One reason cruises are so popular is because so many are all-inclusive; depending on the cruise line, your fare might include the cost of your stateroom, all food and beverages in the ship’s restaurants, room service, an en-suite bar setup, entertainment, and—in some cases—even gratuities and shore excursions. However, not all cruise lines are created equal in terms of what your fare will get you. Luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and SeaDream Yacht Club are truly all-inclusive—heck, Regent Seven Seas even throws in complimentary shore excursions—but other cruise lines package their fares differently and most won’t include beverages, gratuities, or in-port tours. So how do you determine the true cost of a cruise? Be sure to understand the following fees:
Base Cruise Fare: Start by visiting the cruise line’s website or reading its brochure. You’ll want to pay close attention to what that particular line includes in its per-person cruise fare.
Single Supplements: Cruise fares are traditionally based on double occupancy in the stateroom. If you’d prefer to travel solo you’ll have to pay a single supplement, which can be 50, 75, or even 100 percent of the per-person double occupancy fare. Watch for specials that waive the supplement or sail on river cruise lines like Tauck, Uniworld, Avalon Waterways, and AMA Waterways, which offer a variety of single cabins that do not incur additional fees.
Transfers: Transportation from the airport to the cruise ship and back to the airport is generally your responsibility unless you purchased airfare from the cruise line. In that case, the line often throws in complimentary bus transfers.
Gratuities: A lot of crew members work very hard to make your vacation a success, so when you’re planning a cruise budget, factor in tips for your room steward/ess, butler, concierge, dining room maître d’ and wait staff, and bartenders. Gratuities are included in the cruise fare of some cruise lines so double check to know where you stand. Otherwise, plan to tip $10 to $15 per person per day—which can be added to your shipboard account. Additional tips for excellent service can be handed directly to the crew member or a donation to the crew fund can be made at the purser’s desk. One other thing to note: your travel agent will sometimes prepay your gratuities as part of special money-saving offer to secure your business.
Beverage Packages: Unless you’re sailing on a true all-inclusive line like Paul Gauguin Cruises, beverages like soda, wine, beer, and spirits aren't included in your cruise fare. Instead you can purchase drinks on a consumption basis or buy a package. You’ll find soda packages, specialty coffee packages, wine packages, as well as packages that include everything but the kitchen sink. In most cases, if one person in your cabin purchases a beverage package, everyone has to pay for one. If packages aren’t right for your crew, watch for daily drink specials or order complimentary ice tea, juice, coffee, or tea. It’s also worth remembering that many cruise lines bar you from bringing alcohol onboard with you.
Alternative Dining: On some cruise ships, certain dining venues are known as “specialty” restaurants or alternative dining. That’s code for “costs extra.” Per person surcharges can run from $5 to $75. For example, Celebrity Cruises’ popular Qsine restaurant charges an extra $45 per person.
Shore Excursions: Shore excursions almost always cost extra. The exception to that rule are outings on expedition voyages. This type of cruising is port-intensive and often includes the services of naturalists and historians who take guests on guided tours throughout the cruise. In these cases, the land tours are included in the cruise fare. Additionally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises heightens the all-inclusive nature of its sailings by including shore excursions with its cruise fare. In just about all other cases, you’ll pay the ship extra for each excursion you book. Alternatively, you can book a private tour guide or explore ports independently. Just remember that if you go it alone it’s your responsibility to get back to the ship on time. The boat will definitely leave port without you unless you are on a ship-sponsored tour.
Spa and Beauty Treatments: The industry has made a big push in recent years to install fancy spas on modern cruise ships. That being said, prices will match what you pay on land. Figure $100 to $150 per massage; thalassotherapy pool access generally costs $15 to $30 per day. Salon treatments will also cost you. Watch for discounts offered for booking a treatment on embarkation day.
Onboard Activities: It’s true that you can have lots of fun on a cruise ship for free and many complimentary activities are planned out in advance. However, watch for events that carry a price tag. For example, wine tastings and cooking classes are often available for a few extra dollars per person.
Child Care: While many mainstream lines offer complimentary children’s programs, they will charge you for private one-on-one or “after hours” babysitting services.
Internet and Phone: Internet access is generally available aboard today’s cruise ships but packages are expensive and connection speeds are woefully slow. Likewise, ship-to-shore phone calls are exorbitant and charged by the minute. It’s best to seek out an Internet café when you’re in port.
Laundry: Some ships have self-service launderettes located throughout the ship. If not, you may need to send your laundry out and that will cost extra—as do pressing and dry cleaning services.
Armed with these details, you’ll now be able to more readily determine the true price of your next cruise vacation.
