14 tips to make the most of your cruise vacation

Dining: À la carte, specialty restaurants, or on your balcony

1. Order anything you like from the menu 
Main dining rooms on cruise ships offer full à la carte menus. Got a specific craving? A light appetite—or a big one? Or maybe you can’t decide between two tempting dishes? 

No problem! Cruise menus are flexible. Try new flavours, and don’t hesitate to sample unfamiliar dishes.

Still hungry? Order a second appetizer, dessert, or even another entrée—there’s no extra charge to your cruise fare. 

2. Book specialty restaurants at the right time 

Specialty dining venues are usually quiet during the first few evenings of your cruise vacation. That’s because many passengers haven’t yet explored the whole ship. On some cruise lines, you can even book a specialty restaurant before boarding, giving you more choice of dining times. 

Keep in mind: A small surcharge usually applies for specialty dining, but the experience is often worth it. 

3. Enjoy affordable room service 

Most cruise ships charge a small fee for room service, plus a tip for delivery. Want to avoid the service charge? Make yourself a plate at the buffet and enjoy it privately on your balcony. Perfect for a sunset appetizer or a late-night snack without leaving your stateroom. 

Drinks and beverages: How to save money

4. Maximize your drink package 

Check if your ship offers complimentary fountain drinks. Some do! In that case, you may not need to purchase a full cruise drink package for sodas, juices, specialty coffees, or bottled water. 

Purchased on board, beverage packages often cover beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Options range from classic to premium.

5. Stretch your wine over several nights 

Order a bottle instead of individual glasses. It’s more cost-effective. Didn’t finish it? The staff can save it for your next meal—even in a different restaurant. 

6. Buy beer by the bucket 

Prefer beer? Purchase a bucket of 4–5 bottles at the pool bar instead of one at a time. It’s usually cheaper, and you get to keep the bucket as a souvenir. 

7. Take advantage of happy hours and daily cocktails 

Check the daily program for discounted cocktails and Happy Hour specials.  

Good to know: Many cruise ships also offer reduced-price refills if you buy a reusable glass—plus, it doubles as a great keepsake. 

Services, entertainment & onboard perks

8. Book spa treatments at the right time 

Dreaming of a massage or facial? Book on embarkation day or during a port stop when prices are often lower. You can also use onboard credits to treat yourself—an exclusive perk offered by CAA-Quebec with select cruise lines. 

9. Use your cruise card for all purchases 

Your cruise card doubles as both your stateroom key and onboard payment method—for gratuities, drinks, the spa, shore excursions, the casino, and more. 

You’ll need to provide a credit card at check-in. No card? A cash deposit may be required. At the end of your cruise vacation, you can settle your bill with cash or card. 

10. Enjoy the view even in an inside cabin 

Turn on the TV channel that streams the view from the top deck to check the weather in real time. Some cruise lines even offer virtual portholes or balconies—bringing the outside world right into your stateroom. 

11. Save on Wi-Fi packages 

Watch for promotions before you sail. Many cruise lines include free Wi-Fi when you book your trip. Always check the number of devices allowed and the connection speed before choosing your plan. 

Good to know: Some cruise lines let you pick your perks—Wi-Fi network, drink packages, prepaid gratuities, specialty dining, or shore excursion credits. 

12. Maximize your stateroom storage space 

Cruise ship cabins are designed with hidden storage. Check under the bed, behind mirrors, or under chairs.  

Pack magnetic hooks—they stick to metal cabin walls and are perfect for swimsuits, jackets, or toiletries. Don’t hesitate to ask your stateroom steward for extra hangers. 

13. Make special requests early 

Need an extra pillow or a hypoallergenic one? Request it before boarding to ensure your comfort. 

14. Prevent seasickness 

If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication before leaving home. You can also get seasickness pills from the ship’s purser. 

You can also purchase anti-nausea wristbands before departure at the CAA-Quebec Boutique. 

Good to know: Midship cabins on lower decks move less and are less affected by waves—making them a smart choice for seasickness prevention. 

Unlock exclusive perks with CAA-Quebec

By choosing a CAA-Quebec cruise, clients can enjoy a French-speaking host service on group departures, plus a local guide for select shore excursions. Members also get exclusive benefits to enhance their cruise. 

Call on our travel counsellors to plan your vacation at sea. They know all the hidden perks cruise lines offer. Discover inspiring destinations with pro tips for a stress-free, unforgettable journey.