Sneaky Hidden Fees of Cruises

Cruises are a luxury experience and vacation, but they also come with the potential to pay more than expected from hidden costs. Taking time to determine where the hidden costs might exist and methods of avoiding these unexpected expenses can make the cruise more rewarding.

Hidden Cost #1: The All-Inclusive Myth

• Cruises advertise as all-inclusive and this is true in many regards. Shelter, food and many services are included in the price. Unfortunately, hidden costs can quickly add up with the items that are not included. Beverages like soda, bottled water and alcohol are not actually included in the price.
• Avoiding the Cost: The only way to avoid the hidden cost of extra like soda is either giving it up or bringing it on the cruise. Cruise lines will not allow alcohol, but many will let passengers bring soda and bottled water, which substantially cuts this added cost.

Hidden Cost #2: Ship Excursions

• The ship excursions are not included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, those tours and special activities that look fun in the brochure can add up quickly and make the cruise well over-budget.
• Avoiding the Cost:The best way to avoid the cost of this added expense is either working with a local service or going on a walking tour without the guide.

Hidden Cost #3: Dining in the Restaurants

• While cruises include the buffet and dining room meals, the specialty restaurants are not included in the cost. From that ice cream cone to the expensive special dinner, it can quickly add up in price to result in a budget busting expense.
• Avoiding the Cost: The easiest way to avoid this cost is simply not going to the specialty restaurants. The alternative dining is not included, but the buffet and dining room services do not cost a penny.

Hidden Cost #4: Gratuities

• The gratuities are often included in the price of the cruise, but those extra expenses do not include these hidden costs. Buying that alcoholic beverage or going to the alternative dining will still have the addition of a tip. In many cases, the gratuity is added automatically.
• Avoid the Cost: It is possible to avoid this cost by minimizing the amount of spending on beverages and other services that are not included. Another option is going to the purser’s desk and requesting an adjustment to the amount. It is possible to lower the gratuity if the service was not good.

Hidden Cost #5: Spa Treatments

• The spa treatments on a cruise are not included in the cost. In fact, these treatments are the equivalent cost as a high-end spa.
• Avoid the Cost: Not getting any spa treatments is the obvious way to avoid this additional price. Another option is taking advantage of any specials offered by the ship, such as port day discounts or special one day deals. These specials can substantially bring down the price of getting that massage.

Hidden Cost #6: Special Activities

• While many of the cruise activities are free of charge, specialty activities like yoga classes or wine tasting are not. The wide range of activities can make it difficult to determine which is free, but in general anything that seems specialty like fitness classes or cooking lessons are likely to cost something.
• Avoid the Cost: The best way to avoid the cost is taking advantage of the free activities. Live performances, lectures and music are free to enjoy as well as leisure activities like lounging by the pool.

Hidden Cost #7: Internet

• The use of Internet on the cruise might seem convenient, but it has a large added cost to the cruise. Depending on the particular cruise line, it can cost around 75 cents per minute just to use the Internet or wi-fi connection.
• Avoid the Cost: The only way to avoid this cost is completely turning off that cell phone or avoiding the use of the Internet while on the cruise.

Hidden Cost #8: Buying Souvenirs

• Souvenirs can add up quickly, both in port locations and on the ship. The ship souvenirs are especially expensive when compared to items purchased ashore and can quickly end up breaking the budget without realizing the expense.
• Avoid the Cost: The only option when looking at souvenirs is setting a budget and sticking to it. Avoid the impulse to buy anything interesting and take time to walk away and think about it before making any purchase. This will help bring down the cost of added items.

Hidden Cost #9: Photos

• Getting those photos from the cruise ship or even just buying extra SD cards an add up quickly. In fact, a single picture might cost as much as $20 at one time. This added cost can break the bank quickly.
• Avoid the Cost: Bring a camera and enough film or digital space to last the trip. Avoid the professional photos and opt to take pictures personally. This not only allows the memory to last, it cuts the cost dramatically.

Hidden Cost #10: Laundry

• Paying to clean cloths is always pricy. It is especially expensive on a cruise ship, where a single dry cleaned shirt might cost as much as $3.50.
• Avoid the Cost: Washing some clothes in the sink of the bathroom and packing enough for the trip will eliminate the cost. Instead of paying for the laundry on the ship, opt to bring enough to last the trip and then wash it upon returning home.

Cruises are fun, but they have many hidden expenses. Fortunately, most of the added prices are easily avoided with some planning and early understanding.

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