Cruises are a great value, especially for those that want everything to be included in one low prices. For the most part there aren’t many surprises on cruises. Meals, lodging and most activities are included. However, virtually every cruise has extra fees that aren’t always well known. The following hidden cruise expenses are something that all travelers should be aware of.
Activities Onboard The Ship
There are a lot of free activities onboard cruise ships. Everything from waterslides, to bumper cars to magic shows are included in the price you pay for the cruise. However, there are some activities that come with a fee. These may include exercise classes or alcohol tastings. While it’s not necessarily a bad idea to pay for these items, just make sure you find out if there’s a similar event that will take place while on the ship that doesn’t cost you anything.
Alternative Dining Options
A lot of the newer cruise ships have alternative dining options. They often feature a more elegant dining experience and a hefty price tag. While it may seem like a good idea to shell out anywhere from $20-$100 a person for one meal, there are plenty of other suitable dining options onboard. Some free dining options they may offer a specialty dessert or dish that costs a pretty penny as well. Beware because that fancy cake you just had to have may be one of your biggest regrets when it’s time to pay for it at the end of the cruise.
Drinks
While some cruise lines include free drinks, others don’t. Some charge for sodas and specialty coffees. This can quickly add up. You could always drink water while you’re onboard your cruise- it’s healthier anyways, or you could find out if the ship you are on has an unlimited soda package you could purchase. These packages are usually worth the small cost and you don’t have to try to keep track of how much you are spending on individual drinks each day. Alcoholic beverages will generally cost you as well. Fortunately, many cruise lines have events like art shows or cocktail parties where you can get a few drinks for free.
Wi-Fi
Many places around the world have free Wi-Fi, but cruise ships aren’t usually one of them. They often charge close to a dollar a minute and the speed isn’t all that great. Even if a ship does offer an internet package, they still aren’t usually worth the cost. Your best bet is to either not use the internet at all while onboard or wait until you get to a port and find an internet center. Many ports offer free Wi-Fi so it might be worth waiting a few hours to get online.
Hidden cruise expenses can catch travelers off guard. Our advisors’ guide to choosing the right cruise cabin also covers understanding total cruise costs so there are no surprises.
