5 Things You Need to Consider for Your Next Cruise Adventure
Planning a cruise can be stressful. You see commercials about all the delicious food, so many activities, entertainment, drinks, and so much more on board. But it could spoil your cruise if you get a statement for more than you were planning to spend when your cruise comes to an end. What a terrible farewell “gift”!
Before your next cruise becomes a budget buster, check on these five things to see if they are included with your cruise fare (since every cruise line is different). And keep in mind for this article I’m specifically talking about the contemporary/mass market cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line, Royal, Norwegian and Carnival as many of the higher premium and luxury lines will include more options…with a higher price tag.
FOOD:
Food in the main dining room and buffets are included with your cruise; however, most cruise lines have specialty dining options that will more than likely be an extra fee. Typically once you’re booked on a cruise you can log in to your pre cruise planner and see the pricing of the extra dining options. Many times they’ll be packages. If you’re new to cruising we don’t suggest adding on too many of the extra dining experiences as the main dining room has great food. These specialty dining options are great for celebrating milestone events though!
ROOM SERVICE:
Most cruise lines provide room service but many have started charging a small fee for per order, so double check before ordering. Just don’t forget to tip your attendant for the delivery!
ENTERTAINMENT:
Cruise lines offer tons of entertainment options both during the day and the night. Trivia, which is one of the many activities included in your onboard activities, can be quite entertaining to play or watch onboard. And you might even win a most coveted award…a keychain or a pen! But hey…it’s the bragging rights that count the most, am I right!?! Want to watch a movie on the big screen under the stars? Some lines will even provide the popcorn for you to do this. So many options that are included, such as surfing on FlowRider on Royal Caribbean is free, but there are plenty that do come with a fee as well.
DRINKS:
Tap water, regular coffee and tea, and some juices are usually included with your cruise fare. Pro Tips that can help you save some $$$: Check what you can carry on for soda (pop), water, beer and wine. Bring a water bottle to fill up in your cabin. Many lines offer a discount of their drink packages if you buy before you board.
GRATUITIES:
Gratuities are charged to your shipboard account and are calculated per person per day and go to the people who have personally serviced you onboard such as your stateroom attendant and dining staff. You may have booked a promo that includes gratuities, or sail on a line that includes them but if you don’t, be ready for these fees to show up on your final statement. Depending on the cruise line, they charge different rates for gratuities, but we can give you an estimate of those gratuities or you can choose to pre pay them as well. We always highly suggest you tipping above the recommended amount that will be charged to your stateroom account if you experience excellent service. You can ask for your shipboard account to be adjusted or cash is always king and very much appreciate by these hard working, generally low paying crewmembers!
I don’t want YOU to go over your budget on your cruise. Click reply, so I can help you plan your next cruise vacation and assist you with your specific cruise line’s fees.
Cheers to Smooth Sailings,
TJ
