Don’t get caught off guard by these things that usually cost extra.
One of the biggest benefits of taking a cruise vacation is the sheer volume of amenities that are included for free. While a lot of the fun and food on a cruise is complimentary, there are some things that you will likely have to pay extra for. Here’s a look at 14 things that are not (usually) included on a cruise.
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I think its a bit disingenuous to present these reasons as being industry wide for those who will take it that way. Some cruise lines provide some of the services in their package cost; true that some are basic versions that one can upgrade to a higher level. Viking is one example, it has become one of my preferred cruise lines as it includes most of the necessary services in the base price so I don't need to keep asking how much more do I need to pay. Not the cheapest but I don't like the feeling of being nickeled and dimed throughout the process.
I forgot to mention that our cruise includes a balcony cabin too. of course the type of cabin makes a difference. If you want to cruise on the cheap get and inside cabin. Ypu will save a lot of money and still get free reign of the ship, all your meals etc.
I must take exception to the comments about 14 more reasons to not cruise. We have been and around 17 cruisesd with two more on the docket and have taken many land vacations starting 38 years ago and when you add it all up cruising is still the best bargain out there. On top of that if you get a TA who can book you with a group rate you save even more. For example our 10 day vacation last January at the Hyatt Regency in Oahu for just the room was close to the same we are paying for our upcoming 10 day cruise out of Iceland in June and this includes all meals of course, housekeeping twice per day, a variety of shows abd entertainment and the group perks we got which include gratuities, a balcony cabin, alcohol package, 250 minutes free wifi, dining at three speciality restaurants, $50.00 off each port excursion and $100.00 OB courtesy of the TA. if you don't want to use the ships tours which are usually high savvy travelers know booking a private tour will save a lot of money.
... for relaxation - cruise maybe it, if you like to relax in a large and dense crowd,
but for sightseeing and exploring, there are other much better options. Unless of course, you are taking a small boat and want to explore small islands.
What I find misleading is a notion - still perpetuated by many advertisments that a cruise is somewhat all-inclusive vacation... it never was one.