The Most Commonly Overlooked Cruise Expenses

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If you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your vacation, it’s hard to compare any vacation with a cruise. However, despite the appeal of an “all-inclusive” vacation experience, there are still a lot of common expenses that many people overlook. Here are the most commonly overlooked cruise expenses.

Solo cruising upcharges

If you are booking a cruise for one, you may end up paying double. Some cruise ships offer single cabin rooms, but many do not. Cruise lines typically base their rates on a double-occupancy room, so if you’re traveling solo, you could end up with a massive upcharge. Check with your cruise line before traveling.

Onboard pictures

Cruise lines will constantly be snapping photos of you from eating dinner to getting off the boat. Cruise lines make a fortune off these pictures with prices starting at $20 per print. It can be easy to get carried away, so remember to set aside something for photos when planning your trip.

Drinks for purchase

Sodas, alcoholic beverages, and other specialty drinks are going to cost extra if you order them from the bar. Unless you are doing a drinking package, these sodas will start to rack up quick. If you are a soda drinker, do yourself a favor and book a drinking package before you get on the boat. It will cost more to buy it onboard so save yourself the trouble.

Tipping

When it comes to tipping, you should always factor this cost into your cruise rate before booking. Some cruise lines will automatically add a tip to your bill, and depending on the length of your cruise, this could be significant. Look at your booking information to find out how much your tipping and gratuities will cost so you can prepare for it ahead of time.

Before you go on a cruise, remember to refer to this list first! This will make sure you don’t blow your budget before you’ve even left your first port.

What tips do you have for those booking a cruise for the first time?