If you're looking to plan a cruise, you need to understand the costs. These vary depending on the destination and the ship. It is important to consider the cost of port visits and excursions. This will allow you to determine a budget that is feasible for you.
A typical cruise takes three days. But, it is possible to take a longer trip. Cruises will usually stop in different ports of calls every day for a few hour. There are plenty of activities and amenities onboard such as mini golf, billiards, yoga, and more. Many ships offer spas as well as other treatments. Some ships also have cafes onboard and studios for portraits.
These are some things to keep in mind if you plan to embark on a multiday cruise. While it is common to pay $600 for a basic rate for multi-day trips, you might end up paying much more for any extras. For example, a 7-day trip to the western Caribbean may cost you $499 per person. But, you will have to spend hundreds more if there are more ports of call.
You'll also need to add in gratuities. The majority of major cruise lines charge around 18% for tips. The gratuity amount is likely to surprise you, even though it's included in the fare.
The average tip for a single-day cruise is around $20, depending on which line you choose. Some cruisers tip upwards to $40 per day. This is known as the "daily cost" and is passed on to crew members.
Cost of sightseeing is another hidden expense of a cruise. Some of the most popular tours are organized by the cruise lines, and you'll likely have to pay a fee for this service. However, there are several independent tours you can enjoy. The cost of a tour may be lower than that of a cruise, but the experience will be much more personalized.
A cruise excursion will allow you to spend more money. You will need to budget for shore excursions, even though some premium cruise lines may offer them at no extra cost. These excursions are convenient and fun, but can be quite expensive.
Interior cabins are another way to save money when you cruise. Because they are in the inner circle of rooms, interior cabins are most affordable. Aside from being larger and having a king size bed, these cabins also have large windows and provide a stunning ambiance.
Make sure you know what you are getting for you money to make your cruise cost-effective. It might be difficult to find a deal with a single-day cruise that departs in September. But you could get a seven-day cruise from Florida for as low $200 or a 10-day Caribbean cruise for as low $500.
Finally, you should be aware that some ships will require you to pay an additional tip for each item you purchase, which is not a given. A reconnecting fee will be charged if you miss a ship's departure. You may also need to pay fees to rent your car.
FAQ
Should I book my cruise before or after booking my airfare?
It all depends on where you're traveling. It's better to book your cruise earlier than later because you have more flexibility on dates. You could, for example, plan your cruise around the summer months if you are sure you will be visiting Europe. For those who are planning to go to South America or Asia, it might be a better idea to book your cruise after high season to avoid high prices.
What does cruising look like?
A deposit is required to reserve a cabin for a cruise. It can range from $50-$100. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check in at your cabin upon arrival at the port. You may then participate in one or more of the many activities onboard.
Do I have to tip my Cruise Director
This varies by cruise line. Some cruise directors do receive tips while some don't. When you board the cruise ship, ask your Cruise Director if they need tips. They will tell you if they expect tips.
Is food allowed on a cruise?
The answer is yes! All cruises offer complimentary food. You will have to pay for drinks if you want to enjoy them.
The cost of a cruise depends on the ship you're sailing on. A luxury liner cruiser may cost $20-30 per person, depending on the drink you purchase. For a smaller vessel, the cost of a drink will be around $10-15 per person.
Statistics
- *20% Gratuities Apply on Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. (ncl.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle. (travel.usnews.com)
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How To
How to book your cruise
The best way to book a cruise is through a travel agency. The agency should arrange the booking, accommodation, insurance, payment arrangements, and deal with any other issues. The agent will help you through the whole process and negotiate the best price.
If you want to save money, there are many ways to do this. Some people go directly to the cruise lines and buy their tickets. You can compare the prices of different offers and check them out against what you would have paid if you had booked through a travel agency. Another option is to use a specialist online comparison site like CruiseCompare.com. You can simply enter your details on the website to find out which companies offer you the best price. You can then book the one that best suits your needs.
You have other options if your willing to do some digging. You could search online for a company that offers a package deal, where you can combine flight and accommodation. You can find many websites that offer packages like these.
You might also talk to your family about their experience with different cruise lines. You might get some advice from them about the suitability of a particular cruise for you.