Cruise Vacation

There are many things that you get free on a cruise but there are more things on board a ship that cost money. For instance, you get free treatment when you fall sick on board a cruise ship. Most likely your morning cup of tea or coffee will come free, however the juice and the soft drink will not. Meals are also all-inclusive on cruises but not specialty restaurant fares (but do remember that if you have booked a package deal, which most people do, then there is already a pre-fixed menu, and when you order something outside this, you will need to make an extra payment). Infants cruising with parents are not charged for as also children occupying the same cabin with their parents. Knowing what comes with your deal and for what you need to pay extra is crucial as this helps you know how much money you need to carry along. Of course you can use your card to pay, which many do, but using a card so randomly can have you neck deep in debt. Even if you are paying using your card, then too, prior information is always useful.

In certain cases, air fares are included but it might be appropriate to check with the cruise line whether it is free or not with the package that you have booked – but in most cruise deals this is not what happens. In fact, there are so many variations with cruise lines about what they offer free and items that are charged for that it often becomes quite confusing. Cruise liners, as a rule, always say publicly that they do not have any hidden costs; nevertheless they do not declare also the items that are charged for.

Here is a list of items that cost money on board a cruise ship.

• Bottled water: You can have the normal water free with meals but if you need bottled mineral water, you will have to cough up dollars for it. Of course, you can bring in drinking water by refilling your reusable water bottles, but then can you ever be able to bring enough water to last the entire cruise? Difficult, isn’t it? Also, you are more likely to forget about it at the last moment in anticipation of an adventurous cruise.
• Alcohol: You may be spared of this highly expensive issue only if you have booked an all-inclusive cruise that comprises alcoholic drinks too (but these are rare as most deals do not include alcoholic drinks. There is also the issue of personal choice as individual preferences vary a lot here, so what may be on offer may not be to your liking). Otherwise, be prepared to pay for every peg that you consume. And it may cost quite a bit for a bottle of Rye Whiskey on board a cruise ship. Veterans suggest sneaking alcoholic drinks on board, but it may lead you to endless trouble.
• Soft drinks: Soft drinks do not cut any soft corner with cruise lines. You will have to pay for all soft drinks that you are likely to consume on board a cruise ship. And the price of a bottle of coke may make you miss a heart beat.
• Gratuities: The service on cruise is considered superb even by many hard boiled eggs but you are indirectly induced to pay for it. Some cruise lines provide tipping rates ($70 per person per week) but you are free to pay more if you feel like. But the mere fact that this is their bread and butter usually makes a person generous.
• Shore excursions: The cost of this fairly interesting pleasure trip has the ability to drain your dollars much faster than the way it reaches your pocket. Knowledgeable cruisers, there, advises greenhorns to get this sorted out right at the beginning, preferably at the time of booking the cruise because some excursions are included and some are not. This way you can at least come to know how much it hurts your economy. Besides, it is cheaper that way as compared to ad hoc booking on board the ship.
• Special onboard restaurants: Though not an essential thing to indulge in on a cruise, taking someone special to an exclusive restaurant after a late night show has its novelty. So you might be willing to spend that extra buck for the experience.
• Cruise/ travel insurance: This is neither free nor essential. Yet this will protect you against unforeseen events so this is advisable.
• Laundry/ Ironing service on board a cruise ship could be fairly expensive. One way of skipping this cost will involve having enough clothing to last the cruise. Alternatively, wash undergarments in your bathroom and hang them there for drying. Hanging clothes in the bathroom while you shower can steam the wrinkles out of the clothes.