Are charges per a port of call usually included in a cruise's listed price?

Question

I am thinking about cruising the Caribbeans and was wondering how much those port fees are. Also, which cruise line would you recommend? Thanks!!

Answer 1

It depends on the cruise line and the advertisement that is prepared.  Some times the price is advertised including all taxes and port charges and others it is not.  But regardless there will be a statement telling you if there are additional charges.  This varies by cruise line also so read carefully.  

If you go on cruise line web sites you can actually select a cruise, a cabin and get a final figure for the cruise including taxes and port charges, and even air fare if you want and then when you see the total just cancel the transaction before it gets to the part where your credit card information is requested.  The port fees can vary from $50 to $100 depending on which ports, and how many days the cruise is for.

My recommendation is any of these four cruise lines:  Royal,Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian.  I have been on all four more than once and they are all good.  Holland America is also a good line but it tends to have very senior passengers.

Answer 2

Generally, no.  Their is a cruise fare, plus taxes and fees.  The port charges are included in this amount.  For example, I am booked on the Carnival Glory in Sept.  There are four ports, Cozumel, Belize, Costa Maya, and Nassau.  The port fees are about $65 each.  This is in addition to the fare.  When I get the quote on the cruise line's page, it breaks down the fees on the last page, with the total price for the four of us.  I always call ny PVP at Carnival.  He always gets me the best price.  Even lower than the discount cruise sites.  And he gets my upgrades that are not offered elsewhere, even if the upgrade shows up after I am booked.  Additionallhy, if the price goes down before the final payment is due, he gives me the lowest fare available.

Answer 3

Generally, the cruise price includes drinks like coffee, tea, and water; standard meals; room service; the use of gymnasium equipment; and most shipboard entertainment. Depending on the cruise line that you choose will also depend on whether or not the port fees are applicable. The port charges include, but are not limited to, taxes and fees assessed by the government and other agencies, costs of entering or leaving ports, and costs incurred while in port, including waste removal--usually ranging from $100-300 per port. Royal Caribbean and and Carnival are great cruise lines to consider.

Answer 4

Your major on-line cruise vendors try to trick you into paying more for your cruise...they don't show you the final price till it is almost time to pay. Be careful and don't be fooled. Ask for the TOTAL fare before paying a deposit to anyone.

Demand the total cost up front!

BTW - if you book with a cruise line directly or an an automated web site -- you will OVERPAY for your cruise.

Answer 5

poet fees and tax are not included in the room price.

port fee are different according to where the ship goes

the tips are not included either and are not add in until the cruise itself and for Carnival it $10 a day per person and Royal Caribbean is $15 a day per person

I prefer Carnival and would recommend you go through Carnival themselves we have not had any problems and have had very good experience with them

Answer 6

Your port fees and taxes are not included, but you can find out EXACTLY what they are before booking.

If you have choosen a ship and a date -- try going to www.cruisecompete.com and requesting a quote.  You will get several, they will all tell you if fees are included or not

Answer 7

No, the port taxes and fees are not usually included in any of the prices you see quoted on the web.  Plan about $75-130 per guest.  Be sure to ask your travel agent to include these fees when s/he is quoting prices to you.

Other items not included in the price:

- tips.  Usually $10 per day/per person

- Alcohol.  $4-12 per drink plus 15% gratuity

- Sodas.  $1.75 per can or buy a drink card for 40-45 dollars.

- Spa.  $50-200 per service

- Shore excursions - $50-200 per person

- Bingo - $5-10 per card

- Casino

- Tips for shore excursion personnel

- Taxis while in port

- Photos - 20-22 per sheet.  Yes, you will buy some!

- Some speciality resturants on-board

- Parking at port

- Tips for luggage porters, $1 per bag.  

We use Carnival because they are very economical and our teens love the 24 hour pizza and ice cream.

Also, you can check out www.vacationstogo.com to compare cruise ships and itineraries.  They have a 90-day ticker and a bargain search.

Answer 8

You can make calls from the ship but they are NOT included in your cruise.  They will be charged to your "account".  It is expensive to use...I think it was $7 a minute on my last cruise.  I got a calling card from my long distance carrier and had it "authorized" to make internation calls in and out of the U.S.    

Depending on what you like there are a lot of options for cruising.  I like Royal Caribbean, personally.