We all love a good bargain and there are always some great cheap cruise deals available. While the price may seem tempting at first, there are a variety of extra charges, which you may not think about when budgeting for your cruise, especially if it is your first time on board a ship.
Cruise Capital have compiled a list of five extra costs you may not think about when planning your cruise.
Cruise Capital have compiled a list of five extra costs you may not think about when planning your cruise.
Tips Tipping is encouraged on all cruise lines. On some ships, tipping is at your discretion for hard working and outstanding crew members. However, the majority of cruise lines have opted for the automatic tipping policy over recent years. This means that the cruise lines will automatically charge you around $11 per day, per person. This money will be divided between your stateroom attendant, and dining room waiters. When planning your cruise, it’s important to set some money aside for tipping, although you can tell the cruise lines that you want to opt-out of automatic tipping, if you wish to pay more or less. |
Drinks
Relaxing in the sun on the pool deck, with cocktail in hand....ah bliss! Unless you stick to the complimentary water and hot drinks, buying beverages is inevitable. Some of the cruise brands have started offering drink packages and all inclusive deals. Although these packages seem to come with a hefty price tag, they usually work out better value, as you only need to average two drinks a day to get your value from it.
Relaxing in the sun on the pool deck, with cocktail in hand....ah bliss! Unless you stick to the complimentary water and hot drinks, buying beverages is inevitable. Some of the cruise brands have started offering drink packages and all inclusive deals. Although these packages seem to come with a hefty price tag, they usually work out better value, as you only need to average two drinks a day to get your value from it.
Excursions Excursions are great for exploring and learning more about a port of call. It’s usually easier and less hassle if you book the cruise line’s excursions, instead of venturing on your own. For instance, if bad traffic prevents your excursion group from getting back to the ship in time for sail away, the ship will wait, however the ship may not always wait for independent guests and private excursions. Cruise line excursions usually cost around $30-50 on average for a basic coach tour of the port you’re visiting. Sometimes it may work out cheaper to explore on your own, especially if you’re visiting a city or if the ship is docked in the centre of a destination. |
Transfers
When a cruise ship docks in a remote port that is far away from the town or city, the cruise line will operate a coach transfer to get you from the ship into the closest town. Some cruise lines offer this service for free, and others charge a small fee for the use, around $8, with Royal Caribbean. Research or ask the cruise line to see if they charge for transfers. Cruise lines such as P&O, provide free transfers for those who paid the ‘select’ price for the cruise. This is usually more expensive, but provides guests with additional benefits, such as the option to select the cabin you want, table sixe preference, etc. P&O’s ‘saver’ fare is usually cheaper, but offers the basic on board experience. The cruise line will automatically allocate you your cabin, and port transfers will not be included.
When a cruise ship docks in a remote port that is far away from the town or city, the cruise line will operate a coach transfer to get you from the ship into the closest town. Some cruise lines offer this service for free, and others charge a small fee for the use, around $8, with Royal Caribbean. Research or ask the cruise line to see if they charge for transfers. Cruise lines such as P&O, provide free transfers for those who paid the ‘select’ price for the cruise. This is usually more expensive, but provides guests with additional benefits, such as the option to select the cabin you want, table sixe preference, etc. P&O’s ‘saver’ fare is usually cheaper, but offers the basic on board experience. The cruise line will automatically allocate you your cabin, and port transfers will not be included.
Specialty Restaurants Although the main dining room and buffet are free, some venues require an additional fee to dine there. Specialty restaurants are great for those who want a more intimate atmosphere and excellent food and service. These restaurants are great for celebrating a birthday, family reunion or a romantic anniversary. There are usually several specialty restaurants to choose from, depending on the cruise line you sail with and all offer various styles of cuisine. The popular speciality dining options include mouth-watering steakhouses, traditional Italian dishes as well as exotic Asian cuisine. Specialty restaurants usually cost anywhere between $5 and $60, depending on cruise line and venue. |