Cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas doesn’t have to drain your bank account, even though this massive ship offers tempting upgrades at every turn. Smart travelers know that a little planning goes a long way when it comes to keeping cruise costs under control while still enjoying everything this Voyager-class vessel has to offer.
Here is a list of 19 budget tips that will help you sail smart and save money on your Adventure of the Seas cruise.
Book an interior cabin
Interior cabins on Adventure of the Seas cost significantly less than ocean-view or balcony rooms, and you’ll barely spend time in your room anyway. The ship offers so many activities and spaces to explore that your cabin becomes just a place to sleep and get ready.
Many interior cabins on this ship are surprisingly spacious and well-designed, making them comfortable home bases for your vacation.
Skip the specialty dining packages
The main dining room and Windjammer buffet provide excellent meals included in your cruise fare. Specialty restaurants like Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table charge extra fees that can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars for a family.
The included dining options offer an impressive variety and quality that rival many land-based restaurants.
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Choose free entertainment over paid shows
Adventure of the Seas features incredible free entertainment like ice skating shows, parades, and live music performances. The ship’s built-in entertainment venues provide world-class shows without the premium ticket prices of special events.
The production shows in the main theater rival Broadway performances and cost nothing beyond your cruise fare.
Book shore excursions independently
Research and book tours directly with local operators at each port instead of through Royal Caribbean. Independent excursions often cost 30 to 50% less than cruise line offerings and provide more personalized experiences.
Online travel forums and review sites help identify reputable local tour companies with excellent safety records.
Pack formal attire instead of renting
Formal nights require dressy clothing, but renting tuxedos or gowns onboard costs much more than packing your own. Thrift stores and discount retailers offer great formal wear options if you don’t already own appropriate attire.
Many cruise veterans recommend checking clearance racks at department stores before your trip for affordable formal wear.
Use the promenade shops strategically
The Royal Promenade shops offer duty-free prices, but compare costs with your home city first. Items like perfume and liquor cost more onboard than at your local discount stores.
The best deals usually appear during the final days of your cruise when shops want to clear inventory.
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Bring refillable water bottles
Adventure of the Seas has water fountains and beverage stations where you can refill bottles for free. Purchasing bottled water onboard costs several dollars per bottle and creates unnecessary waste.
Insulated water bottles keep drinks cold longer and work perfectly for pool deck activities.
Book repositioning cruises
Repositioning cruises occur when ships move between seasonal home ports and offer exceptional value. These longer cruises feature more sea days and significantly lower per-day pricing than traditional weekly sailings.
The trade-off of fewer port stops often appeals to travelers who want to fully experience the ship’s amenities.
Skip the internet packages
Most ports offer free Wi-Fi at cafés, libraries, and public spaces. Unless you need constant connectivity, save the daily internet fees and enjoy disconnecting from the digital world.
Many guests find that stepping away from constant communication enhances their vacation relaxation.
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Use the buffet instead of room service
Room service on Adventure of the Seas charges delivery fees plus automatic gratuities. The Windjammer buffet offers the same variety of food without additional costs and stays open most of the day.
The buffet also provides more flexibility for dietary restrictions and picky eaters in your group.
Book spa treatments on port days
Spa services cost less on port days when fewer guests use the facilities. Many passengers explore destinations, leaving the spa less crowded and sometimes offering promotional pricing.
The peaceful atmosphere on port days makes spa treatments even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Pack your toiletries and essentials
Onboard shops charge premium prices for basic items like toothpaste, razors, and shampoo. Packing these essentials saves money and ensures you have your preferred brands.
Travel-sized containers help maximize luggage space while keeping your favorite products within reach.
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Choose off-peak sailing dates
Cruises during school periods and non-holiday weeks cost significantly less than peak season sailings. Adventure of the Seas offers the same amenities year-round, but prices fluctuate based on demand.
Shoulder season cruises often provide better weather than peak times while maintaining lower crowd levels.
Take advantage of free fitness options
The ship’s fitness center, jogging track, and pool areas provide excellent exercise opportunities without paying for specialty fitness classes. Personal training sessions and yoga classes charge additional fees that add up quickly.
The outdoor jogging track offers spectacular ocean views that beat any land-based gym experience.
Book early for better cabin selection
Early bookings not only secure lower prices but also better cabin locations. Interior cabins on higher decks or in quieter areas of the ship book quickly and provide better value than lower-deck alternatives.
Experienced cruisers know that cabin location affects your overall experience as much as cabin category.
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Skip professional photo packages
Royal Caribbean photographers capture moments throughout your cruise, but photo packages cost hundreds of dollars. Bring your camera or use smartphone cameras to document your vacation memories.
Modern phone cameras produce excellent quality photos that rival professional equipment for casual vacation photography.
Research parking in advance
If driving to your departure port, research parking options beyond the cruise terminal lots. Off-site parking companies often charge 40-50% less than official terminal parking, with shuttle service included.
Many off-site lots offer covered parking and additional security features for the same or lower prices.
How smart spending creates lasting cruise memories
Adventure of the Seas proves that budget-conscious cruising doesn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment or missing out on incredible experiences. The strategies that work today mirror the same principles savvy travelers have used for decades – research, plan, and focus spending on what matters most to you.
These budget tips transform cruise expenses from overwhelming costs into manageable investments in unforgettable vacation memories. Your wallet and your vacation satisfaction will thank you for taking the time to cruise smart.
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