfer the booking to my travel agent later and stack the benefits.

👉 My Advice: If you know you’ll cruise again, this is like giving future you a big discount — I’ve done this three times now, and it’s always paid off.

13. Use Credit Card Points — My Secret Weapon for Cruise Savings

One of my favorite cruise savings hacks? Using my travel reward credit card points toward cruise costs.

Here’s how I make it work:

Use my travel card all year for everyday purchases
Redeem points for cruise fares, airfare, or even onboard credits
Check if my card offers cruise bonuses or cashback perks

👉 Bonus Thought: My last Alaska cruise was partially paid for with points, and it felt great knowing I saved while still getting the full experience.

Full Money-Saving Tips Recap Table

Shortcut	Why It Works
Skip the Balcony — And Here’s Why I Don’t Miss It	Inside or oceanview cabins save $500–$1,000+ per person, and the best views are from the open decks anyway.
Save Big on Shore Excursions — How I Do It Every Time	Booking with trusted third-party providers or exploring on your own cuts excursion costs by 15–30%.
Book Your Cruise in the Shoulder Season — My Favorite Timing Hack	Cruising in May or September can save you 20–30% compared to peak season prices.
Book Early or Watch for Deals — Timing Is Everything	Booking early or during wave season helps secure lower fares, perks, and upgrades.
Don’t Blow Your Food Budget in Port — My Favorite Onboard Hack	Eating on the ship and packing snacks helps avoid expensive port restaurant bills.
Shop Around for Travel Insurance — Don’t Overpay Like I Did	Third-party travel insurance often offers better coverage for less cost than cruise line policies.
Pack Smart — How I Avoid Overpriced Onboard Purchases	Packing essentials like gloves, layers, and binoculars saves you from overpriced onboard or port purchases.
Use a Local Cruise Travel Agent — They’ve Hooked Me Up with Sweet Deals	Travel agents offer perks, group rates, and help you snag price drops — often at no extra cost.
Maximize Glacier Viewing Days — For Free!	The best glacier views are from the ship’s deck — early risers score the best spots without paying extra.
Set a Souvenir Budget — And Actually Stick to It	Pre-setting a souvenir budget prevents impulse spending and keeps shopping meaningful.
Watch for Kids Sail Free & Special Promotions — I Love These Hidden Deals	Cruise lines offer promotions like Kids Sail Free, bonus perks, and onboard credits that can save hundreds.
Book a Future Cruise Onboard — My Favorite Long-Term Hack	Onboard bookings often come with reduced deposits, extra perks, and future onboard credits.
Use Credit Card Points — My Secret Weapon for Cruise Savings	Redeeming travel rewards or cashback points can offset cruise costs or earn bonuses.