How do you get free stuff on cruise?

Cruises are a great way to relax and unwind, but they can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to get free stuff on a cruise, which can help you save money and make your trip even more enjoyable.

How Do You Get Free Stuff on a Cruise?

In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to score freebies on your next cruise.

1. Take Advantage of Onboard Activities

One of the easiest ways to get free stuff on a cruise is to take advantage of the onboard activities. Many cruises offer a variety of free activities, such as trivia games, dance lessons, and live music. By participating in these activities, you can have fun and potentially win prizes or giveaways. For example, Royal Caribbean offers trivia games with prizes like free drink vouchers, and Carnival Cruise Line hosts dance contests that offer free merchandise as rewards.

2. Join the Cruise Line's Loyalty Program

Most cruise lines have loyalty programs that reward frequent cruisers with perks and benefits, including free stuff. These programs are typically free to join and offer perks such as free drinks, free Wi-Fi, and free onboard credits. The more you cruise with a particular line, the more perks you'll receive. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards offers free specialty dining and priority boarding.

3. Attend Cruise Line Presentations

Many cruise lines offer presentations or seminars on topics such as shopping, spas, and shore excursions. These presentations often include giveaways or raffles, which can be a great way to score free stuff. Even if you're not interested in the topic, attending these presentations can be a fun way to learn something new and potentially win a prize. For example, Princess Cruises often hosts spa presentations with free massage vouchers as prizes.

4. Participate in the Cruise Line's Social Media Contests

Cruise lines often run social media contests, which can be a great way to win free stuff. These contests typically require you to like, comment, or share a post or to post a photo or video related to the cruise. Prizes can range from free drinks to free shore excursions, so it's worth keeping an eye on the cruise line's social media pages to see if any contests are running. For example, MSC Cruises frequently runs Instagram contests with prizes like free excursions and onboard credits.

5. Visit the Onboard Shops

While shopping onboard a cruise ship can be expensive, there are often opportunities to score freebies. Some shops offer free samples of fragrances or beauty products, while others may offer free wine tastings or giveaways. Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's worth stopping by the shops to see if there are any freebies available. For example, Celebrity Cruises often offers free skincare samples and wine tastings in their shops.

6. Take Advantage of Free Room Service

Many cruise lines offer free room service, which can be a great way to get free food and drinks. While the menu is typically limited, you can still enjoy a free breakfast or snack in your cabin. Some cruise lines also offer free late-night snacks, which can be a great way to satisfy a midnight craving. Holland America Line, for instance, offers complimentary room service with a selection of sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

7. Attend the Captain's Reception

Many cruises include a Captain's Reception, which is typically held on the first or second night of the cruise. This reception is a chance to meet the captain and other officers and enjoy free drinks and appetizers. It's worth attending, as it can be a fun way to start your cruise and potentially score some freebies. Cunard Line hosts elegant Captain's Receptions with free champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

8. Seasonal Freebies or Promotions

A cruise line may offer special cruise deals or giveaways at certain times of the year. Disney Cruise Line, for example, offers holiday-themed activities and free festive treats during the holiday season.

There are also seasonal promotions such as:

• Summer: Many cruise lines offer special deals during the summer months. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, offers free ice cream socials and poolside movie nights with popcorn.
• Spring Break: Royal Caribbean may offer family and student discounts during spring break.
• Halloween: Norwegian Cruise Line hosts Halloween parties on some ships, with free costume contests and treats for kids.
• New Year’s Eve: On Princess Cruises, you can enjoy champagne toast, party favors, and live entertainment on your New Year’s Eve cruise.
• Special Events or Anniversary Cruises: Celebrity Cruises offers commemorative gifts, exclusive parties, and free onboard credits for special events or anniversary cruises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many ways to get free stuff on a cruise, from participating in onboard activities to joining the loyalty program. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can save money and make your cruise even more enjoyable. Keep an eye out for freebies and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way – you never know what you might win or score for free!