While many travelers believe that a cruise vacation is all-inclusive, this is rarely the case. You will have to pay extra for some activities and services. Additionally, many cruise lines impose fees and service charges; some are required and some are optional.
Let’s take a closer look at the “hidden” costs of the cruise.
Transportation to your port of departure
You are responsible for getting to the port of departure, although your cruise line can help you make those arrangements. To save money, consider choosing a port of departure close to your home or one that is served by a low-cost airline. Remember that you will have to pay to park at the cruise ship dock.
Tip: Consider purchasing travel insurance if you are flying into your port of departure in case your flight is canceled and you miss your cruise.
Excursions to the beach
When the ship is in port, most passengers take one of the shore excursions offered by the cruise line. These excursions can cost between $ 25 and $ 300 or more, and must be paid for separately. You can save money by exploring on your own (on foot or by taxi), but you are responsible for making sure you get back on board well in advance of the ship’s scheduled departure time. If you lose the movement of the ship, you will have to pay for your transportation to the next port on your itinerary.
Drinks
Depending on the cruise line you select, you may have to pay separately for certain beverages you consume. Most cruise lines charge for beer, wine, and mixed drinks, and they don’t allow you to bring your own liquor on board. Some also charge for sodas and bottled water. To save money, plan to drink tap water, juice, coffee, and tea with most of your meals. If your cruise line allows it, bring a case of soda or bottled water and a bottle of wine or two when you board.
Premium Meals
While food served in the main dining room is included in your cruise fare, most cruise lines now offer “premium dining” options for an additional fee.
Spa and salon services
On a typical cruise, there is no charge for using the exercise / exercise facilities, but some cruise lines do charge for the use of saunas and steam rooms. Expect to pay for special classes, like Pilates or yoga, as well as for spa and salon services.
Internet use
Many cruise lines charge for Internet access. Typical charges include a one-time login fee and a per-minute charge ($ 0.40 to $ 0.75).
Tips and Gratuities
Traditionally, cruise passengers were expected, but not required, to tip everyone who assisted them during the cruise, from the cabin waiter to the waiters and waitresses who served them their meals. Tipping is still expected, but some cruise lines now assess each person a standard tip per day or a service charge that is then shared by the appropriate staff. Of course, you should consider tipping any staff member who provides services specifically for you, such as a spa or salon treatment, luggage transport, or room service, as the “standard tip” will not be shared with them.
Typically a separate mandatory tip of 15% to 18% will be added to your drink orders.
Fuel surcharges
Many cruise line contracts include a fuel surcharge clause that states that a specific surcharge per passenger will be added to your fare if the price of oil exceeds a specific limit. This surcharge is unavoidable. All you can do is watch the oil markets and set aside some money to cover the fuel surcharge.
Shopping and gambling
Almost all large and medium-sized cruise ships have casinos, gift shops, and traveling photographers. Souvenirs and photo memorabilia are lovely, and the game can be quite entertaining, but all of these items and activities cost money.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance makes sense for many cruises. Insuring your trip will protect you from the loss of your deposit and subsequent payments. You can also purchase coverage for travel delays and cancellations, lost luggage, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
Tip : Make sure you read every word of the insurance policy before you pay for it to make sure it includes all the coverage you need.
