Money-Saving Secrets the Cruise Lines Don't Want You to Know

While cruising has long been considered an affordable travel option for singles, couples, and families, certain strategies can help you save even more. Check out these insider secrets that can help you pay less or score free perks with your next cruise.

Cruise lines may not advertise their beverage policies, but many let you bring a few bottles or wine or champagne on board the ship. For example, Carnival Cruise Line lets you bring one bottle of champagne on board during embarkation. With drinks on the ship as pricey as they are, you should absolutely bring all the booze you can from home.

If you already booked your cruise and a better offer or special deal comes along, you can usually rebook as long as your cruise it outside its cancellation window. If you have a cruise booked on the MSC Divina or MSC Seaside and it's more than 90 days away, you could rebook now to take advantage of their new "Drinks On Us" package.

Many cruise lines reduce cruise fares for cruises left with empty cabins at the last minute. You can search special deals and last-minute offers on VacationstoGo.com using their famous 90-day ticker. This website pools all the unsold cruise cabins in one place and can help you save up to 82 percent.

Cruise lines may not care how you pay, but this secret can help you save 100 percent off! By signing up for the right combination of travel rewards cards and earning a few signup bonuses, you can potentially get your entire cruise fare covered for free.

If you're frustrated with small portions in the main dining room, don't forget that you can order as much food as you want. Ask for two starters, two bowls of soup, or two different main courses. It's all included so you can order double and get away with it.

If you don't like your meal or just want more, don't forget that your cruise probably offers a few buffets that serve food most of the day. This means you can eat a huge dinner but still go back for fourth meal, late night snacks, and as much food as you want!

Some cruise lines offer drink packages that let you drink for free only in certain situations, such as the main dining room. Since cruises don't have rules regarding open containers, don't forget that you can ask for another drink before you leave an area where drinks are free and take it elsewhere.

Just like at many other bars, some cruises let you save on liquor when you buy in bulk. Many times, you can score a 6th beer for free when you buy a bucket of beer at once. When drinks are expensive, those free beers can add up!

Some cruise lines let you bring your own soda on board. Carnival lets you bring 12 unopened, sealed cans of soda, juice, or milk per person on embarkation day. Remember that bringing your own can help you avoid buying soda on the ship, and that means savings.

Most cruise ships have spas that offer massages, facials, and more. If you plan to book a treatment, wait until at least halfway through your cruise to see what the ship will offer. Many times, spa prices drop as much as 50 percent for certain massages, facials, and spa packages.

While it's easy to assume you can get the best deals by shopping for a cruise online, not so fast. Not only can travel agents help you find the lowest price available, but they are often able to offer extra perks like cabin upgrades and onboard credits.

If you have some time to spare, you can save on your cruise by playing the gift card game. Use discount gift card websites like Gift Card Granny and Card Pool to buy gift cards for your favorite cruise line at up to 15 percent off.

You can upgrade to an ocean view or balcony cabin with more space and better views, but should you? Since you're rarely in your cruise cabin during a cruise, it's wise to book an inside room and pocket the difference.

It's possible to book cruise excursions directly with your cruise line, but you can often book the same excursions for considerably less online. Use a website like Viator.com to compare prices and read reviews on popular cruise excursions you can book out of dozens of cruise ports worldwide.

Also remember that you don't have to book anything. While you can fork over hundreds of dollars per person for a city tour or snorkeling trip, most cruise ports offer some free things to do right off the ship. You may be able to walk to a beach, go shopping, or do some sightseeing on your own.

While it may be tempting to have a delicious meal at each cruise port you stop at, don't forget that your cruise food is free. Eat as many meals as you can on the ship to keep the total costs of your trip as low as they can go.

Some cruise lines offer discounts to members of their loyalty programs. Once you become a member of MSC Cruises Voyager's Club, for example, you get 5% off any cruise you book, 15% off select cruises, and a slew of additional perks.

Signing up for cruise line email lists is smart way to find out about new sales and discounts. Some sales are only offered for a limited time for a limited number of guests, meaning that finding out first can help you score deals other people miss out on.

While you can buy medicine and toiletries once you're on board your ship, you can save a bundle if you don't have to. Plan to bring along most personal items you think you'll need, from shampoo and conditioner to deodorant, lotion, and medicine for motion sickness. Also, don't forget the sunscreen!

Cruises are notorious for having you line up for pictures in front of carefully chosen backgrounds so they can turn around and upsell you later. Even if you like the photos, they are typically expensive. Take plenty of photos on your own and you can ship the photo package altogether.

Many cruise ships offer specialty restaurants with upscale cuisine or unique culinary experiences. You can pay extra for these experiences, but you certainly don't have to. Most regular cruisers are happy skipping the dining upsell and noshing on endless food in the and buffets instead.

Your ship's casino may be sold as the ultimate destination for adults-only fun, but it's more like a money pit. Remember the house always wins in the end, and you'll be a lot better off. Instead of trying your luck in the casino, take in one of your ship's Broadway-quality shows instead.

Internet and wi-fi access are some of the most expensive add-ons for your cruise even though they rarely work well, which is why you should skip the upcharge if you can. Unplugging while you sail the seas will let you truly relax and get away from work for a while. Trust us, your emails will be waiting for you when you get home.

Search the internet for independent parking lots that may be further away from the cruise port but cost up to 50 percent less, then Uber to the cruise port. You can also save big by parking at airport hotels that offer long-term parking, some of which offer a shuttle to the cruise terminal.