Smart cruisers have a few strategies under their sleeve for saving money on cruise rates; this is because the more money they save, the more often they can travel. Nevertheless, there is one thing that frequent cruisers like to do, which is an option for saving money that many first-timers aren't even aware of.

What's the catch? When you are already on board a cruise ship, you can make reservations for a future cruise.

You might have come across a reference to this kind of booking as a "next cruise" or a "future trip" in a social media cruise group or in an advertisement that was displayed on board a ship. Because it is much simpler to persuade you to book another fantastic vacation while you are blissfully enjoying your relaxed holiday and never wanting it to stop, nearly every cruise company offers a way to accomplish so. This is because it is much easier for them to persuade you to book another fabulous trip. In addition, people who are already in the vacation mindset already have their wallets open and are prepared to spend money on more enjoyable activities.

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What are the benefits to the cruiser? Less expensive deposits, rates or reductions that are more competitive, and gifts of an onboard credit. In other words, savings ought to result in your upcoming holiday costing less money.

You may be curious about whether or not this tactic has any potential negatives, or whether or not it really would put free money in your pocket. I investigated the procedure to learn how it operates on the majority of the big cruise companies as well as what you stand to gain or lose as a result.

This guide will walk you through all you need to know to book a future trip while you are on your current ship.

The fundamentals of planning your subsequent cruise while you are still on your present one.

On most large ships, there is a dedicated office or desk for future cruise booking, and this area is typically situated in a high-traffic area of the ship. In many cases, you will be required to make an appointment with a consultant to go over the terms and circumstances of the booking as well as the savings that are currently being given.

On select ships, the consultant may offer you to participate in a special preview event of upcoming new ships or itineraries, and you might get the chance to go. This can be done in a more intimate environment with a smaller group of people or a more open concept setting with a bigger group in a lounge area on board.

You should expect to be offered a reduced cruise cost, onboard credit (often in amounts that are greater than what you can obtain elsewhere), and a deposit that is lower than is typical. You might even have access to cabin inventory that isn't yet available to the general public, even on brand-new ships, like when you book your cruise via us.

If you booked the cruise, you are currently on through a travel agent, the booking for the subsequent trip will be transferred immediately to the same agent. Although there may be a time limit for adding an agency with some cruise lines, the consultant will be able to set it up for you even if you booked directly with the cruise line in the past and now want to use an agent when you book in the future.

Certain cruise lines will allow you to make an "open" deposit, which means that the money won't be applied to a particular trip. Some cruise lines make it simple to pay an open booking deposit via the Royal Caribbean cruise app or by filling out a straightforward form and bringing it back to the future cruise desk. This is beneficial for passengers who do not wish to spend their valuable cruise time listening to sales pitches.

Related: All the information you need to know about cruise payment plans and how to pay for a cruise

You must have a thorough understanding of the terms and conditions before making a reservation for a future cruise during your vacation. Deposits are often nonrefundable, which means that if you change your mind and decide not to go on the cruise that you booked, you can lose the money that you put down as a deposit. There is a cutoff date for open reservations, after which you will no longer be able to book a cruise and use the onboard deposit. If you miss that deadline once more, there is a chance that you will forfeit the deposit.

If you make changes to your reservation while you are on board, your reservation may return to the standard rate that is in effect at the time of the change, which may be a greater sum than what you paid while you were on board.

Every cruise operator has a slightly different system for managing reservations onboard its ships. The following is a list of what the major cruise lines have to offer in terms of booking your future voyage while you are already on board.

The Next Cruise programmed offered by Royal Caribbean International

The current promotion being offered by Royal Caribbean allows you to earn an onboard credit worth up to $600 (depending on the voyage you book) for as little as $100 (non-refundable), which you may apply against your next cruise. You have the option of depositing $150 if you would like the deposit to be refundable.

A $200 payment is required for open bookings. Deposits made for open bookings are non-refundable, but you have an entire year to decide which cruise you want to go on. You can make an open booking by using a drop-off form or the cruise app. Both of these options are available to you. You have the option of reserving up to three staterooms for yourself, friends, or family members, each of which comes with the same perks.

The NextCruise programme can also be used in conjunction with the instant certificates offered by Casino Royale. These certificates are awarded when specified levels of casino play are achieved while on a cruise. You may become eligible for a bonus offer if you first earn a certificate, then pay a deposit towards a future voyage, and then complete the cruise.

The majority of the time, the bonus takes the form of free casino play added to your subsequent cruise. You don't want to miss out on this opportunity simply because you didn't deposit with NextCruise because, in some instances, these bonuses can even be free cruises. Earning the bonus is possible with any deposit, including open reservations made through the mobile app. See the casino host when you're on board the ship if you want more information regarding immediate certificates (including whether or not you already have one).

Related: I was able to receive a "free" cruise by gambling on board, and here are the costs involved as well as some advice on how to get comped

The Next Cruise programmed from Royal Caribbean has the best feature in my opinion.

The greatest offer in the business, consisting of a $600 onboard credit (depending on the length of the trip, number of passengers, and cabin category), is one of the highest deals available. This sum may be put towards the purchase of beverage packages, specialty dinners, Wi-Fi, or even items from the onboard gift shop.

Fine print

Even though your open-booking deposit is good for an entire year, the dollar-off or onboard credit offers are only available if you select your trip within the first two months of making the deposit.

Carnival's Future Cruise Vacation programmed.

If you are interested in learning more about booking a future cruise vacation with Carnival Cruise Line, you can speak with an Adventures Expert while you are on board the ship. However, the cruise line also makes it simple for you to handle all of the arrangements on your own through the FunHub app or online. You will receive Early Saver rates, which include price protection and upgrades, as well as a discount of up to fifty dollars per stateroom and up to one hundred dollars per suite in the form of an onboard credit.

The greatest advantage of participating in Carnival's Future Cruise Vacation programme is because.

In addition, Carnival has a programme called Welcome Home that enables past passengers to take advantage of special deals for up to four weeks after they have returned from a cruise vacation. There is no need for you to worry about making decisions while you are on your vacation. You can wait till you are unpacking your belongings and wishing you were still on board enjoying the delicious meals and exciting activities.

Fine print

The FCV offers cannot be combined with any other current or future promotions. Because of this, you will not be able to combine the onboard credit you receive from an FCV with the loyalty programme status offers you receive from the VIFP or any other special pricing classes.

The Cruise First and Cruise Next programmed are offered by NCL.

Even if you've never been on a cruise before, you may take advantage of Norwegian Cruise Line's innovative CruiseFirst programme and put down a deposit online for a vacation in the future, even if you've never been on one of their cruises before.

Deposits made with CruiseFirst are only accepted for trips that are at least six nights long and set sail at least one hundred and twenty days after the initial purchase. You have the entire three years to make your decision and embark on your cruise. You have the option of purchasing a CruiseFirst voucher for either $150, which will grant you a discount of $300 on the trip of your choosing, or $250, which will grant you a discount of $500 on the voyage that you book.

You can save money on both the voyage you are now on as well as the cruise after this one by purchasing CruiseNext deposits in either $250 or $500 increments while you are still on board a cruise ship. You utilise the $250 denomination CruiseNext deposit as a complete deposit for non-suite categories, or as partial payment of suite deposits. For reservations in suites or The Haven, the deposits of $500 are considered full deposits.

You pay for the deposits when you join the ship, and then you have a period of four years during which you can use them to pay for any reservations you make. The instant onboard credit that passengers gain for the trip they are currently on is the benefit they receive for purchasing CruiseNext deposits while on board.

Related question: what is the optimal time to reserve a spot on a cruise?

When you buy a single ticket of any denomination ($250 or $500), you will receive $100 in onboard credit; when you buy two tickets, you will receive $250 in onboard credit; and when you buy three tickets, you will receive $375 in onboard credit. When you acquire four deposits of either denomination, you are rewarded with $500. CruiseNext deposits can only be used as deposits, not as payments, and outside of special Double Up promotions, only one can be applied to each new cruise booking. CruiseNext deposits are only usable as deposits.

The most beneficial aspects of Norwegian's Cruise First and Cruise Next programmed include the following:

CruiseFirst is a brilliant method for anyone to save money on a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation. It would be foolish not to get a Cruise First certificate to apply for a cruise if the trip you are going to take is at least four months away (120 days). This would allow you to double the amount of money you put down as a deposit.

The most exciting aspect of Cruise Next is that you will be able to make immediate use of the incentive, which may even be put towards the cost of the Cruise Next deposits themselves. Your onboard account will be charged $1,000 if you purchase four 250 Canadian dollars (CDN). But, what do you think? The rules and conditions specify quite clearly that you can make the payment for the transaction using the non-refundable onboard credits you received for purchasing the CNDs. When you buy two, three, four, six, or eight of these deposits—which is the maximum purchase—their value effectively doubles, making each deposit worth $250 more than it was before.

Fine print

The two programmed cannot be combined in any way. This indicates that you are unable to use a CruiseFirst voucher in conjunction with a CruiseNext deposit for the same cruise. But, this does not preclude you from using a CruiseFirst coupon to book your first NCL voyage and then purchasing deposits for subsequent cruises while you are on board. These programmes are governed by several terms and conditions, the majority of which pertain to expiration dates and the usage of the programme in conjunction with other offers; thus, before making a purchase, make sure to read these terms and conditions in their entirety.

Celebrity Cruises' Future Cruise Vacation Package

The onboard booking programme offered by Celebrity Cruises gives passengers the choice between making reservations "Now" or "Later." Both deals allow you to make initial deposits on your next cruise for as little as $100, and they provide you up to $500 in onboard credit, depending on the category of cabin you book and the length of the trip.

You will also be offered the greatest promotional fare that is currently available at the time that you make your reservation. You have one year to finalise the preparations for your cruise using the deposit you made utilising the Book Later option if you prefer to choose your cruise at a later time.

The most impressive aspect of Celebrity's Future Cruise Holiday programme is the

If you go with the Book Later choice, you won't need to schedule an appointment with a consultant at all. There is a drop-off form available for your convenience.

Fine print

When it comes to these deposits, you have to exercise sound judgement. When you make changes to your reservation, you will almost always lose the onboard credit that you were given, and your rate will be adjusted to reflect the rate that is valid for the new voyage that you select.

Virgin Voyages' Program entitled "My Next Virgin Journey."

You can sign up for the My Next Virgin Voyage programme while you are on a cruise with Virgin Voyages by depositing $300 at the Get Lost desk on board or through an online link within the Sailor App. Both of these options are available to you while you are on board. The deposit may be applied to reservations that are made within the following two years. The deposits can only be used for rooms at the Sea Terrace level or higher, and passengers are required to select their cabin type at the moment the deposit is paid on board.

The purchase of the deposit entitles the passenger to a reduction of $300 off the total fee that will be charged for the subsequent cruise as well as $300 in onboard credit, which is referred to as "Sailor Loot" aboard Virgin Cruises ships.

The most outstanding features of Virgin Voyages' Program entitled "My Next Virgin Journey."

The offer from Virgin will save you money on your subsequent voyage and also provide you with onboard credit. Each passenger can pay up to four deposits totalling $300, and each deposit can be put towards the cost of a single booking on a subsequent trip for either you or your travelling companions. Deposits can be transferred one time to another traveller if necessary. As a result of the ongoing promotions, the Sailor Loot has been increased to $600 and will remain at that level until further notice.

Related: Our initial thoughts on the Scarlet Lady, the first vessel in the Virgin Voyages fleet

Fine print

The policies of Virgin Voyages on matters such as date adjustments are rather flexible, but there are some restrictions. On the other hand, you will not be eligible for any of the perks if you decide to lower your reservation from the Sea Terrace level or higher.

Reservations that are held in a "Placeholder" status by Disney Cruise Line

Scanning the QR code located at guest services will allow you to learn more about the benefits of booking onboard with Disney Cruise Line. Nevertheless, the company does not disclose the specific deals that will be available for onboard bookings. Recent passengers have informed us that the present promotion entails a reduced deposit of $250 in addition to a discount of 10% off the going rate for the cruise. The Placeholder deposit can be purchased through the Navigator app while you are on board, and it has a validity period of two years.

The most advantageous aspect of Disney Placeholder reservations is...

Due to the high cost of Disney cruises, taking advantage of any available discounts is a good reason to reserve a stateroom.

Related: How to cut costs when booking a vacation with Disney

Fine print

Some cruise sail dates, especially those that take place during important holidays, are ineligible for usage with placeholder reservations. These cannot be coupled with any other rate offers or utilised for guaranteed room categories (in which Disney decides your cabin location).

Princess Cruises' Future Cruise Deposits

Princess Cruises makes things straightforward by providing customers with an opportunity to receive up to $150 in onboard credit with the purchase of a refundable deposit of $100 per person. This deposit secures your reservation for the trip until the full balance is paid. The amount that is awarded is determined by the length of the trip that is booked as well as the category of the cabin. You have the option of leaving your deposit as an open booking or reserving a specific voyage with the cruise consultant on board. If you choose to leave your deposit as an open booking, the funds will be deposited into your My Princess Circle Savings account.

The most beneficial aspects of Princess's Future Voyage Deposits

The purchase of Princess FCDs is completely refundable. If they are not used within the allotted period, they will be automatically refunded to the credit card that was used to make the purchase. Either in person at the Future Cruise Office located on board or via a drop-off form, customers can make their purchases.

Fine print

When Princess advertises a cruise as being "100% refundable," they suggest that you can get your money back before the final payment is made. The regular cancellation conditions will take effect once the full payment has been received, and it is possible that your deposit will not be repaid. Moreover, the use of FCDs is not permitted for world cruises or any section of a world trip.

The Onboard Savings programmed offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises

You can save up to $4,000 per suite on any Regent Seven Seas cruise that you book between 30 days before an upcoming cruise and the final day of the cruise that you are currently on. Additionally, you will receive a shipboard credit of $200 that can be applied to either the cruise that you are currently on or the cruise that you book. These savings and credits are eligible for use on either cruise. You'll also pay a lower deposit—as little as $500 for each member of your party.

The highlights of Regent's Onboard Savings programme include the following:

You won't be able to find anything else like that 30-day advance window anywhere else. Just when you are starting to get antsy to go on board, you will have the opportunity to book the next trip and be rewarded with savings. In addition to this, you are permitted to make one free adjustment to your reservation.

Fine print

It is not possible to participate in the Onboard Savings Program on waitlisted trips.

The Previous Guest Travel Credit Offered By Viking Cruises

On board, each Viking cruise ship is a cruise adviser who can assist you in booking any cruise across the line's ocean, river, or excursion fleets. These consultants frequently provide clients with options for reduced deposits and discounted airfare.

But, in an innovative approach to the process of booking future cruises, Viking now provides repeat passengers with travel credits for all bookings made within two years of their most recent vacation. If you book your next cruise within a year of your previous one, you'll receive a credit of $200 towards your next trip. If you book a cruise with us within two years of your most recent sailing, we'll credit your account with $100.

The travel credits are not onboard credits; rather, they can only be put towards the cost of booking a trip with Viking.

The greatest benefit of Viking's Previous Guest Travel Credit is that it allows you to...

Anybody who has recently been on a cruise has the option to take part, and you do not need to schedule a trip on board to be rewarded for your continued patronage of the brand.

Fine print

It is important to read the fine print because there is a possibility that the travel credits cannot be combined with specific deals.

The Future Cruises programme is offered by Holland America.

If you book your subsequent cruise with the future cruise consultant while you are sailing with Holland America, you will receive onboard credit and your deposit will be reduced. The amounts change depending on the length of the voyage that was booked as well as the category of the cabin.

Cruises that last between 3 and 10 days earn $50 to $150 in onboard credit for each passenger; cruises that last between 11 and 21 days earn $125 to $250; cruises that last between 22 and 50 days earn $225 to 375; and cruises that last beyond 50 days earn $350-$500.

A reduced deposit of $100 per person is required for cruises of up to 21 days, $300 per person is required for cruises of 22-50 days, and $1,000 per person is required for cruises of 51 days or more.

You have the option of putting the reservation in your travel agent's name so that you can work with them up until the time of departure.

The most impressive aspect of Holland America's Future Cruise programme

Onboard booking privileges offered by Holland America have some of the longest validity periods of any cruise line. The onboard deposit that you pay is good for four years (and you must apply it to a booking for a cruise departing within four years from the deposit date).

If you opt to put down an open-ended deposit rather than selecting a specific sailing at the time of booking but are unable to select a trip within the next four years, the value of the deposit will be reimbursed to you.

Fine print

Cruises that are less than three days long, world cruises, Grand Voyages, and any segments of those longer sailings are not eligible for the onboard booking perks. If you have to cancel the cruise that you booked on board due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be able to transfer the deposit to another trip, but you will lose the onboard credit.

MSC Cruises' Future Cruise programmed.

When you book your next MSC trip on board a ship, you will earn $20 to $200 in onboard credit per cabin, depending on the length of the sailing booked and the category of the stateroom. This offer is valid for bookings made between now and April 30, 2019. You have the opportunity to earn twice as many points through participation in the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty programme.

Passengers can change the sail date on their prospective cruise deposit at any time before the final payment without incurring any additional fees; nevertheless, passengers are responsible for covering any price disparities that may result.

If you find a lower price published by MSC Cruises on the same sailing after you have booked on board (but before final payment), the cruise company says that you are eligible to request a one-time price match from them.

The most impressive aspect of the Future Cruise programme offered by MSC Cruises

There is no other cruise operator that rewards passengers with additional loyalty club points for making reservations on board. Not only does booking on a ship offer you some additional onboard spending money thanks to this perk, but it also helps you fast-track your ascension through the elite status levels, provided that you are a dedicated MSC cruiser.

Fine print

The Future Cruise bonuses can be combined with other offers that MSC Cruises has available, such as the Voyagers Club deals that are only available to members of that loyalty programme.

Bottom line

If you find that you are having a good time on the cruise that you are currently on, one method to save money on your next vacation at sea is to book it while you are still on the cruise ship or, in some cases, as soon as you get back home.

When you book a cruise onboard, not only will you pay a lesser deposit to secure your spot on the ship, but you also have a better chance of receiving the most advantageous promotional deal and accruing onboard credit that can be used towards future cruises. Savvy cruise passengers frequently make the most of the options available on board by either booking all of their future voyages on board or placing deposits on open-ended future cruises that they can book whenever they like.

You may find yourself swimming in an ocean of cruise discounts and onboard credit that can help you pay for all of those cruise amenities as long as you read the small print and are aware of any restrictions or limitations.

Making plans for a cruise? You can get started with these tales:

• These are the five-cabin positions on a cruise ship that passengers covet the most.
• An introduction to the process of selecting a cruise line
• The eight stateroom placements that are the most undesirable on any cruise ship
• The complete list of items that you need to bring on a cruise
• An overview of the most well-known cruise lines in the industry
• 21 helpful hints and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable.
• 15 reasons why cruisers are a money pit.
• The complete guide to picking the perfect accommodation on a cruise ship.

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