Travel Blog

 

When Paying For Your Cruise Vacations

By Dana Cain


It can be exciting to plan for your cruise and at first, it may seem like a very cheap option for a vacation. Taking a cruise can, in fact, be cheaper than taking a self catering land vacation or getting a vacation rental but there are some things you need to be aware of when budgeting for your trip.

The intention of ads for cruises is to get you hooked on taking a cruise so the lowest price is in bold, large print numbers. The most basic accommodation which may or may not be available when you try to book it is the only thing that's typically covered by this price. There's also the fact that most of the time, the advertised price does not include the price of taxes and port charges which can add up to a few hundred dollars extra.

Varying greatly are the accommodations on a cruise. If you've never stayed on a cruise ship you'd be surprised to find that the accommodations are quite small, even for the more luxurious rooms. If you know what to expect, then you should only go with the cheapest option because this means that the basic rooms will be very small. A lot of seasoned cruise vacationers only use the room to sleep and shower and they would spend most of their time out of the room. In case it's your first time or if it's for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary, then it is recommended that you splurge a bit. Paying for a room with a window or even a balcony is what you can consider. Doing this will help you adjust to life on the open seas and it will also make your stay more pleasant.

Usually, the advertised rates are per person based on double occupancy. It can be enjoyable to travel by yourself on a cruise but there are also added expenses. You can expect to pay at least one thing extra for single occupancy because there is an added cost if you choose to stay in your cabin alone. There is another option and that's to share the cabin with a stranger. Some cruise companies offer a service that will match you up with other same sex solo travelers.

There are some things you'll need to pay for out-of-pocket even though cruises are touted as all inclusive. Included in the price of your cruise are food and activities but usually, alcohol is not included. Usually higher than you'd expect is the price of drinks on a cruise and it can quickly add up. There is also an additional cost when it comes to land excursions at ports of call though it can be arranged on the ship. Also consider gift shopping and spending at your ports of call. As long as you budget at least a hundred dollars a day for added expenses, you will have a more carefree and pleasurable holiday.

Even though cruises can be a real bargain, you need to be aware of hidden and unexpected costs. You can penny pinch but if you budget a bit more you'll have a more pleasant and carefree vacation.




About the Author:



Comments :

0 comments to “When Paying For Your Cruise Vacations”

Post a Comment

Blog Archive