Cruises might have been the first all-inclusive resort experience! You pay your fare and your cabin (room) and meals (board) are included. Ships have added specialty restaurants and beverages like premium coffees, but most of your basic expenses are covered in your cruise fare. However, there is a compelling case to spend more before you step aboard the ship.
- How are you getting there? Unless your voyage starts and ends in your homeport city of residence, you probably need to fly to reach your ship. our cruise line might be able to find more attractive airfares than you can searching solo. This is especially important if the fares are one way. Check out what they are offering.
- Transfer to the ship.This is an expense to consider both coming and going. If you fly into the port city, life is easier if you seek out the person holding a sign with your ship’s name and get checked off a list. When your cruise is over, life is less complicated if you book the ship to airport transfer bus. This might also get you off the ship earlier than your departure group is scheduled.
- Shore excursions.Cruise lines offer excursions, as do platforms that offer excursions through local tour operators How about very specialized tours? Many book up very quickly so plan ahead on shore excursions. You might have to get on a waiting list. Ed. Note: CruiseCompete offers partner shore excursions here: Shore Excursions – higher quality cruise shore excursions at substantially lower prices
- Luggage insurance. Your cruise line might offer different types of insurance. What kind of insurance covers loss or damage to your luggage? You might wonder, “Why is this important?” If you are sailing on a luxury cruise, you might be traveling with luxury luggage. If it gets damaged or lost, you do not want to argue about who is responsible.
- Internet access.This is a profit center for most cruise lines. There are no cell towers at sea! You need to rely on your ship’s service, which is usually the only game in town. Your cruise line probably offers this in advance of your sailing. It might be at a discount compared to the onboard cost.
- Drinks packages.Personally, I am not a fan. However, if you will be partying all day, every day, you can make a case for why you want to buy it. If you sign up before you sail, you might get a discount.
- Flowers for your cabin.This category can also include other gifts. I always like surprising my wife with flowers. Usually, I order them at the Purser’s Office, and they are delivered a day or so later. You can order them in advance. They should be waiting in your cabin when you arrive.
- Medical insurance.Your cruise line might not sell this, but you need it anyway. The moment your ship sails into international waters, your health plan back home usually stops covering you. This should not be a huge expense, but it should not be overlooked. Then, it becomes a huge expense if you need medical care.
There are reasons why you should book certain activities or services in advance. It reduces the time you spend standing in line or the disappointment your desired experience is fully booked.
cover photo Strasbourg Cathedral ©Dennis Cox/WorldViews
Dennis Cox is All Things Cruise Writer and Official Photographer
Editor’s Notes:
If you’d like to get a quote and book a cruise see Browse Cruise Ships and Cruise Lines
CruiseCompete and its member travel advisors provide many curated cruise and land deals, offers and amenities on over 50 cruise lines with over 500 cruise ships sailing all around the world.
Also see Shore Excursions – Ports, Day & Weekend Trips
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