Hidden Costs of Cruises

Cruises in my opinion are still one of my favorite getaway vacations. And not all cruises are all inclusive and there are “hidden costs” that are not always highlighted in the marketing and promotional hype of cruising. So check out the Cruise Critic “Hidden Costs of Cruises article” and the notations I have highlighted below for what you might expect on your journey on a floating resort. Hope it helps…Bon Voyage... Diana

Cruise Tax, Charges and Fees
You’re looking at the Sunday travel section in your local paper and come across the discounted price of the same cruise you are taking with this group. You ask, why is this so cheap, I thought Diana said we got a good deal?

Well actually you did get the best deal as a group and early sign-up. Did you know that when a cruise line advertises its cruise rate it does not often include the cruise surcharges and port fees and government taxes? So the price you see is their basic rate at the time of posting. Our group rate on our flyer includes all those hidden surcharges, fees and taxes PLUS we also add travel insurance. So beware of those deals. Also pending the final outcome of the number in our group, you may just find additional cost savings with cabin credits as we return the benefit of group credits to each that sign up with our Friends & Fun Group Cruise. Trust me stay on with our group, as you won’t be getting that cabin credit with the travel section sign-up!

Gratuity & Tips
Each cruise ship has its’ own policy & recommendations with tipping. For the Carnival Cruise Line you can figure that the cruise line will be charging your Sail & Sign Charge Card for about $10.00 per day ($3.50 for Stateroom Services, $5.50 for Dining Room services and $1.00 for Alternative Services) per passenger or $80.00 for an 8 night cruise This is an automatic charge and you will have to follow-up with the Purser Information Desk to adjust your gratuity. If you find you are not happy with your service. You can tip more or less pending the service you received. But keep in mind that the cruise staff works at minimum or in some cases less than minimum wages. So the gratuity/tipping by their passengers they serve is very important to them and they will make every effort to make it right. I always like to slip a hearty tip early to start besides the recommended tip. The reason for this is so I can request the extra ice or three more towels and not feel guilty of the mess I may leave between my dashing in and out of my cabin. You will be amazed at how much your room steward does do for you to make your cabin nice and your cruise comfortable. All it takes is just asking.

Taxis & Transportation
Whether you need to take a cab to or from the airport or you want to hire a private taxis to show you around a port. Transportation and tipping is another hidden cost for cruising. Although, you may not need transportation in all the ports of call you will be visiting. You will at some point need to take some sort of transportation. So plan for it, know your options in advance and have some cash on hand for this occasion.

Drinks
Sodas/Specialty Coffee drinks/Cocktails/Bar drinks/Wine at Dinner/Liquor in your stateroom/liquor by the bottle purchases on-line/ liquor bought in the ship store and let’s not forget the stocked stateroom refrigerator bar…Yes all of these drinks can cost you during your cruise trip. So what can I drink for free? Go to the self serve buffet, where the coffee, water, milk and juice are free at the café dispenser. All else will cost you. I recommend if you are a soda drinker that you look into a soda card for this trip $2.00 at the bar can add up quickly for a small glass of soda. Check on line for drink coupons and see if this might also be an advantage for your cruise style needs.


Casino/Bingo
Another tip about floating resorts like this cruise ship is that they have a familiar activity known as the casino, certainly not as extensive as the famous casinos in Nevada or New Jersey. But ample in size to play most games so bring your luck to the tables or machines. And yes, I understand that some jackpots are affiliated with the “big casino jackpots”, so be sure to bring your luck and your gambling budget dollars. Bingo is another activity that is an option for your entertainment. It can be costly, as I recall it costing up to $20.00 for a game, but both prizes and cash pots are your hopeful goal, right?

Internet Access
In this current technological world, communication is crucial. Whether to stay in touch with a love one or the importance to know that your professional responsibilities cannot be missed, your cruise ship has provided this option for you ----internet access for a price! Much like an internet café you can link on and stay connected throughout your on board journey. No need for a laptop either…the ship has plenty of computers on board as luggage capacity might be a concern for some airlines.

Shore Excursions
You’ve been too busy to research and prepare for port exploration through Barnes and Nobles and the internet to explore on your own. So you signed-up for the Carnival shore excursion. Your ship sails into port and you’re ready to get off on deck two and join the group tour to experience the Cuyutlan turtle experience. No problem, the cruise shore excursion is a perfect way to do so. But all these shore excursions have a fee so be sure you know this and plan accordingly. There are no cost savings to signing up early but if you do, you are guaranteed a spot as some excursions are very popular.

Special Interest Workshops & Classes
Although the cruise ship states that entertainment is covered in your cruise price. You should know that not all entertainment activities are included. On occasion through your cruise, you may come across some specialty workshops and classes such as computer classes or perhaps a wine tasting class etc. that may have an additional cost. Be sure you check your cruise newsletter for details and specifics. You can also call your purser or concierge for clarification on participating in the workshop or class.

Spa & Wellness Treatments
Hot Stone therapy, Swedish massage, Aromatherapy and body scrub, Deep Tissue and Wrap…. Aaaaah can’t wait! Need to relax? Want to feel pampered? Spa and Wellness treatments are available for your selection. However, these treatments have a fee and don’t forget you will need to tip your masseuse as well. Reservations are a must!

Shopping & Souvenirs
You will not even have to get into port to go shopping. The cruise ship has a shopping gallery with designer style items, logo wear and even postcards. Additionally be aware that throughout your cruise journey you will be given a number of promotional sale item flyers for local theme specialty items such as art work, jewelry and liquor. So bring your budgeted money if this is of interest.

Photos and Accessories
It starts the minute you board the gang plank…Click! Flash! Click! The cruise photographers are there snapping your photos. Group, couples, single, eating, playing and laughing AND if that isn’t enough, you also will have opportunities to take formal professional theme scenery photographs, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10’s!! These are an additional expense that can be charged to your Sail and Sign card and you’ll see it at the end of your cruise when you check out. So beware!


Additional Specialty Restaurants
This is an optional opportunity to partake in my opinion. But if you’re a gourmand like me…you’re gonna want to pay the supplemental fee of $20-30 dollars to have a 5 Star restaurant experience or need that steamed rice craving and belly up to on-board sushi? The Supper Club on the Carnival Cruise is a must do opportunity if you are a foodie. This is where Carnival is providing an opportunity for an elegant dining experience and you will need to make your reservations ahead of time. Don’t worry there will be a sign-up table when you board. So think about this opportunity and when you would like to celebrate with your friends or to getaway just by yourself or with someone special.