Hidden Costs of a Cruise

Cruises in my opinion are still one of my favorite getaway vacations, but not all cruises are all inclusive and as such 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 cruise. 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 cruise rate at the time of posting. Our group rate on our flier includes all those hidden surcharges, fees and taxes PLUS we also add travel insurance. So beware of those deals. Plus, pending your choice in cabin and its category on this cruise some of our cruise guest have gotten up to a $35 discount from our original group price. Thanks Alex for looking after us!

Gratuity & Tips

Although we have chosen on this cruise to pre-pay our gratuity, each cruise ship has its’ own policy & recommendations with tipping. For the Carnival Cruise Line you can account that the cruise line will be charging your Sail & Sign Charge card for $10.00 per day ($3.50 for Stateroom Services, $5.50 for Dining Room services and $1.00 for Alternative Services) per passenger or $30.00 for a 3 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 any of your service. You can tip more or less pending service 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 are imperative to them. Though not required, an additional tip, is my action that I do early on when I first meet our cabin steward. 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 in and out of my cabin routine. You will be amazed at how much your room steward can do for you to make your cabin nice and your cruise comfortable. I know our friend Russell has a favorite move to tip the bartender he frequents or his favorite cocktail server. You get my drift? All it takes is just asking after that!

Taxis & Transportation

Whether you need to take a cab to or from the airport or you may just 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 port 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 small cash on hand for this occasion.

Drinks

Soda Cards/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 these drinks can cost you during your cruise trip. So what can I drink for free? Go the self serve buffet, the coffee, tea, non bottled 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 glass of soda. And I am not talking AM PM Gulp Size either. 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 a favorite activity is the casino. Certainly not as extensive as the famous Vegas casino in Nevada or New Jersey, but ample in size to play and bring your luck to the tables or machines. And yes, I understand that some jackpots are affiliated with the “big casino jackpot”, 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 $20.00 for a game, but yes prize, cash pot and entertainment are your hopeful goal, isn’t it?

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.

Shore Excursions

You’ve been too busy to research and prepare for port exploration through Barnes and Nobles, the internet or 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 Bufadora 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. If you want my opinion for Ensenada – save your dollars and take the shuttle in town and roam. You can also get in touch with either Roger or me and we can give you some ideas as well.

Special Interest Workshops & Classes

Although the cruise ship states that entertainment is covered in your cruise price, yes true. But 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 class etc. Be sure you check your daily cruise newsletter for details and specifics. You can also call your purser‘s office or concierge for clarification on participating workshop or class interest for more details.

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.

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, if that isn’t enough you also will have opportunities to take formal professional theme scenery photographs, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10. 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!

Specialty Restaurant & Dining

Not sure if this is available on this weekend cruise but if it is and you are a gourmand or a foodie like me definitely consider this option. I'll be signing up. The supplemental fee of $20-30 dollars to have 5 Star restaurant experience is amazing and worth the dollars. Not certain that this is available on the Paradise as of this print but reservations are required. You can book it once on board, if available. Sushi is on board but don't expect high end...it's there and an option from the dining room.

Photo provided by Flickr.jerert gwapo