Cruise Ships Are Much More Expensive Than You Think, And Here’s What You Don’t Know

Cruise ships are often listed as a pocket-friendly holiday option and that is very misleading. One imagines that rather than a cross-country vacation, a weekend on a cruise ship is a much thriftier alternative as it's refreshing and yet there is lesser travel involved. But cruise ship vacations are pretty complex and the packages are designed in a way which can cost you a lot if you want a really good time and the best of amenities.

Amid the cruise ship, boom people are also realising how pricey a cruise ship holiday can actually be. For instance, did you know that your all-inclusive package might not include cocktails? In fact, you might have to pay a fee if you bring your drink of choice. Yes, there are several such details which you must know before you sign up on that cruise ship vacation.

1The port fee is quite a pinch in the pocket

A port fee usually involves tolls, immigration, baggage handling, disembarkation etc and can add up to be quite a hefty amount. It depends upon the cruise line, the destination, the number of passengers etc. But it is important to keep tabs on the port fee. Passengers are often told about it when they sign up for the cruise but are often sent a bill weeks after they have booked their ticket. In which case they have to pay the port fee.

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2No alcohol?

You'll notice that most all-inclusive packages do not include hard drinks. Most people drink when they are on a cruise ship vacation. But cocktails or hard liquor are not part of an economical package. Passengers mostly don't realise it until it's too late. A regular cruise ship package contains beverages like coffee, milk, water etc. If you want to have a cruise vacation like you see on TV and want to order mimosas on the deck you have to pay separately.

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3Mind games?

Most people agree that cruise ship passengers are encouraged to charge everything to their room. While in hotels you often pay for your dinner at the restaurant or clear some of the bills, in cruise ships you pay your bill altogether. When you charge one drink and a plate of nachos to your room and don't have to pay immediately you might want to have another cocktail and some more nachos. You only realise what it adds up to be when it's late and you have to foot the entire bill.

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4Singles are charged extra

In most cruise lines solo passengers are charged extra. It's not a single tax but a rather calculated profit move. Solo travel is on the rise. However, cruise ships are more often than not booked by couples or friends and often accommodate two people in a room, both of whom are charged for their occupancy. A single person will not share his or her room with anybody and are thus required to pay a single supplement fee.

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5Expensive Wi-Fi

Everybody wants to Instagram their cruise vacation but it involves some serious money. If you thought hotels on land charge a lot of money for WiFi, wait till you hear this. Cruise lines may charge up to $20 to $25 for unlimited WiFi per day. Since all people using the Internet have to opt for WiFi you really have no choice. Plus you will also have to make peace with slower Internet connections as satellite connections are slower.

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