Budgeting Tips for a Cruise to Niue
A small and exclusive destination like Niue has very few ways of getting there: just two flights a week and less than five cruise liners. With that, getting to Niue isn’t cheap but there are certainly ways to make it cheaper. If you want to visit Niue as part of a South Pacific cruise, then this guide will show you how to get a good deal on a cruise to Niue.
4 Quick Tips to Save Money on a Cruise to Niue
Before we talk about getting a good deal on a cruise to Niue, here are a few ways to save money on a cruise. While a small selection of cruises has Niue on the itinerary, these cruises also come with a bunch of unnecessary costs that you can save significantly on if you’re on a budget.
- Get New Zealand Dollars for Niue before your cruise; not on the ship
- Buy souvenirs in Niue; not on the ship, where you’ll get something cheaper and more authentic
- Don’t tip too much onboard, as many cruise ships have gratuity included in their prices
- Some onboard activities are cheaper on shore days than on sea days
For much more tips along with all of the details, see the 15 Tips to Save Money in Niue.
(c) Pxhere.comHow to Save Money on the Cruise Rate
How can you shave the cents off the standard rate of your cruise? Let us share a few ideas with you…
Selecting the Right Time and Place
First, it sometimes pays to be flexible with your cruise dates. Despite cruises being on sale for a whole year before the departure date, some of the best deals can be found in the final weeks leading up to departure. You’ll find some cruise liners drop their prices around the six-week mark before the cruise departs. Of course, there are a few disadvantages to this method, including the fact that you might miss your dream sailing if the cruise gets sold out or you might be left with only the least desirable rooms to choose from. Speaking of which…
If you have more of a mantra of being out and about, experiencing more of the ports of call and the public areas of the ship rather than staying in your room, then you will have no problem choosing an interior room. Interior rooms are the cheapest rooms on the ship, which is where you’ll make the biggest saving on your cruise ship rate guaranteed.
The last “place” where you can be saving money on the cruise rate is by choosing the cheapest destination to embark on the ship. For instance, Silversea’s South Pacific Islands Cruise is much cheaper if travelling from Lautoka (Fiji) to Papeete (Tahiti) than the other way around despite it being essentially the same trip but in reverse. Be sure to check all possible routes with your chosen cruise liner for the best deal.
Bargain for a Deal or an Upgrade
It doesn’t hurt to bargain for a better deal or an upgrade, especially if you are booking a cruise through a travel agent. Cruises are travel agent’s most profitable products so they often have a little bit of room to play with upgrades and discounts. Get more tips for negotiating with your travel agent in the 10 Things to Ask Your Travel Agent When Booking a Trip to Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comHow to Save Money on Cruise Excursions
Paying the cruise rate is just the beginning. There are many other expenses associated with cruise travel including activities both onshore and onboard.
Saving Money on Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are where cruise ships have the biggest markup, and it has been reported that some cruise ships increase activity prices by a whopping 300%. With that in mind, it’s usually much cheaper to book activities independently than through the cruise.
Now, this is the part where we usually recommend you book through Viator or directly through accommodation websites. However, Niue is a bit behind the times with most activity operators only reachable by phone or Facebook Messenger. Get tips for booking tours independently in our guide, How to Book Tours & Experiences in Niue, and see what pricing to expect in How Much Does a Trip to Niue Cost?
Free and Cheap Activities in Alofi
Public transport is close to non-existent in Niue, so without a car, you’re options for exploring Niue on-the-cheap is by making the most of the port of call, Alofi. Never fear! Alofi has its own array of free and cheap attractions to explore where no transport is needed.
Free things to do in Alofi include visiting historical sites and whale-watching lookouts, like Tomb Point and Opaahi. Alofi has around nine short sea tracks with reef walks, snorkelling spots and stunning coastline. During cruise days, the Niue Market is usually alive and bustling with local crafts and food, and the list goes on in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Alofi.
(c) Niue TourismHow to Save Money on Food
While some cruises include meal plans, most have a restaurant or two onboard where you’ll simply pay as you go. Nevertheless, there are always ways to save money on food when on a cruise to Niue.
Look into Food and Beverage Packages
During the booking process of your cruise, you’re likely to find that there are food and beverage packages available. These often act as credit for food and drinks on the ship. Assess your needs first, for instance, are you really going to spend AU$550 on drinks for two people? If you think a food and drinks package is going to save you money, then buy the package on the second, third or fourth night of your cruise. The further through the cruise you go, the more the food and drink packages are discounted.
Eat Onshore
Alofi might only have a small selection of restaurants and cafes, but they are bound to provide something much cheaper than what’s available on board. Take every opportunity to eat onshore during shore days, especially in Niue where we have all of The Top Cheap Eats in Niue listed. For more restaurant options see The Best Places to Eat in Alofi: 15 Best Restaurants.
More About Saving Money on a Cruise to Niue
That’s it for our guide on how to get a good deal and save money on a cruise to Niue. For more cruise advice, take a look a the following:
- The Cruises That Visit Niue
- The Guide to Ports of Call in Niue
- The Best Time to Go on a Cruise to Niue
Finally, bookmark the Niue Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Niue Cost? for its full budget overview, as well as The Backpacking & Budget Guide to Niue for more money-saving advice.
