The brochure shows a sparkling pool, a sunset, and a price that looks almost too good to be true. Then you board the ship and discover a long list of extras. A drink package here, a specialty restaurant there, a charge for the day’s excursion, and a daily gratuity that appears on your account. None of these are secrets. But they can add up fast, and a cruise that looked affordable on paper can feel very different at the end of the week.
The solution is simple. Know what is likely to cost extra, decide what matters to you, and set a budget before you ever step on board. Prices and policies differ from one cruise line to the next, so the main categories to plan for are listed below.
Drink Packages
A drink package lets you pay one price for a set of drinks, instead of paying for each one. For some travelers, that is a good deal and a relief from signing a bill every time they sit down. For others, it is money wasted. The answer depends on how much you actually drink. If you enjoy a cocktail or two at the end of the day, buying drinks one at a time may cost less. If you love specialty coffee, sodas and drinks all day long, a package may make sense.
Before you buy, read the details. Find out which drinks are included, whether there is a limit on the price of a single drink, and whether everyone in your cabin has to buy the package. Rules differ by cruise line. Then do a little math about your own habits, and be honest with yourself.
Specialty Dining
Most ships offer main dining rooms and casual buffets that are covered in your fare. They also offer specialty restaurants, such as steakhouses, which carry an extra charge. These can be lovely for a special evening, and many cruisers enjoy them. But if you add one on several nights, the costs can pile up. Decide ahead of time whether you want one special dinner, or none at all. Check whether the cruise line offers a dining package or a discount for booking early, and compare it with the cost of paying one night at a time.
Daily Gratuities
Many cruise lines add a daily gratuity for each guest, which goes toward the crew who serve you. It is often added automatically to your account, and the amount is multiplied by the number of people in your cabin and the number of days at sea. Because it is spread over the trip, it can feel small each day and surprisingly big in total. Look for it when you book, and add it to your budget. Some lines let you prepay it, and some let you adjust it. Check the policy for your sailing.
Shore Excursions
Each port offers things to do, and the cruise line will offer tours you can book through the ship. These can be convenient, and they come with the comfort of knowing the ship will not leave without you if the tour runs late. They can also be expensive, especially for a family. You may also be able to explore on your own, by walking around the port, taking local transportation or booking something independently. Read the details carefully, and be sure you understand how to get back to the ship on time.
Other Little Extras
There are also smaller costs that sneak up on you. Internet access, spa treatments, photos, souvenirs, casino play, laundry and onboard shopping can all affect your final bill. None of these is required, and you can skip anything you do not want. But a cruise is designed to make it easy to say yes to many things, so it helps to decide ahead of time where you will spend and where you will not.
How to Build a Cruise Budget
- Start with the base fare, and then list every extra you can think of.
- Read the cruise line’s own information on drinks, dining and gratuities before you book.
- Decide which two or three extras matter most to you, and set aside money for them.
- Pay attention to the price of getting to the port, too, such as travel and parking.
- Leave a little room for the unexpected.
- Check your onboard account regularly, so there are no surprises on the last day.
Ask Questions Before You Book
A travel agent or the cruise line itself can tell you exactly what is and is not included. Ask what the fare covers, which charges are added on board, and whether there are any discounts for booking packages ahead of time. Get the answers in writing, if you can. A few questions before you pay can save a lot of confusion later.
Do Not Let It Spoil the Fun
None of this is meant to talk you out of a cruise. A cruise can be a wonderful, relaxing way to see the world, and many people love it. The idea is simply to go in with your eyes open. Decide what is worth paying for, skip what is not, and agree on a plan with your travel companions. When you know your budget before you board, you can enjoy the sunsets and the sea air without worrying about what your account will say at the end of the trip. That is the real luxury.
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