Many don’t realise that cruise holidays are an incredible way to get some free experiences that would cost an arm and a leg on land. Even some of the most experienced cruisers have missed out on the chance to win some impressive freebies while on board.
Luckily, one cruise expert has compiled a list of five ways to get loads of freebies during your voyage, from free spa treatments to never-before-seen jewellery. YouTuber Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers has shared some tips and tricks experienced passengers say are used by savvy cruisers but not everyone knows about.
When travelling with Norwegian Cruise, be sure to head for the art auctions which serve free glasses of bubbly. According to the flyer, passengers on Norweigan Viva were entitled to a complimentary mimosa, a work of art and a raffle entry, to be in with a chance of winning works from the likes of Peter Max and Salvador Dali.
Secondly, by not going to the spa on embarkation day to get a raffle ticket, passengers could be missing out on some exciting free experiences to make their voyage just that little bit more special.
According to Bembridge, “the draw took place just after we set sail and you have to be there to win”.
“Prizes all went to the relatively few people who remembered to turn up for it.”
Through taking part, Bembridge said he has frequently won free spa treatments in the past, simply by making sure he was there for the draw: “So many people forget to go”.
Cruises often hold various shopping events on board, where they are said to launch new lines. At these events, passengers are offered free drinks and raffles for free gifts, including new jewellery that no one else will have got yet.
Another not-to-be-missed event is the port shopping talks, particularly in Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Here, they hand out loads of freebies, ranging from stickers to bracelet charms.
According to Bembridge, “you can also go each day to the desk and collect another one, or you get the other free ones by visiting nominated stores like Effy, Diamonds International, Tanzanite International, or Delsol Color Change”.
Finally, passengers are also often invited to cocktail parties. The experienced cruisers Bembridge spoke with revealed that these parties always have plenty of free drinks and canapes available and should not be missed.
There are plenty of other ways to get freebies while onboard. In a revealing TikTok video, Tim from Cruise Tips and Chat, recommended cruise ship guests to “ask your cabin steward [for] free perks you didn’t know existed”.
If there isn’t any hair conditioner in your cabin, this is another freebie you can ask for from the cabin steward. “They will happily give you a bottle [of hair conditioner],” Tim assured. This is also true for facecloths, which once used to be standard in all bathrooms on a cruise, but are no longer mandatory.
