7 easy ways to save money on a cruise vacation

Going on a cruise can be a value-packed vacation option if you plan carefully.We asked a cruise expert for her best travel hacks to save you money on your next cruise vacation.Read her seven best pieces of advice below.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Vacationers are turning to cruises in record numbers — nearly 26 million people worldwide went on a cruise in 2018, a higher number than in any other year.With so many cruises come opportunities for saving money. Cruising can be a value-packed vacation option, as your accommodations, most meals, and most entertainment and ship facilities are included.But between flying to your departure city and dealing with the inflated prices of peak travel season, it's easy to spend more money than you need to on your vacation.Experienced cruisers sometimes wait for last-minute cabins, plan a cruise they can drive to, or book sailings during off-peak times of year when demand drops.We asked Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the review site Cruise Critic, for her best travel hacks for saving money on a cruise vacation.Here are seven of her best tips to enjoy your next cruise for less money.