10 Hidden Cruise Costs And How To Avoid Them

10 Hidden Costs on Cruises and How to Avoid Them

Hey, hey fantabuless cruisers! When it comes to cruising, I want to be on the sea, all the time, anytime! I love to feel the ocean breeze kissing my face on the on the lido deck, while floating on a hotel with the promise of new adventures at different ports day after day. Even though I believe cruising to be the most cost effective vacation out there, as a seasoned cruiser I’ve experienced enough days at sea to know that cruising comes with its fair share of hidden costs. $13 here and $21 there adds up quickly and can throw your vacation budget into a tailspin if you’r not careful. Today I’m sharing my top tips on how to avoid those sneaky expenses and still have an amazing cruise vacation.

1. Gratuities

Gratuities have been a hot topic in the cruise community for years. Who do you tip, how much should you tip, should you pre-pay gratuities, should I tip extra…. the list goes on for days. Some people feel the cruise is expensive enough without gratuities and others feel like you should stay home if you cannot afford to tip the crew. Just at tipping customs vary around the world, they very from person to person here in the states as well. One thing we can ALL agree on is that the crew does an AMAZING job taking care of us while we’re on vacation and they deserve the additional gratuities and then some! Gratuities can add up quickly on a cruise.

Nowadays many cruise lines automatically charge your account for tips, which can be anywhere from $14 to $20 per person per day. For a family of 4, that can be an additional $80 a day on top of the cruise fare. I like to pay my gratuities in advance when I’m booking my cruise, and I bring along extra cash to bless the crew who go above and beyond. By doing it this way, I avoid surprises upon checkout because all of my incidental costs were budgeted for and paid in advance.

2. Beverage Packages

Whether it’s the Bottomless Bubbles soda package Deluxe Beverage Package, how much will you actually drink on your cruise vacation? Some loyalty programs give a limited amount of drinks to their top tier cruisers, so you may only need to buy a drink or two here and there. When I cruise with kids, we always bring 12 packs of pop on board to cut down on the cost of drinks. Before you buy the package, do the math and choose wisely. Also, beware of those “free” drink packages as the gratuities alone can be over $350 on a 7 night sailing.

3. Specialty Dining

Everyone loves to dine on great cuisine while on vacation. Some cruise lines have better quality food in the main dining rooms than others, so there may be entire sailings where you don’t even think paying an upcharge to dine elsewhere. If you do choose to dine at a specialty restaurant while on board, check to see if they have a package deal that will save you money on multiple meals.

4. Shore Excursions

Cruise line-sponsored shore excursions can be pricey, plain and simple. Many travel agents encourage their clients to purchase these expensive excursions from the cruise line because if you miss the ship while on a cruise line sponsored excursion, the cruise line is responsible for getting you to the next port to catch up with the ship. My favorite site to use for shore excursions is Viator. They have a wide variety of excursion booked through local vendors and the prices are considerably lower than that of the cruise lines. If possible, book your excursions early in the day as possible, just in case there is a delay in getting back to the ship.

5. Internet Access

Internet at sea can be notoriously expensive. You can avoid the cost all together by digital detoxing at sea and just disconnecting. I know it’s easier said then done, but it’s definitely an option. You can always tap into the wi-fi when you get to shore, check your messages, send and email and be done. As an iPhone user, I get the $5 or $10 package, and use iMessage to communicate while onboard. If you must purchase the internet whether it be for fun or work, always purchase it in advance as the prices go up once you board the ship.

6. Spa Treatments

Cruise spas are luxurious and relaxing but often times they come with a hefty price tag. After your treatment(s) they suggest all kinds of lotions, creams and additional procedures to empty out your wallet. To enjoy the spa without breaking the bank, go in for a tour on embarkation day as they hand out coupons for their services. Want to save even more? Book your treatment(s) on a port day to save big bucks.

7. Laundry Services

Cruise line laundry services are very convenient but they can be costly. Pack enough clothes to last the duration of your trip or bring travel-sized detergent and use the self-service laundry facilities if available. Some lines also offer laundry packages that can save you money, and some offer free laundry services to their elite guests which is a major perk.

8. Photos

Professional photos taken by the ship’s photographers can be expensive. Instead of buying every photo, choose a few favorites and skip the rest. You may even consider buying a package that includes unlimited photos and drinks like Princess’ Premier Plus. When all else fails, pull out your phone, grab a buddy and hit the deck for an impromptu and FREE photo shoot.

9. Onboard Activities

Some activities and classes onboard come with additional fees, such as wine tastings, cooking classes, fitness classes and even character dining. If these are must-do for you, my advice is to plan ahead and work these experiences into your vacation budget or go with a cruise line that offers these activities as part of the cruise fare. Virgin Voyages includes unlimited group fitness classes in their cruise fair, Princess Cruises Plus and Premier packages include fitness classes and other lines offer complimentary wine tasting to their elite guests so shop around to see what perks are available to you at your current loyalty level.

10. Taxes and Fees

Port taxes and fees are often not included in the advertised cruise fare and there’s really no way to avoid them. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the total cost of your cruise all the way down to the bottom line. Booking during sales and promotions can sometimes help offset these additional charges, however when you’r in doubt get clarity from your trusted travel advisor or the cruise line.

Fantabuless Tips to Keep Your Costs in Check

1. Plan Ahead: Research and book as much as you can in advance, from drink packages and internet to shore excursions and fine dining experiences.
2. Stay Informed: Download the cruise line’s app and keep an eye on your onboard account throughout the cruise to avoid surprises at the end.
3. Look for Deals: Many cruise lines offer promotions that include free gratuities, drink packages, or onboard credit. Sign up for your travel advisor’s email list or newsletter so you can be the first one to know!
4. Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on extras before you sail and stick to it.

Cruising is one of the most affordable, exciting and relaxing ways to see the world. With advance planning and a little bit of budgeting, you can avoid these hidden costs and enjoy every moment of your voyage without breaking the bank.

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Feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s help each other sail smoothly and save smartly!