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

Taking a cruise to your dream destination doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some money-saving secrets that are easy to follow and won't hinder your experience.

Although it's not much of a secret and cruise lines aren't trying to hide it, working with a travel agent is a great place to start and is a surefire way to ensure you don't overpay for your cruise or waste any time or money in the process of booking. What's more, your agent can likely score you some free perks.

If you have the flexibility to book your cruise at the last minute, there's the potential to save big. VacationsToGo.com lets you search deals on unsold cruise cabins and advertises savings of more than 80 percent.

Put those travel credit cards to work by paying for your cruise with your hard-earned rewards. Some credit cards offer a signup bonus upfront that you can use to help fund your cruise after you've spent a minimum amount within a few months.

Don't wait until the last minute to pack your bags otherwise, you could end up paying extra. Bringing along all of your personal items and toiletries means that you won't have to purchase any onboard. If you're on a tight budget, forgetting something like sunscreen can be downright frustrating.

Most cruise lines are pretty strict about guests bringing alcohol onboard but for the most part, passengers are allowed to board the ship with one bottle of unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. Be sure to check your cruise line's beverage policy in advance.

Guests can also save some green by boarding with their own non-alcoholic drinks such as sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice and milk. For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows a small quantity, which it defines as a maximum of 12 unopened cans or cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

There's no excuse to go hungry on a cruise as all passengers have access to at least one main dining room for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free food is everywhere so there's no need to be coy.

Take advantage of drink deals onboard if you plan on having more than one. For example, purchasing a bucket of beer could save you several dollars if you're with someone else or a group compared to buying each drink individually.

Staying in the know is another easy way to save money on your next cruise. Consider signing up for a few email lists to make sure the latest sales and discounts find their way into your inbox. This also ensures you're among the first to find out about potential savings.

Passengers can save a big chunk of change by booking a spur-of-the-moment spa package midway through their voyage. Take a wait-and-see approach and your relaxing massage or facial at-sea could cost half as much than if you had booked it in advance.

Save money by sacrificing on the view from your cabin by booking an inside room. The odds are you'll be spending a majority of your time elsewhere on the ship so put that extra money toward having more fun.

While booking your excursions on your own online instead of directly through your cruise line will require a bit more work, there's the potential for significant savings. Viator.com is a great place to begin your search.

If you prefer a more wide open itinerary, don't book any excursions at all and instead capitalize on some of the free offerings available to you at each port of call along the way. That includes sightseeing.

It's always wise to take lots of pictures anytime you travel but it's especially important on a cruise since many cruise lines will try to sell you on a photo package. Save the money and get your own shots, even if it means packing an embarrassing selfie stick.

Sure, bypassing the onboard casino forfeits any shot you had of disembarking the ship richer than you were when you boarded. Nonetheless, it beats kicking yourself for the duration of your voyage after you've lost the money you had budgeted out for your vacation.

It's a vacation after all. Why not unplug and enjoy an overdue digital detox? Ditching the added-on cost of Wi-Fi will ensure you spend more time outside of your cabin and likely save you the headaches brought on by a shoddy Internet connection.

Something most cruise passengers don't think about after they've set sail is parking costs. Parking your car in a lot independent of the cruise port that's slightly further away and catching a ride can save you some money if you're driving from out of town.

Save your appetite for the ship and you'll save money at each port. This is an easy one for budget-conscious travelers although passing up some of the delicious local delights may be easier said than done.

Another way to fund your vacation at sea is by paying your way with a cruise line gift card. Websites like Gift Card Granny offer select gift cards at a discount.

Cruise lines aren't shy about rewarding loyal customers so one way to save is to join your favorite company's loyalty program. For example, members of Royal Caribbean International's Crown & Anchor Society earn benefits such as onboard discounts, access to exclusive events and special offers.