I know what you're thinking—this is a backpacker's site, and a luxury cruise is anything but budget traveling. That was my thought until I ran into Celebrity's cruise deals, which are an efficient and cost-effective way of seeing multiple destinations on one trip.
Imagine yourself, the typical backpacker, used to sharing a room with twelve other people, carrying a few changes of clothes, and sometimes going too long without a shower, on board a luxury cruise set to see some of the most beautiful destinations around the world by sea.
You are missing out if you've never been aboard a cruise ship. It feels like you've instantly been transported to an island, and there is no world outside of that ship.
Not every cruising experience is like the Titanic, where fancy people dress in fancy clothes and are served their every demand.
The great thing about cruises is that you can make it whatever experience you'd like! Every passenger has a different experience tailored to their type of traveler. I will tell you how I managed to still feel like a backpacker aboard a luxury Celebrity Cruise.
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How Can Cruises Be Affordable for a Backpacker?
Have you ever wanted to island hop around the Caribbean Sea or check out the Mediterranean? Well, here's a bit of reality: it's not cheap.
Flights between islands are usually expensive, as most island destinations have small airports. Boats and ferries between the islands can be few and hard to come by.
Cruising affords you the possibility to see multiple destinations in some of the most beautiful and well-maintained areas of tropical regions.
The best part is that you only have one fee, and cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises, have found a way to make their packages so affordable that they will blow your mind.
Some places in the world are impossible to travel to on an extreme budget. Cruises have changed that reality, at least a little.
Who to Bring
The first thing you need to decide after you've booked your cruise is who to bring with you. It's not completely necessary to bring anyone, but it's always comfortable to take on a new experience with a friendly face by your side.
I do not typically like to travel with others, but when on a cruise, it helps to have someone around as you're trying to meet new people. It's not always as easy as walking into a hostel and making friends with your bunkmate.
Finding other solo travelers or backpackers aboard cruises takes patience. However, if you can't find a friend to tag along, don't worry—you're bound to find friends aboard the cruise.
What to Pack
Most people suspect you cannot travel with a backpack when you go cruising. This is completely untrue. I've now gone on several cruises with nothing but a backpack.
It's true that most cruise lines have a dress code for dinner, but depending on which cruise deal you choose, the etiquette is usually very laid-back.
On the cruises I've been on, khaki shorts and a collared shirt were all that was required – hardly difficult to fit in your backpack when you're literally in your swimwear the entire week and don't need to remember nearly as many clothes as when you're backpacking regularly.
Remember sunscreen! It can be expensive (it's costly anywhere, but particularly on secluded island destinations).
Managing Excursions Cost-Efficiently
The most expensive part of cruising is the excursions, which are typically not included in the price of your boarding pass.
Don't sweat it; you're not required to spend any money on excursions. You're a backpacker, after all – when do we splurge on fancy excursions?
Isn't walking around the city and finding the alternative, more affordable ways to experience the culture what we're good at? Here's what I suggest.
Take advantage of the free food aboard the cruise ship (yes, free). Have a meal before you get off the boat and (if you're very budget-conscious) don't eat while you're at your destination.
Instead, save your hunger for when you get back on board—this usually takes no more than seven or eight hours. It's highly doable if you're focused on saving money.
If you're savvy, you may never spend a penny on excursions. Compared to other cruisers I've talked to, I hardly spent any.
Celebrity Cruises Backpacker-Friendly Budget Deals
Visit the Celebrity Cruises website for the lowest prices and the easiest way to book your trip. To cruise as a backpacker, you need some flexibility and spontaneity. Luckily, that's what we are good at.
Good luck finding a price that fits you. If done right, cruising as a backpacker is absolutely affordable and even budget-friendly.
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This story was brought to you in partnership with Celebrity Cruises.
