Cruises are known for their all-inclusive nature. You pay once price for the cruise and you don’t expect to pay much more. However, this is not normally the case. It is likely that you will have to pay for extra costs, activities, and services, especially when you are a family. Many cruise lines impose fees, some that are mandatory and others that are optional. Still there are ways to avoid extra charges and methods to cut down on the costs. Below are some the hidden fees that may come with your cruise and how you can avoid them.
Transportation
First, transportation can yield some unexpected expenses. You will need to get yourself to the departure port. This may involve flights, a bus ride, or a private transfer. To save, you can consider choosing a departure port near your home or destination. You can also look for one that is serviced by a low-cost airline. It is also not advisable to park your car at the port, as it will cost you.
Furthermore, you will need to pay for transportation to and from ports where you stop. Cruises usually consist of day trip stops in specific places and destinations. If you want to truly explore the place, you will need to pay for transportation. Luckily when you plan ahead you can account for these costs and book some rides ahead of time. It is most definitely worth it to pay for transportation in your destinations, but you must keep it in mind for your budget and plans.
According to the site MoneyPug, which is known as a platform to find cheap travel insurance, there could also be additional costs related to if you miss the boat at your departure port or any of the other ports that you stop at. It could be a good idea to take out travel insurance that will cover any additional transportation needed to catch up with the cruise.
Excursions
In addition to transportation during your excursions, you will want to eat the local food and do activities. These things cost money. Sometimes the cruise will organize their own excursions and charge you more for it. You should avoid this and try your best to do your own thing when you stop at ports. Cruises are already very communal and inclusive, so stopping at ports is a great time to get away from the boat and spend some quality time with your family. Exploring on your own is much more rewarding and
memorable. Having independent activities is often less expensive than the excursions that the cruise line plans.
Food & Drinks
While most cruises advertise that food and drinks are included in the price of the cruise, there could be added charges. This includes the most expensive food items like lobster, steak, caviar, and more. The cruise price may not include the costs of alcohol. Maybe beer and wine are included but cocktails and shots are not. It depends on what you want to eat and drink and what will be included. It is best to know what you are in for before you go on the cruise. If you know that alcoholic beverages are not included,
you will plan for it. If you know that you will want to pay extra for fancy food, you will be ready.
Insurance
Another huge cost that people don’t think about is insurance. While you may think that taking a cruise is the easiest version of traveling, things can go wrong. You will want to have basic things covered like transportation should you miss a departure from a port. It is necessary, but you should know what you will be risking and what you want to have covered.
There are a few costs that you should think about when you are going to take your family on a cruise, but the more you know what you are in for, the more you will be able to avoid extra costs and plan for them. Cruises should be relaxing, and knowing that you are going to need a little extra money will help you have a better time and be able to relax more. Plan ahead, save up more than you need, and you will be better off.