Cruise Pricing
Cruise pricing is not a mystery. But there are some basics you need to know. When a cruise is advertised, many travel agents and cruise lines highlight only the base cruise price. For example, if you see a price such as $159, you can be sure this is the base cruise price. The full price of the cruise the base price, plus taxes, fees and other costs. If you are shopping for a cruise online, be sure you click far enough to see the full price. Prices are also based on two persons per cabin. Additional savings can be realized if three or four stay in a room. The price of the cruise will also depend on the cabin. Inside cabins are usually the cheapest. Different ships have different complements of cabins. The next steps up generally include cabins with view windows (with no outside access), cabins with balconies, and suites.
Cruising Costs
Cruising is an economical way to experience a great vacation. It is one of the best vacation values there is. If this is your first time cruising, it is important to understand all of the costs that will impact your cruise vacation so that you can be sure to budget adequately. Below is a summary of the cost elements of your cruise vacation. These are explained in more detail in the paragraphs that follow.
Your cruise vacation expenses will include:
The full cost of the cruise itself, plus
Transportation to the port city (usually the air fare), plus
Transportation from the airport to the port where the ship is docked, plus
Transportation from the port to the airport for your return flight home, plus
Drinks while on the cruise, plus
Gratuity for your cabin steward, plus
Souvenirs, photographs & shopping expenses, plus
Excursions (land tours, etc.)
____________________________________________________
ADD THESE TOGETHER TO ESTIMATE YOUR TOTAL CRUISE VACATION COSTS
Here is a discussion of each element.
The Cost of the Cruise, Itself
This is discussed above. This includes the base price plus taxes, fees and other costs.
Transportation to the Port City
This is typically your air fare. Cruise lines usually offer the option for them to purchase your plane ticket for you at a package price. Generally, you can find a better price if you shop around.
Transportation from the Airport to the Port (and back)
There a number of options are available to get from the airport to the port where the ship is located.
Cruise lines typically offer a reasonably priced option. There are also private taxis and vans that are available. In many instances public transportation is also available. The key is make sure you plan each leg of your trip to ensure you will not miss the ship or the plane.
Drinks
While on the ship your food will be provided at no additional cost. This is included in the price of the cruise. However, your drinks will be an extra cost. Many group trips include a bonus of on-board credit against which you can charge the price of your drinks. Cruise lines expect to bring in a lot of revenue through the sale of alcoholic beverages. Of course, for those who do not drink alcohol, a variety of juices and soft drinks are available.
Gratuity for Your Cabin Steward
You will be assigned a personal cabin steward, who will clean your room each day and respond to any other needs you may have throughout the cruise. It is customary to tip your steward at the end of the cruise. Think of this as you would think of a wait person in a restaurant. These tips are voluntary, but customary. The cruise lines vary in the amounts that are recommended. Carnival Cruise Lines recommends $10 per day per person. Remember, however, the actual amount is up to you.
Souvenirs, Photographs and Shopping
These, of course are optional expenses. It's a good idea to budget what you plan to spend ahead of time. You will certainly be tempted to spend money when you arrive at your destinations and even by the buys on-board the ship.
Excursions
Excursions are trips, tours and experiences that you can plan for and purchase for when you arrive at the ports of call (destinations). Some possibilities are area tours, scuba diving, para-sailing, horseback riding, 4-wheeling, special beach experiences and much more.
Cruise Cost
Your cruise vacation expenses will include:
The full cost of the cruise itself, plus
Transportation to the port city (usually the air fare), plus
Transportation from the airport to the port where the ship is docked, plus
Transportation from the port to the airport for your return flight home, plus
Drinks while on the cruise, plus
Gratuity for your cabin steward, plus
Souvenirs, photographs & shopping expenses, plus
Excursions (land tours, etc.)
____________________________________________________
ADD THESE TOGETHER TO ESTIMATE YOUR TOTAL CRUISE VACATION COSTS
Here is a discussion of each element.
The Cost of the Cruise, Itself
This is discussed above. This includes the base price plus taxes, fees and other costs.
Transportation to the Port City
This is typically your air fare. Cruise lines usually offer the option for them to purchase your plane ticket for you at a package price. Generally, you can find a better price if you shop around.
Transportation from the Airport to the Port (and back)
There a number of options are available to get from the airport to the port where the ship is located.
Cruise lines typically offer a reasonably priced option. There are also private taxis and vans that are available. In many instances public transportation is also available. The key is make sure you plan each leg of your trip to ensure you will not miss the ship or the plane.
Drinks
While on the ship your food will be provided at no additional cost. This is included in the price of the cruise. However, your drinks will be an extra cost. Many group trips include a bonus of on-board credit against which you can charge the price of your drinks. Cruise lines expect to bring in a lot of revenue through the sale of alcoholic beverages. Of course, for those who do not drink alcohol, a variety of juices and soft drinks are available.
Gratuity for Your Cabin Steward
You will be assigned a personal cabin steward, who will clean your room each day and respond to any other needs you may have throughout the cruise. It is customary to tip your steward at the end of the cruise. Think of this as you would think of a wait person in a restaurant. These tips are voluntary, but customary. The cruise lines vary in the amounts that are recommended. Carnival Cruise Lines recommends $10 per day per person. Remember, however, the actual amount is up to you.
Souvenirs, Photographs and Shopping
These, of course are optional expenses. It's a good idea to budget what you plan to spend ahead of time. You will certainly be tempted to spend money when you arrive at your destinations and even by the buys on-board the ship.
Excursions
Excursions are trips, tours and experiences that you can plan for and purchase for when you arrive at the ports of call (destinations). Some possibilities are area tours, scuba diving, para-sailing, horseback riding, 4-wheeling, special beach experiences and much more.
Cruise Cost
