Your cruise fare pays for so much, including accommodations and housekeeping, lots of onboard dining and entertainment, port fees, and great service. But when you get on board, you’ll encounter some tempting extras that carry separate fees. Understanding and planning for these optional extra costs before you sail can help you stay comfortably within your vacation budget.
Here are some popular items for which most mainstream cruise lines
charge extra:
Beverages. Most cruise lines offer at least
a few complimentary beverages, but the majority of them, from bottled water to
cocktails, are available at a per-drink price. You can save by purchasing a
beverage package before you board the ship. Ask your professional travel
advisor for more information.
Specialty restaurants. The
dining venues included in your fare will serve delicious food, but it’s fun to
try the elevated cuisine at an onboard specialty restaurant; and the extra charge
is often less than you would pay for a similar dining experience at home. Pick
an evening to treat yourself and make a reservation in advance.
Room service. Room service used to be
complimentary on most cruise ships, but many now charge delivery fees. To avoid
this, pick up some food or snacks at one of the no-free-dining venues to take
to your cabin.
Internet access. Your cruise line is
likely to charge a fee for internet access (which can still be spotty). To
avoid the fee, use your cruise as a time to unplug from your devices. Or, wait
until the ship is in port to check email and socials; you can usually get
connected in port facilities, or at a nearby shop or restaurant.
Shore Excursions. While
most shore excursions come with fees, there’s usually a variety to choose from,
including options that are fun and reasonably priced. If you’d like to splurge on
a special shore excursion or two, be sure to select and reserve them in advance
to help avoid any pricey impulse buying as you sail.
There are other optional extras you can plan for, like spa
treatments, professional photos, laundry services, and even certain high-cost
menu items (think lobster and chateaubriand). One way to avoid some of these
fees is to reserve your cruise well in advance: extras may be included in
promotional and early-bird fares. For more information, talk with Anita, your
professional travel advisor, who has the best access to special offers from the
cruise lines.
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