Travel expert reveals cabin hack to save thousands on a family cruise
Cruise season is under way in Australia, and as the cost-of-living continues to bite, holidaymakers are looking for bargains.
Travel expert Sami Lukis, who recently went on her first cruise, said a cruise can be a great value for money getaway - and there are often sales on too.
"If you've got a family, four or five people, holidays get expensive, but with a cruise you can get some good deals and you can get some serious bang for your holiday buck on a cruise, particularly with the family," Sami tells Weekend Today.
Watch the video above.
Travel expert Sami Lukis, who recently went on her first cruise, said a cruise can be great value for money. Nine
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Best cruise deals right now
The best offers on right now include one from bucket-list worthy Disney Cruise Line. It has up to 30 per cent off cruises sailing from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. And if you're into Disney but not a fan of kids, there are adult-only areas.
You can also get 25 per cent off Princess Cruises. The offer runs until December 12.
Family-favourite Carnival Cruises also has various offers.
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Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2025/2026 season. Supplied/Disney
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Themed cruises you can try
Meanwhile if you fancy joining a bunch of like minded people who are all passionate about the same thing, there are plenty of themed cruises on offer.
"There's Elvis cruises, there's cruises for cat lovers, there's bougie cruises for food and wine lovers," Sami says.
"There was a Golden Girls cruise last year. Lots of Taylor Swift cruises this year that coincided with the Eras tour."
Themed cruises from Australia include Cunard's Australia Literature Festival at Sea cruise in December. You can meet famous authors while sailing to Tasmania.
Disney also has special Christmas-themed cruises for the ultimate celebration.
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There are also 80's cruises from P&O Australia. Supplied
Cruise tips for first-timers
Meanwhile Sami said first-timers should do their research before getting onboard.
Find out what is included in your package, such as Wi-Fi, and always download the cruise company's app before you go as you'll need it.
"If you are worried about getting seasick, you should probably book a balcony cabin in the middle of the ship," she says.
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"If you're a light sleeper, make sure your room's not next to the elevators or above the nightclub.
"And for families you might want to consider instead of getting side by side rooms, put mum and dad in a balcony cabin.
She said having your older kids in cheaper inside cabin is a big way to save money.
"Instead of having the kids next door, put them in a less expensive cabin across the hall, they're not going to be in the room," she advised, adding kids will mostly likely be enjoying the waterslides or free ice cream anyway.
Nine/Tara Blancato
