Beware: The Hidden Costs of Cruising
Cruising can be an excellent travel value because of the all-inclusive amenities: lodging, all meals and snacks, entertainment, a variety of activities such as lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, and use of facilities including work out rooms and pools. But it's easy to spend more than you planned because of hidden costs.
So, what are some expenses you may not have anticipated? These include fuel supplements, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and soda/specialty coffee drinks, laundry, Internet/cell phone charges, and tipping. And if you're planning to spend time in the casino or souvenir shopping, this can add up quickly although most travelers account for these expenses.
The first time we cruised, we were surprised with a fuel supplement surcharge. Currently the cruise line were traveling with in December has suspended the charge but it could be initiated without notice if the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) oil price exceeds $70 a barrel. This charge will run about $7-10 per day per passenger. Check the fine print of the booking information or your contract... that's where you'll find it.
Shore excursions are optional but offer a wide range of activities, allowing passengers to pack a lot into the short time in the port of call. Some experienced travelers take off on their own, hiring a cab or a local tour company. While this can save money, you might be taking the risk of being left behind if you are late returning to the ship. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers! Another potential risk is being at the mercy of an unscrupulous cab diver or tour guide who may up the fees once you are well away from the ship. Before taking an excursion with a company not affiliated with the cruise line, check to make sure they are reputable.
If you want to drink anything other than iced tea, hot coffee/tea, and tap water, be prepared to pay for it. Check your cruise line's website for information on their alcohol policy and beverage costs as these will vary. And don't plan to bring your own alcohol aboard for a nightcap... not allowed. If you buy wine and spirits at a port of call, it will be confiscated and returned to you when you disembark.
Most cruise lines charge a daily "service fee" of about $12 a day per passenger and it's used to tip the wait staff, cabin stewards, and other staff. This fee will appear on your final bill and can be adjusted by the passenger. You may want to tip additionally to individuals who have provided exceptional service and it is always appreciated by the staff.
Unless you stay in one of the higher-end suites, you will need to pay for laundry and ironing. Travel irons are not permitted. If you pack creatively, this is usually not a problem for short cruises of 5-7 days.
Someone we know used her cell phone daily on her cruise without first checking on the fees. Big mistake. The result was a bill of more than $800, not by the cruise line but by her carrier. You will be subject to roaming charges while at sea. When we cruised to Alaska, I made all calls from the ports of call rather than at sea because my plan has unlimited long distance.
Most ships offer Internet access for a fee, and it can be steep. For example, be prepared to pay about $55 for 100 minutes. That's only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I can easily use that up in a day or two. So we generally avoid going online while at sea and it makes for a more relaxing trip. In the ports of call, we may go to an Internet cafe if we need to check our email... it's far more economical.
These extra costs can quickly add up, so be aware and prepare. Ka-ching!
~ Lisa
So, what are some expenses you may not have anticipated? These include fuel supplements, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and soda/specialty coffee drinks, laundry, Internet/cell phone charges, and tipping. And if you're planning to spend time in the casino or souvenir shopping, this can add up quickly although most travelers account for these expenses.
The first time we cruised, we were surprised with a fuel supplement surcharge. Currently the cruise line were traveling with in December has suspended the charge but it could be initiated without notice if the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) oil price exceeds $70 a barrel. This charge will run about $7-10 per day per passenger. Check the fine print of the booking information or your contract... that's where you'll find it.
Shore excursions are optional but offer a wide range of activities, allowing passengers to pack a lot into the short time in the port of call. Some experienced travelers take off on their own, hiring a cab or a local tour company. While this can save money, you might be taking the risk of being left behind if you are late returning to the ship. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers! Another potential risk is being at the mercy of an unscrupulous cab diver or tour guide who may up the fees once you are well away from the ship. Before taking an excursion with a company not affiliated with the cruise line, check to make sure they are reputable.
If you want to drink anything other than iced tea, hot coffee/tea, and tap water, be prepared to pay for it. Check your cruise line's website for information on their alcohol policy and beverage costs as these will vary. And don't plan to bring your own alcohol aboard for a nightcap... not allowed. If you buy wine and spirits at a port of call, it will be confiscated and returned to you when you disembark.
Most cruise lines charge a daily "service fee" of about $12 a day per passenger and it's used to tip the wait staff, cabin stewards, and other staff. This fee will appear on your final bill and can be adjusted by the passenger. You may want to tip additionally to individuals who have provided exceptional service and it is always appreciated by the staff.
Unless you stay in one of the higher-end suites, you will need to pay for laundry and ironing. Travel irons are not permitted. If you pack creatively, this is usually not a problem for short cruises of 5-7 days.
Someone we know used her cell phone daily on her cruise without first checking on the fees. Big mistake. The result was a bill of more than $800, not by the cruise line but by her carrier. You will be subject to roaming charges while at sea. When we cruised to Alaska, I made all calls from the ports of call rather than at sea because my plan has unlimited long distance.
Most ships offer Internet access for a fee, and it can be steep. For example, be prepared to pay about $55 for 100 minutes. That's only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I can easily use that up in a day or two. So we generally avoid going online while at sea and it makes for a more relaxing trip. In the ports of call, we may go to an Internet cafe if we need to check our email... it's far more economical.
These extra costs can quickly add up, so be aware and prepare. Ka-ching!
~ Lisa
Posted by Sage Travelers at November 1, 2009 
Categories: Live and Learn,Saving $$,Cruises
Tags: Cruise expenses
Categories: Live and Learn,Saving $$,Cruises
Tags: Cruise expenses
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