When planning a cruise cost is, of course, one of the primary considerations. There are a number of things to think about when you figure out what you might have to pay for a cruise.
The Cruise Itself
If you book several months ahead of time you will save money and get a better cabin choice. You should use a reliable travel agent or online travel website, and not book directly through the cruise line website. There are various types of cabins which are offered at different prices. The cheapest are interior cabins, without windows, on lower decks. Cabins with ocean views are more expensive, and the higher the deck the higher the rate. The size of the cabin is important too; they range from quite small to spacious suites. Ask yourself how much time you’ll spend in the cabin. If you’ll only sleep there but otherwise be out all day enjoying activities, perhaps you won’t mind an interior cabin, but if you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing perhaps it’s worth it to pay extra for an ocean view. Other factors that might impact the price:
- If you book as a family or group it’s usually cheaper: the larger the group, the cheaper the price.
- It’s cheaper if you pay the full price in advance.
- On some cruises seniors get a discount.
Extra Expenses
The cost of the cruise itself is not the only expense involved. Don’t panic; just be aware of these extra expenses and consider them part of the basic cost.
- You have to work out your own transport to and from the ship. The cost, of course, depends on how far away you are. Book well in advance from a reputable travel agent or online site. Some cruise lines offer the airfare as a part of the package; you might consider it as it includes transport from the airport to the ship and an employee to guide you. However, it might cost more than booking it yourself.
- Insurance is extra, for emergency medical evacuation and treatment, also for possible cruise cancellation for whatever reason.
- The cost of shore excursions is not included in the cruise price.
- You have to pay extra for bar drinks and wine.
- If you like to gamble at the casino that can get pricy.
- Spa treatments and optional activities such as dance or computer classes cost extra.
- Tips to cruise personnel are expected and in some cases required but are not covered in the basic cost.
Remember, though these extra expenses should be considered, they should not be a cause for panic; a wise traveler simply takes them into account. For more on cruising, you can read these posts on where to go on a cruise, the advantages of a cruise and what to do on a cruise ship.
This post is a guest post by John Walters who is a freelance writer who attended the 1973 Clarion West science fiction writing workshop and is a member of Science Fiction Writers of America. He writes mainstream fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and memoirs of his wanderings around the world. For many years he lived in Greece with his Greek wife and five sons and taught English as a second language to help pay the bills, but he has recently moved back to the United States and now lives in San Diego.
