Cruise vacations are a delightful experience as today’s mega-ships offer the best comfort and entertainment on the high seas. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned traveler or just embarking on your first cruise. There are a few fun ways to save money and enjoy the best amenities with easy travel hacks. We have narrowed down the top four secrets that can make your cruising experience even more fun.

Don’t go for advance booking
We understand this goes against conventional travel logic. But cruise lines are desperately on the lookout for passengers in the last two or three months before departure. This is when they will try to book and sell all available accommodation at discounted prices—a neat little trick to get a better upgrade without spending more.

Eat all you can
You might not be aware that most cruise ships don’t have a restriction on entrées, mains, and desserts in the main dining area. You can enjoy multiple servings and even ask for bigger portion sizes. Some cruise lines also offer special discounts on alternative dining options for the first night apart from the main dining hall or buffet.

While exploring different types of cuisine is a good idea, some foods can cause health issues and should be avoided to have a good travel experience. For example, you should skip raw seafood like sushi, which can cause digestive problems. It is also better to avoid squishy scrambled eggs on a cruise, as they could be prepared using powdered eggs. A healthier alternative is to order an omelet for breakfast. Similarly, to avoid viral infections and stomach issues, you should consider hygiene while choosing food and beverages on a cruise.

Don’t overpay for single drinks
Drinking is one of the most enjoyable activities apart from dining, especially on long-haul journeys. And there are a few ways you can save big on the booze by placing bulk orders. For example, go for a full bottle of wine instead of ordering a few glasses. Save with beer buckets as they are cheaper for a large group of people. Those who don’t plan on drinking too much can order a soft drinks savings card to enjoy a variety of mocktails and iced beverages at low prices.

Explore as many amenities as possible
Cruise ships today are literally “malls on seas.” From kid’s clubs to entertainment areas, shore excursions, and special dining, there are a ton of things to explore on the trip. Your ticket may not include everything or even highlight what’s available outside of the base fare. That is why you need to do a little research about the cruise liner and plan everything in advance.

Cruises usually stop at some of the most popular tourist destinations. If you’re up for a shore excursion, you can opt for a guided tour. The guided tours of the Louvre Museum and the Colosseum are places worth visiting in Europe.