Unless you are sailing on a Cruise line that provides all-inclusive fares, and even sometimes if you are, extra expenses can add up fast for things like shore excursions, spa treatments, WiFi and boutique purchases. On ships where only the bare bottom amenities such as meals and entertainment are provided you are responsible for tips, drinks (even specialty coffees and bottled water, although there are packages available) and more.
Drinks and even specialty coffees can add up unless they are part of the fare.
One of the cheapest ways to have your cruise and save is by booking an inside cabin. However this is not recommended for claustrophobics as there are no portholes and unless you keep the lights on it’s pretty dark in there. Tips to cabin attendants can cost you again unless included in the fare (no tips are expected for cabin stew on Regent Seven Seas pictured below).Drinks and even specialty coffees can add up unless they are part of the fare.
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Another cost-cutter if you drink bottled water is to bring your own or buy some during Port stops. Unless a cruise is all-inclusive such as on Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Sea and other luxury lines, expect to shell out $4 or more for you H20 plus a tip. The same goes for wine and booze, if you imbibe. However some companies have limits and/or taboos about BYO-ing so check with them first. But if they let you carry it on you will save a bundle. Speaking of drinking avoid those fancy cocktails that come with the glass. 1. You won’t want to pack the glass to carry home. They are pricey. 3. They are loaded with calories better saved for the food and desserts on board.
DO NOT use the ship to shore Cabin phone to call home, it will cost you. Call on your cell in port if you have the option or email. Okay speaking of email, watch out for WiFi, on ships where it’s not included (which are most of the mainstream lines) expect to pay a lot for each agonizingly slow minute. Nearly every port in the world has free WiFi somewhere. Often you don’t even have to buy anything they just give you the password. Sometimes the terminals are wired with free Internet too, so get your web time in port.
Women may want to get a manicure and pedicure and hair colored before sailing as salon prices on all ships are steep. Take only a shore excursion you can’t live without, it’s cheaper to walk around ports, even to the Beach in some Caribbean ports than pay for an organized tour. In Tahiti you can take TheBus to the beach for about a couple of US bucks. We took the bus in Aruba to the beach for two dollars roundtrip. Not only does walking on your own save money it burns calories, which most passengers will discover is a good thing after a few days of over-indulgence.
Keep an eye out for cruise sales that come with perks. Subscribe a cruise line's website and ask to be on the mailing list. Princess Cruises has regular promotions. Regent Seven Seas is among the higher-priced spreads but it offers great deals if you book well in advance as does Crystal.A
