Cruising is a great vacation value, but it’s easy to spend money once aboard the ship. While meals are included, there are plenty of optional expenses that can quickly tax your wallet. Here are 15 tips for saving money on your next cruise:

1. Set a budget for shipboard expenses. It’s fine to splurge a little on the ship, but firm up a dollar amount you’re willing to spend before you board the ship and stick to it.

2. Keep track of your onboard spending. Ships operate on a cashless system when you make onboard purchases, so it’s easy to run up expenses without knowing it. Bring a large 9x12 envelope and a notebook along on your cruise. Ask every member of the family to put their receipts in the envelope and write down your expenditures on a daily basis. Match these against the ship’s records so there will be no surprises at the end of your cruise.

3. Watch the alcohol. Alcoholic drinks, smoothies and some other refreshments are not included in the cruise fare. These drinks are expensive and can rack up quite a tab. Avoid alcoholic drinks on the ship – or if you must drink – check out the drink of the day.

4. Purchase soda packages. If you or your kids (or you!) must have sodas, purchase the cruise line’s soda package. Sodas are not included in the price of your cruise and are pricey if purchased individually. This is one purchase that will quickly pay for itself several times over. In addition, bring along insulated mugs so you won’t have to keep getting constant refills.

5. Make your own decorations. Celebrating a special occasion onboard the ship? Cruise lines offer add-on packages with gift baskets and decorations, but you’ll save money making your own items and bringing them onboard.

6. Curb your Internet access. Rather than buying a large package costing a hundred dollars or more, research the availability of Internet cafes in ports of call and check your e-mail there. If you must purchase an Internet package onboard, do it on embarkation day or at another time when special discounts are offered.

7. Take your own photos. Bring along a digital camera and give your family members disposable cameras. Take lots of pictures and give your cameras to your waiter or other guests to take photos. Formal photos and group shots can be wonderful keepsakes, but don’t go overboard.

8. Plan your own shore excursions. It’s convenient to purchase your shore excursions through the ship and there’s always that nagging concern about missing the boat. On the other hand, if you plan your shore excursions properly, you’ll save lots of money and will arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare.

9. Skip art auctions. Going to art auctions on sea days is lots of fun. They are also an enticing way to end up spending lots of money. Think about your needs before stepping foot on the ship and if art isn’t in the picture, don’t go to these events unless you’re confident that you’ll just sit and watch.

10. Don’t splurge at the spa. If you want to take advantage of spa treatments, wait for special promotions to be announced during port days or at other times. Once you’ve had a treatment, don’t let your relaxed state of mind make you vulnerable to buying lots of spa products.

11. Shut off cell phones. Cell service is available onboard ships, along with in-room phones. Talk with all members of your family, especially teens, before you board the ship and go over your phone rules. If you need to make cell phone calls, do so once you get in port and check with your cellular phone provider for special international packages before departing on your cruise.

12. Resist the casino. The gaming allure can be strong and the atmosphere is entertaining, but it’s easy to lose money at a ship’s casino. If you want to enjoy the casino, set a budget and stick to it.

13. Don’t be a shopaholic. Many cruise ships have wonderful stores and there’s always some sort of sale being held onboard. Resist the urge to buy items you don’t need and compare prices with those found onshore.

14. Go light on alternative dining. Meals are included as part of your cruise cost, but not those in alternative or specialty restaurants. Some of these dining venues will cost $25 per person or more. If enjoying fine dining adds significantly to your cruise enjoyment, make your reservations wisely and stick to your budget.

15. Stay off the bus. Arrange for your own transportation to and from the dock, especially if you are traveling as a group. You’re more likely to avoid tourist prices with taxis if you walk a few blocks away from the dock.
One more tip: if you’re on a tight budget, avoid the video arcades. Ship arcades are loaded with an extensive assortment of video games and attractions, but they’re not included as part of your cruise.