There
are extras in cruising that people are sometimes unaware of, and it
comes to a shock to them when they realize that fruity umbrella drink
isn’t free.
Here
are 9 extra costs when cruising:
1.
Tipping. Depending on the cruise line, you will pay in the
ballpark of $11.50 per person per day. Times that amount by the
number of days on your sailings and you have your gratuities for the
sailing. You can pre-pay gratuities before your sailing to eliminate
the cost while you’re sailing.
2.
Gambling. Just like you wouldn’t walk into a land-based casino
and expect it to be free, it isn’t on a cruise ship either. There
is a temptation of linking your onboard sign and sail card to your
account so be careful, you could get yourself in a lot of trouble.
This goes for the ever-so popular game of bingo too.
 |
| Automatic beer machine on Carnival Sunshine. |
3.
Drinking. If you see a drink on a tray with an umbrella, it’s
probably not free. In fact, a lot of drinks unless you’re at an art
auction or welcome back reception aren’t free. Some cruise lines do
allow you to bring a bottle of wine on though.
4.
Specialty dining.
While a majority of the food on the cruise ship is included in your
fare, there are some venues that carry a surcharge. The Italian venue
aboard Carnival Sunshine,Cucina
del Capitano,
charges a $12 per person surcharge while the steakhouses can charge
upwards of $40 per person.
5.
Excursions.
Past walking off the gangway of the cruise ship, nothing else is
free. You have a couple options when it comes to shore excursions,
you can book through the cruise ship or book through a third-party
company. Read
our 7 rules to booking your shore excursion.
6.
Spa. Even though you can find some good port day deals in the
spa, it does cost extra. You can get facials, massages and even teeth
whitening with a cruise – but it all comes with a cost. Check out
the spa menu when you first board to see if you think it’s worth
it. Also, ask the spa employees what their is a port day discount is.
7.
Laundry. Unless you are really high up in a cruise line loyalty
program, chances are you are going to pay for laundry and its charged
on a per item basis. For example a pair of boxers are $3.00 and a
pair of socks are $1.00. It adds up.
8.
Photos. You will see photographers all over the ship from the
gangway to when you’re eating dinner – all with one goal in mind
– wanting to snap your photo. While taking the photo doesn’t cost
money, buying the photo does. Usually to the tune of $19.95. If
you’re going to get your photo taken on a cruise, make sure its
worth your money.
9. Parking
or transportation.
Keep in mind that you can pre-pay for your ground transportation to
the port so that will help lighten the load. If I am traveling in
Europe I will always opt for the cruise line transportation, which is
usually around the $40 range. If you find your self arriving in
plenty of time, consider a cab or shuttle, depending on your party,
it could be cheaper.
So
the next time you set sail and head for cruise ship, remember that
unless you’re paying $4,000 per ticket (luxury cruise line) you’re
probably going to have to pay for all the extras. Some calling it
nickel and diming – I call it the cost of living.
Source:Cruise
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