For most people, their summer vacation is the highlight of their year. A chance to wind down from the stresses of work, spend time with family, and make unforgettable memories in a stunning part of the world. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a family trip to Disney World, a road cycling holiday to Italy, or two weeks camping in the mountains, it’s a special time for you and your loved ones.

One of the most relaxing forms of holiday is a luxury cruise. Spending several days at sea in an ocean liner, often with all-inclusive food, drinks and entertainment provided. Stopping off at various ports along the way and having the trip of a lifetime. The only downside is that a cruise can be expensive. The last thing you want is to spend your one vacation per year worrying about your bank balance.

Fortunately there are many ways to save money on the cost of a cruise. Here are four tips to get you started.

Book at the right time

The period from December through to March is known in the cruise industry as “wave season.” This is the time during which operators offer discounted rates on cabins, as well as free upgrades and other perks. It’s the smartest time to book your trip as you’ll save a great deal of money compared to booking in the middle of summer. It’s understandable you probably want your cruise to take place in peak season as you’ll make the most of the better weather and the kids will be out of school, but it’s worth considering another time of year. Traveling in the down period will save you money as operators will lower prices in order to fill empty cabins. If you can be a little flexible, the cost of your trip will go right down.

Go all-inclusive

You might opt for a seemingly-great deal on a cruise before getting onboard and realizing you have to pay an extortionate amount on food and drink. But if you choose an all-inclusive package, you know exactly how much you are paying for your entire trip. All your meals, refreshments and any entertainment will be covered in the price, and you won’t need to spend a single cent while on the cruise. Eat and drink as much as you like and forget all about money for a couple of weeks.

Compare the market

There are so many different cruise ship companies out there, you are effectively spoilt for choice. It’s a good idea to compare multiple providers before booking your trip, so you can find the best value package. Use comparison sites to help make your choice and talk to a sales representative so you know exactly what you will be getting for your money.

Stay close to home

The further you travel, the more expensive your trip is likely to be. Lower your expenses by picking a cruise destination that isn’t too far from home. A round the world travel ticket might sound tempting, but it’s likely to result in you forking out a huge sum of money.