The bill you never saw coming. #0023

When you book a cruise it feels like you are signing up for an all inclusive deal. Your cabin, meals, entertainment and endless ocean views all rolled into one neat package. But the truth is there are plenty of hidden costs that can sneak up on you once you are onboard and if you are not prepared they can turn your dream vacation into a budget buster.

Clean Energy, No Crash

Tired of caffeine crashes? Go stronger and longer than coffee or energy drinks with Korrect Energy™. It uses the best part of the caffeine molecule and ditches the rest. It's not just energy, it's the definition of motivation.

Get 20% off today with code FALL20.

One of the first extra charges people run into is drinks. Sure the buffet will offer coffee, tea and juice but if you want a cappuccino in the morning or a glass of wine with dinner you are paying extra. Pop, bottled water and cocktails quickly add up. Many cruise lines tempt you with beverage packages but those can be expensive too so take a realistic look at how much you plan to drink before signing up.

Another cost that surprises new cruisers is gratuities. Most lines automatically add a daily service charge to your account which covers your cabin steward and dining staff. It usually runs about fifteen to twenty dollars per person per day. Over the course of a week that can mean hundreds of dollars for a couple so it is best to budget for it before you sail.

Shore excursions are another big one. You can always explore a port on your own but if you book through the cruise line you will pay a premium. Even a basic snorkeling trip or city bus tour can cost a hundred dollars or more per person. Independent tours arranged outside the ship are often cheaper but you need to be sure they are reliable and that you will get back before the ship departs.

Internet access is also a sneaky expense. Cruise Wi Fi has improved but it is still pricey and often slow. Packages are available but if you only need to check in occasionally you might be better off waiting until you are in port and finding a café with free Wi Fi.

Specialty dining is another area where costs can pile up. The main dining room and buffet are included in your fare but most ships now have steakhouses, sushi bars or chef’s tables that charge a fee. The food can be excellent and worth it but two or three nights of specialty dining can rival what you would spend at a nice restaurant on land.

Even onboard activities are not always free. Bingo, escape rooms, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings often carry a charge. Each one seems small but by the end of the week it is easy to have spent far more than you expected.

Then there are all the little extras like photos taken by ship photographers, laundry, room service fees and spa treatments. None of these are shocking on their own but together they can quietly double your vacation costs.

The best way to handle it is to know about these extras ahead of time, decide what you are willing to splurge on and skip the rest. That way you can enjoy your cruise with peace of mind and come home with happy memories instead of a surprise credit card bill.

Until next week,

Tara