Not Everything is Included on a Cruise

 

Not Everything is Included on a Cruise

Cruises are a very good deal and a wonderful vacation, but they’re not all inclusive. There are some things that are not included on a cruise and you’ll want to plan for them. This review is tailored primary towards Carnival but still apply to other cruise lines just the prices will vary.

Here are a few things to know:

Sign & Sail Card

On Carnival, you are given a sign and sail card to make purchases while onboard, to open your stateroom, get on & off in port, etc.. Now the card itself is free and can even be kept as a souvenir after. However, There is one thing about these cards that many people do not realize.

When You get ready to do your check in for Carnival about 2 weeks before your board it gives you two options about setting up your card. You can link a bank card which puts a $200 (depending on the cruise) hold on the card or opt to load the card with $200 Cash (depending on the cruise) once onboard. What this does is helps Carnival to ensure that if you make a purchase while on board that they are going to get their money. we never do a card and have always did the cash option primarily because we always have OBC (On Board Credit) so we do not have to put money on the card it use all our OBC first. Now we keep a check on our account throughout the whole cruise so if the money starts getting low then we will go and add some more cash to our cards at the Kiosk.

Either way the card can not be used until it is funded by one of the ways listed above.

Port Fees & Taxes

When booking your cruise you will also need to pay for port fees & taxes which are calculated in with the cost of your cruise. These cost will vary depending on where you are going and how long your trip will be.

Cruise Gratuities

Gratuities are customary on a cruise and can be paid in advance when booking your cruise. If not they are usually charged automatically to your onboard account. Some new cruisers may not even be aware of these cruise gratuities or tips until the end of the cruise.

Shore Excursions, Port Shopping, etc.

At each port of call, you may want to book an excursion or tour which can be a great way to enjoy the port or even learn about the port. You can explore the port on your own or book a shore excursion with the cruise line or even through another vendor such as Viator or Shore Excursion group. Prices vary by Vendor and by the activity you choose. If you are looking for a beach day, many ports have a few free beaches or ones that have a small fee to use or admit into.

If you plan to shop in port, you will need to bring money for that as well as it is not covered.

If you plan to eat in port,  you will need to bring money for that as well as it is not covered unless it was purchased with an excursion package. A example of this would be paying to go to Mr. Sancho's in Cozumel. You pay $120.00 for two people and its all inclusive and includes all you can eat, & all the alcohol you want subject to what they have available on their menu. It also includes a beach, a pool & a table & chair. Now there are other things you can purchase that are not included in the price at Mr. Sancho's but they are optional.

Lastly, If you need to get around in the port, then you have the cost of transportation you are responsible for as well unless your excursion includes transportation in the cost.

Internet/Wi-Fi

Cruise ship internet isn’t the same as the internet you have at home and it is much more expensive. Many cruise lines will have internet packages available often at a cheaper rate if booked prior to sailing. For example, Carnival offers 3 different packages:  Social WI-FI which costs $8.50 per person per day,  Value Wi-Fi which costs $11.05 per person per day, and Premium Wi-Fi which cost $14.15 per person per day with each offering different levels and available options you can do while using it.

Professional Photos

While on your cruise you will have the option to take many professional photos. There will be photos taken on formal nights when you are all dressed up, while your eating, & even when getting off in port. While it s free to take the photos, as you can take as many as you want all day long if you want to keep any photos you will have to purchase them. These photos can get a bit pricey if purchased individually. You may also opt for a photo package to be purchased prior to sailing that can save you some money. For example Carnival offers 3 packages Ranging for $99.00-$299.00.

Spa And Salon

Cruise lines have both a Spa & A Salon. However, these are usually not included in the price either. prices for these services vary depending on what you choose. If you book a spa room with Carnival they do offer a few free Spa Amenities such as use of their thermal suite. It is also good to take note that if you plan to have a spa day rates are often cheaper while in port.

Dining

Most dining such as the MDR (Main Dining Room), the Lido deck and a few other restaurants depending on the cruise ship and/or cruise line are included in your cost. however, Specialty restaurants are not included and cost. Again, these restaurants will vary in price and can range from $15-$35 and up per person.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drink are not included in your cruise fare. You can either purchases these drinks per the glass or bottle which can range for $10- $20 including the gratuity (which is added automatically) depending on what you drink. You may also purchase a Drink package. For example, Carnival offers one package that covers alcoholic drinks the Cheers package. The package must be purchased for each adult in the stateroom and has to be purchased for the entire trip. The packages averages about $59.95 per person per day when bought prior to cruising. It also has a limited of 15 drinks per day and can not be exceeded.

Non Alcoholic Drinks

Keep in mind, Carnival only serves Pepsi products.

You can find water for free in a glass on the ship. You can also find tea & some juices on the Lido deck (Especially with Carnival) in the machines for free that is included in your cruise fare. However, if you want juice in the MDR or Cokes anywhere on board you will need to purchase a drank package or bring your own cokes aboard. For these package you have two options, if you already purchased the cheers package it also covers these items. If you did not and you either not a drinker or you need to get a drink package for someone under 21 you can purchase the Bottomless Bubbles package. Again you must purchase the package for your entire trip but you do not have to purchase it for everyone. The price is approximately $6.95 per day per person for a child and $9.50 per day per person for an adult. You may also purchase juice or coke by the glass. Juices average about $5.00 a glass and cokes about $3.00.  You can also purchase a 6 pack of Pepsi products online through Carnival prior to sailing and have them delivered to your room for $10.00 (a Six pack). You may also choose to bring your favorite cokes onboard. You can bring on one 12 pack of can cokes per person and you must carry it on.

Casino

Of course if you plan to play in the Casino then that cost is on you as well. However, Carnival sometimes offers some OBC or Fun play when booking (Or Certain Casino Rate offers) which can be used to play in the Casino. Drink in the Casino can cost too if you do not have the Cheers Package or Free drinks in the Casino so keep that in mind as well. However, if you get a certain amount of points while playing in the Casino then drinks are free too.

Shopping On The Ship

Please keep in mind that any shopping on the ship is not included and costs as well. There are a lot of places to shop for those of you who enjoy shopping.

Bingo

On Carnival, You can play Bingo. It is not included in the cost and you will have to purchase your Bingo Cards and Dabbers. The prices vary depending on how many card you buy but they often offer a package deal for a set amount that includes dabbers and so many cards.

Flights, Transportation To & From the Port, Hotels, Port Parking, Etc.

Weather you fly or drive tot he port you have to consider those costs as well as they are not covered in the cruise faire price.  If you fly not only do you have your flight cost but also the costs of getting to the port or your hotel and back when your trip is over. You also have the cost of any hotels if you plan to come in early or stay over after your cruise.

If you drive, then you have your gas prices to consider & then the cost to park your car at the port or close to the port while your on your cruise. If you park at the port, prices vary by port and can cost anywhere form $20- $25 a day. If you choice a services offered close by it is often cheaper anywhere from $8- $15 a day. Some hotel even offer parking if you are staying with them. Then you also have the cost of a hotel if you plan to come in early or stay later after your cruise. 

I always recommend coming in a day early before your cruise weather you fly or drive. This helps to ensure there aren't any issues that can keep you or delay your from boarding the ship as well as gives you a chance to rest before your cruise or even after your cruise before making the return trip.

Whew, I believe that covers everything. If I missed something or you have a question, please let me know and I will be happy to update it or answer the question for you.

All in all though, Cruises can be cheaper or expensive it depends on you. while somethings you have to purchase some you do not and are optional so you can go on a relatively cheap cruise and I can help you. I can help you cruise on a budget, we do it every time. Reach out to me for more info, to book your next cruise or help finding cheap or free ideas to do in port.

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