How to Avoid Hidden Cruise Costs

You have probably heard the term "all-inclusive" applied to cruises every so often. Sure, a voyage at sea is one of the best values around, because all major expenses (lodging, meals, snacks, activities and entertainment) are included. However, there are some items,  mostly of a personal or optional nature, that are out-of-pocket expenses. And those extra purchases can quickly run up your bill on a supposedly "all-inclusive" cruise.

With some planning, you can keep your cruise expenses down. 

Beverages
On most ships, alcohol, soda and bottled water aren't free, and the barrage to indulge starts as soon as you board, with offers like the Drink of the Day. Although cruise lines ban you from bringing your own booze, most let you pack soda and bottled water. You might also save money with an unlimited drinks package. For free booze, grab a cocktail at the captain's parties, and, if you buy a bottle of wine, drink half and have it corked for the next night.  If you chug soda, find out if your ship offers soda packages that feature unlimited sodas during the cruise.

Gratuities
Tips for the crew who keep your accommodations clean and make sure you're well fed are now typically automatically added to your shipboard bill at a rate of $10 to $12 per passenger, per day, depending on the line. Bar bills might also include an automatic 15 percent gratuity. That's a substantial addition to your cruise costs. Although you probably won't want to scrimp here,  you can adjust the amounts up or down at the purser's desk.

Shore Excursions
Booking shore excursions through a cruise line is easy. But these tours, which run from $29 to $150 and higher, are priced to make money for the cruise lines. Planning can pay off. It's nearly always cheaper to book through an independent local operator and to use taxis or other local transportation for trips to the beach.

Alternative Dining and Treats
You'll find plenty of selections in the ship's dining rooms and casual buffets. But the lines also offer alternative, gourmet venues which cost an additional $10 to $75. Eliminate this as a hidden cost by budgeting accordingly for a special night out or planning to forego it altogether. And watch those extra charges for name-brand ice cream, specialty coffee drinks like espresso, and other treats.

The Spa
Spas on most ships aren't cheap. Those who pay $22 for a pedicure at home will be shocked by a $70 shipboard tab and a 50-minute massage will run at least $119. Look for spa specials on port days. Beware, too, of extra charges for some fitness classes.

Photos and Camera Equipment 
Cruise travelers are often lured into dropping big bucks at the onboard photo gallery, where an 8x10 photo can easily cost $20 or more. Buying additional batteries, memory cards and other camera supplies will not only cost you more money than they do back home, but will eat up precious vacation time, as well. Take your own pictures, and rely sparingly, if at all, on the ship's photographers. On the equipment side, buy plenty of batteries and other camera supplies at home and bring more than you think you will need, just in case. 

Internet 
Whether you bring your own laptop and take advantage of shipboard Wi-Fi or park yourself at the computer center onboard, you will pay extremely high rates for often slow Internet connections. Most lines charge about 75 cents a minute for pay-as-you-go plans and offer packages that reduce the cost to around 55 cents a minute for buying Internet time in bulk.  You can usually find cheaper Internet centers in port, if you don't mind using some of your onshore time to check your e-mail and surf the Web.  If you bring your own laptop, look for cafes and other establishments with free Wi-Fi. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com