• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Guide to Walt Disney World
    • Guide to The Magic Kingdom for Beginners
    • Guide to Epcot For Beginners
    • Guide to Animal Kingdom for Beginners
    • Guide to Hollywood Studios For Beginners
    • Walt Disney World Useful Information
    • Guide to Disney Springs
    • Disney World Tips
      • Guide to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World
      • Avoiding Crowds at Walt Disney World
      • Walt Disney World Mistakes to Avoid in 2023
      • How To Find Characters at Walt Disney World
      • How to Beat the Orlando Weather
      • Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World with Disabilities
      • Disney World Survival Guide
      • A World of Fabulous Fascinating Facts
      • Guide to Walt Disney World Transport
    • Disney World Resorts for Beginners
    • Guide to Walt Disney World Dining
      • Guide to Walt Disney World Character Meals
      • Guide to the Disney Dining Plan
      • Visiting Walt Disney World with Food Allergies & Intolerances
  • Cruise
    • Top Cruise Articles
    • Disney Wonder
    • Jewel of the Seas
    • Allure of the Seas
    • Oasis of the Seas
    • Independence of the Seas
    • Harmony of the Seas
    • Crown Princess
  • Disney World News
  • Universal Orlando
  • Contact Us

Modern Life is Good

Disney World, Universal Orlando, Cruise & Family Travel

You are here: Home / Travel / The Hidden Costs of Cruising

The Hidden Costs of Cruising

March 21, 2018 by @Modlifeisgood Leave a Comment

We explore the hidden costs of cruising. What your cruise is likely to include and what extras you might have to pay for.

A major cruise line states "Everything you need to enjoy your holiday is included". For most of us, cruises do represent excellent value for money. However; there are many hidden costs of cruising and they do add up. Make sure you always budget for gratuities, excursions and drinks as essential extras.
A major cruise line currently states on their website “Everything you need to enjoy your holiday is included in the price of your ticket”.

Really?……Everything?….You mean EVERYTHING?!

So those daily tips you automatically add to my account don’t really occur?

Jewel of the Seas Grenada Hidden Costs of Cruising
Hidden Costs of Cruising

Despite there being a lot included not many people will leave a cruise ship without paying a bit more and in most cases quite a lot more than the cruise price.

Whilst your meals & entertainment are all included those extras soon add up.

There are some genuinely premium all-inclusive lines e.g. Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises. However; for the mainstream cruise lines earning extra revenue is a necessity in an increasingly competitive market.

So what are the hidden costs of cruising?

Gratuities

Depending on which country you reside this is a customary charge or one of those annoying hidden costs of cruising.

At up to $20 a day per person, this soon adds up. Most cruise lines expect this to be paid for all passengers so those with kids can find a large final charge on their bill.

Although in theory, you can ask for this charge to be removed my opinion is this isn’t fair. Staff on cruise lines do not get paid large salaries with the majority of income coming from tips. Coming from a culture where tips are extra earned for exceptional service I think this is an unnecessary hidden cost of cruising.

MY solution is to charge us the proper price of our cruise and pay the staff properly. Until this culture changes pay the gratuities.

Gratuities Royal caribbean
Staff Gratuities Royal Caribbean

Shore Excursions

Getting you to a new exciting destination every couple of days is certainly included. What you do when you get there isn’t.

Cruise lines make big money from selling you excursions. However; there is nothing stopping you booking independent tours or just exploring on foot at your destination. Some of the most enjoyable ports of call are when you wander around the port.

Bajan open Bus Barbados beach Hop Island Style #1 Bajan Bus
Bajan Open Bus Barbados

Restaurants

All food included on your cruise?

A lot certainly is.

However; if you want to experience the best at sea be ready to pay more. Most ships now have extra alternate venues serving premium food at premium prices.

Drinks

A selection of soft drinks plus tea and coffee are usually included. However; on most lines alcohol isn’t.

Are you likely to need more than an occasional drink during the day? Many cruise lines will sell you all-inclusive drink packages which although not cheap may well save you money.

Activities

Whilst the majority of activities are included extras including wine tasting, bingo, babysitting & of course the casino can soon add up.

There is plenty already included in the price of your cruise. Are these extras necessary?

Activities Harmony of the Seas include Rock Climbing Walll
Rock Climbing Harmony of the Seas Included in Cruise Price

Spa & Therapies

Most ships have fantastic spas which come at fantastic prices.

Consider visiting on a port day if you have little planned as you will often find prices are cheaper.

Shops

Most modern ships now have a fantastic choice of shops. Often prices can be obtained cheaper than on land.

Shops will often be open late at night to tempt you to part with your money.

Next Cruise

Whilst on your vacation why not buy your next vacation?

Cruise lines will often offer discounts on your next cruise if you book on board. Keeping you brand loyal is a key revenue stream.

Internet

It is fantastic you can now get high-speed internet and crystal clear mobile phone calls whilst at sea. It does come at a price though.

Internet on cruise ships is not cheap. However, for many of us, it is an essential part of our daily lives and an essential buy.

Consider buying before you travel as you will often get reduced rates.

Allure of the Seas hidden costs of cruising
Allure of the Seas

Photographs

Now, this is the bit of a cruise I hate most. My waiter serves me my delicious main on a Formal Night and I hear “smile for the camera!”

Yes! Those annoying photographers interrupting you at every opportunity and then later trying to sell you a photo package.

Photos on cruises are not cheap and soon add up…but how can you turn down that gorgeous photo of the kids on their first Formal Night?

Hidden Costs of Cruising
Hidden Costs of Cruising

Are there any other Hidden Costs of Cruising we have missed from our list? Leave a comment below.

For most of us, cruises do represent excellent value for money. However; there are many hidden costs of cruising and they do add up. Make sure you always budget for gratuities, excursions and drinks as essential extras.

Have a great vacation!

Filed Under: Cruise, Top Cruise Articles, Travel Tagged With: cruise, family travel, travel

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Search Modern Life Is Good

Who are Modern Life is Good?

Welcome to Modern Life is Good we are a Family Travel site specialising in Walt Disney World Planning, Universal Orlando, Orlando Attractions & Cruising.

We are family of 4 based in the United Kingdom who have become Orlando Fanatics and Enthusiastic Cruisers. We hope this website will help you plan the perfect Family Vacation.

Our blog is updated regularly with handy family travel tips, guides & reviews. We also bring you all the latest Walt Disney World Updates & Disney World Rumours in our monthly Disney World News.

Follow Us

Subscribe to Modern Life is Good

Loading

Footer

All About Us

  • About Me
  • Contact Us
  • Terms & Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Share

Blogger
Delicious
Digg
Email
Facebook
Facebook messenger
Google
Hacker News
Line
LinkedIn
Mix
Odnoklassniki
PDF
Pinterest
Pocket
Print
Reddit
Renren
Short link
SMS
Skype
Telegram
Tumblr
Twitter
VKontakte
wechat
Weibo
WhatsApp
Xing
Yahoo! Mail

Copy short link

Copy link