So What Is Included In Your Cruise?
So What Is Included In Your Cruise Fare
Many travelers new to cruising do not always realize that not everything is included in their cruise fare. Many are shocked when they board their ship and realize they will need additional money to get them through their trip.
Although each cruise line has its own set of inclusions, the following information does apply to the majority of the cruise lines that are categorized as Mainstream Cruise Lines.
What is included in the price of your cruise?
Accommodations
With your stateroom accommodations a cabin steward will be assigned to you. He/she will attend to your every need including turning down your bed at night, cleaning your room at least once a day, etc. Cabins come equipped with televisions and bathroom amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. Most new ships include blow dryers and some even include a refrigerator. Because of fire hazards, irons are not furnished and are not allowed in the staterooms, however, ships do offer ironing services for a fee.
Meals
You will certainly not go hungry while cruising. All meals are included from day to night. Most cruises have 24 hour buffet area where you can eat any time of the day. Sit down gourmet dinners that are served include appetizers, salads, main entrees and desserts. You can also order additional entrees. Popular meals are also the ships midnight buffets, pizza and ice cream. You can also order rooms service with is usually offered 24 hours a day.
Limited Beverages
Overall, drinks are not included unless they are being served with breakfast, buffets or dinners. Included drinks are usually limited to ice tea, lemonade, some juices, coffee, and water (not bottled).
Onboard Activities
You will never be bored on a cruise ship because they have ongoing activities throughout the day that are great. These include swimming, relaxing, contests and games, dance and golf lessons, karaoke and sing-a-longs, etc. Bingo is an additional cost.
Children & Teen Programs
All of the mainstream ships offer organized children and teen programs that are fun filled and keep them entertained. These programs are categorized by age and include age appropriate activities. They run for a designated amount of time each day and night. For an additional charge, if you want a late night out, they charge an hourly rate per child.
Fitness Centers
Cruise ships offer state-of-the-art fitness centers for the health conscious traveler. They usually include stationary or spin bikes, treadmills and stair steppers. They also may offer aerobics, yoga or Pilates classes. Not all classes are free.
Entertainment
Ships include theatres that feature
What is not included in the price of your cruise?
Tips
When paying a cruise rate, the tips will not be included, although you can always pre-pay for the tips. Most of the workers on a cruise ship earn most of their money in tips…and they do earn it. Most cruise lines have tipping standards that normally start at $10 per day per passenger. This goes toward your cabin steward, waiters, head waiters and bus person. Most cruise lines will automatically add their recommended tip amount to your stateroom account.
Beverages
Alcoholic beverages, sodas and specialty coffees are not included. There are options to buy packages for unlimited wine, alcohol or sodas that may be available and worth purchasing. Many of the Luxury cruise lines offer complimentary beverages.
Spa Treatments
All cruise lines offer state of the art spa treatments such as massages, facials and salon services. All these are extra and very worth it.
Shore Excursions
There are dozens of things to do when the ship is docked at the various beautiful and exotic destinations. Cruise lines make it very easy for you to book your shore excursions online even before you leave for your cruise. They are also available to be booked while on board, but may fill up and reach the maximum. Some cruise lines will also allow your travel agent to book your shore excursions for you.
Try to remember to keep track of your spending by:
~ Keep all your receipts
~Check account balances daily
