Travels with Terri

A friend recently commented that large ship cruises are great for budget travelers as they are “so cheap”. My reply was that while bargains can be found, the price tag can be very deceiving. But what exactly do you get for the cheapest rate? Not much in all honesty. Let’s say you find an eight-night cruise for $1,000 ($125 per night). On the surface that sounds like a good deal for a vacation that includes lodging, the cruise from port to port, three meals a day, and entertainment. That price is for an inside cabin (no windows) and is based on two people sharing a room. So, if you are a solo passenger, the price doubles to $2,000. Some cruise lines do offer single cabins (often called studios) or discounts off the single supplement of up to 50%*. Everything else you might want or need on a cruise is extra!

*These cabins are very limited and sell out quickly!

Here is what is included in the lowest rate:

• The cruise
• Your cabin
• Meals in the main dining room, buffet, and poolside café (burgers, hot dogs, fries, and maybe pizza by the slice and/or soft serve ice cream)
• Access to the pools, hot tubs, walking track, fitness equipment, outdoor movies, and more depending on your ship
• Use of the Internet café or lounge (the only place on the ship with free internet)
• Onboard entertainment including live music, shows, quizzes, lectures, games, books, and puzzles

Here’s a list of what you’ll have to pay extra for with the lowest booking rates:

• Bottled water, soda, fresh juices, alcoholic drinks, and specialty coffees (the cost of the item plus a service fee of 20%)
• Taxes, fees, and port charges (varies depending on cruise length and ports)
• Wi-Fi
• Crew tips (the current price on Celebrity for most cabin classes is $18 per guest per day which comes to an extra $144 per guest for an eight-night cruise)

Adding the extra charges (including an estimated $150 in taxes, fees, and port charges) your $1,000 cruise now comes to $1,294 assuming that there are two people sharing a cabin. That works out to $161.75 per night per person for all the inclusions mentioned above. If you can’t live without internet, Wi-Fi* for one device costs $15 (current pricing on Princess if you buy a package) adding $120 to the cost for eight nights. A large bottle of water with the 20% service charge will cost about $4.80 ($38.40 if you drink one a day). Sodas, fresh juices, or specialty coffees will cost about $4.20 ($33.60 if you drink one a day). Fancy a glass of wine with dinner? Each glass will cost around $10.80 ($86.40 if you drink one a day). That brings your total per person to just under $1,575 ($197 per night). So now your cheap cruise fare has jumped from $125 per night to almost $200.

*Depending on your Wi-Fi package, you may be limited as to the number of minutes you get.

Here is a general idea of what you might pay for any add-ons to your cruise (prices vary by cruise line and length of cruise):

• Specialty dining will cost between $35 to $70 ($42 to $84 with the 20% service fee) per meal
• A non-alcoholic drink package runs about $30 per day
• Classic and premium drink packages cost between $89 to $109 per day
• Shore excursions are always extra unless you book an all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line. You can expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a group tour and between $150 to $200 for a small group tour.
• Transportation between the airport and your ship (cost will vary depending on the distance)
• Room service for lunch and dinner will cost menu prices plus a 20% service fee. In general, you can have a continental breakfast delivered to your room with coffee and/or tea for a nominal charge.

So, are cruises really cheap? They can be if you don’t add any extras, are fine with an interior cabin, and plan to drink only the freebies (coffee, tea, and juice/water from the dispenser in the buffet). Just be prepared for sticker shock at the end if you decide to splurge on some extras during your cruise!

In my next blog, I’ll offer some tips on how to experience Paris like a Parisian. Stay tuned!