What charges should I expect when paying for a cruise?

Question

This is my first cruise excursion and I want know what to expect.I'll be going by myself.

Answer 1

First, make sure that they spell out all charges up front so you won't get caught off guard.  After the initial tickets which should include the port charges and any taxes, you will also have tips at about $10 per day per person.  If it's a 5 day cruise figure $50 for each person in your group.  There are also the costs of any shore excursion you book.  They can be booked before hand or on the ship before reaching the port.  You also probably have to pay extra for alcoholic drinks and sodas.  Don't forget about the portraits they do on the ship.  You get all the pictures taken for free and then just pick the ones you like for about $20 per 8x10.

In the end it can be expensive if you are not careful, but having been on a couple cruises myself, I think they are an absolute blast!  I look forward to my next cruise.

Answer 2

Tips are not always included.  For my cruise, I handed the attendants the tip envelope, though you can always have them be charged when you check in (I don't do that, I wait till the end to see if they did a good job or not).

Included in your cruise is food, drinks (except for sodas and alcohol).

You will have to pay for any souvenirs, sodas (get the soda coupon), alcoholic drinks, and any of the drinks they have in your stateroom regardless of whether you have the soda coupon or not.

Answer 3

Everything included,tip housecleaning ,have fun...

Answer 4

-mandatory tips charged to your room, all the photos, The off shore excursions, any liquor or pop. If you do free style cruising not all meals are included.

Answer 5

Depending on your cruise line....here are some typical charges from Carnival:

Tips:  $10 per day/per guest.  Carnival charges these fees to your on-board account the moment you board.

Photos:  $20-23 a sheet.  Photographers are everywhere.  I usually spend a ton of money on the pictures.

Sodas:  $1.75 by the can or a soda fountain card for about $40-45 bucks for unlimited soda by the glass for the week.  Worth it if you are a soda drinker.

Bingo cards:  $10-30 a sheet.

Spa:  $50-200 per service

Shore Excursions:  $50-200 per trip

Bar drinks:  $4-12 plus 15% gratuity

Temporary tattos:  $7.50-23.  Fun....

Tips: you will need cash to tip the porters at the port.  Usually $1.00 per bag.  For embarkation and debarkation.

Tips:  for taxis and shore excursion personnel.

Take an ample supply of $1, 5 and 10s in US Dollars to spend in ports of call.

If you are parking your car at the port, check with the local port authority about the parking rates.  Usually about $10 per day per car.

Answer 6

The cruise fare includes the fare and port fees.  It also includes lodging, food, shows, etc.  On Carnival, the only extra costs are casino, photos, shopping, spa, bar, soda, and specialty coffee.  Tips are charged at the end of the cruise at a standard rate of $10-$15 per day, but you can pay more if you like.  They do earn it.

Most cruises charge for double occupancy, so if you are going by yourself, you should still expect to pay for two in the room.