Real cost of a cruise?

[vafoodie]

Talking with a friend about an upcoming 6 day cruise to Bermuda. The list price was $798. There were some taxes added. He and his wife are going. He said he ended up paying between 3-4k. He hasn’t even gone yet! How is this possible
If anything, I thought that list price would go down with senior discounts and for being a resident from where the ship departs. So are the list prices just come-ons? I have never taken a cruise, so I am doing my homework.

 

[SecondAttempt]

Great question. I don't like the whole idea of going on a cruise. I have nothing against those who do, I just live in a cruise port and see how much different the town is on cruise days. When I travel I want to experience my destinations the way they really are. That said, there are a few trips I plan that will involve a cruise, Alaska for example, so I am very interested in understanding the add-ons

 

[Bamaman]

Other than the quoted price of the cruise, you have port taxes and gratuities to consider. The gratuities are going up at some cruise lines from $16 per person per day to something like $19 per day.

I would suggest getting a specific price of everything when booking the cruise. You can take it or leave it.

We were cruising out of Athens in June. The beer prices were $7.50 and mixed drink prices were $10-12 each--plus 16% tip. Our bar bill was zero. It's just not that important to us.

 

[DrRoy]

Depending on the cruise line, many things are add-ons. Taxes, port fees, tips, alcohol, wifi, excursions, travel to and from the port city, etc.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

Eye-catching Advertised cruise prices usually start with an inside cabin (no window) and for one person. On top of that, add taxes. Then add port fees. Port fees will vary with the itinerary as these are truly costs the ship must pay the ports visited. These costs are passed on to passengers. Taxes and port fees range from $200-$500 per person usually. If you want a cabin in a better location (upper deck, for example), it will cost more. If you want a window or a balcony, that will cost more. Port fees don’t change based on the cabin selected. Double everything for two people. Even if going solo, you usually pay almost the full price of 2 people.

That all sets the cabin price. From there, things will vary depending on the cruise line. Most will add a daily service charge (or “gratuity”) of about $16 per day per person which goes to the crew who serve you meals, care for your cabin, etc. In the past, you would have given this gratuity to these people at the end of the cruise yourself. Now most lines just bill you for it and handle it for you. Additionally, most cruise lines make you pay for most beverages. You can usually buy an “all you can drink” package at the time of booking the cruise. These are not cheap. While there will always be dining locations on the ship that are included in your cruise fare (the buffet and the main dining room), most cruise lines have added up-charge specialty restaurants — a steak house, for example. There are usually specialty dining packages available when you book the cruise. Other things you pay for are Wi-Fi, t-shirts, etc.

Some cruise lines offer a more truly all-inclusive experience, but these are on the higher end lines and they would not be advertised for $798.

Other costs — airfare to and from the start and end point of the cruise. Potentially hotels the night before the cruise. Or more nights if you wish to spend time in either the start or end port. There is also the cost of doing things in all the ports you visit. Some people do their own thing. Some book tours (thru the cruise line or thru an independent company) Some stay on the ship. If you book a tour thru the cruise line, they are not cheap. Often they will be $150 or more per person for each tour.

So, yes, it is possible to go on a $798 cruise and spend $3500.

 

[athena53]

That said, there are a few trips I plan that will involve a cruise, Alaska for example, so I am very interested in understanding the add-ons

Check UnCruise for Alaska. Pricy but virtually no add-ons to the quoted rate for the room except for a gratuity at the end of the trip and you tell them what it should be. It is not automatic. They're relatively tiny (under 100 passengers) but some of the more expensive lines have fewer add-ons.

Cruise Critic has a good discussion forum. I remember one mention of a line that charged you $40 to watch whales from the top deck if you didn't actually have a room on the top deck!

The OP's friend may have bought excursions in advance. Some of the more desirable ones fill up fast. The advantage is that they take responsibility for getting you back to the ship in time. If you book on your own (usually cheaper) you can be in deep trouble if you don't get back to the ship early enough.

And another thought on excursions: they're getting crazy-expensive and extravagant. I've taken UnCruise in Alaska 3 times. While in port before and after the trips I see all kinds of stuff advertised: "flightseeing" on small planes or helicopters, snorkeling. trips to camps where they train sled dogs, salmon-fishing (they ship your catch home), ziplining...hey, there's no money in it if you just hike in the forest! I think I did pay UnCruise $100 or so for the snorkeling but that included use of head-to-toe heavy0duty wet suit gear. That was the only extra I ever paid.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

When will they get with the program? All-inclusive is the way to go. We always book all-inclusive resort hotels with Airfare and love the peace of mind that we will not get nickel and dimes to death. We want EVERYTHING included less Excursions; they should be A la Carte as folks requirements differ. There should be a service that ONLY sells AI Cruises so folks do not get duped by the Cruise companies. JMHO Yours may Vary.

 

[athena53]

When will they get with the program? All-inclusive is the way to go. We always book all-inclusive resort hotels with Airfare and love the peace of mind that we will not get nickel and dimed to death. we want EVERYTHING included less Excursions; they should be A la Carte as folks requirements differ.

In a way, the mega-cruise lines ARE doing a la carte- if you don't drink alcohol it's not baked into your price, etc. I agree with you, though- I'd rather pay more up front, assuming it includes most of what I want and no expensive frills I don't.

Unfortunately, the "sticker price" they advertise usually includes a level of room, food, etc. so stripped-down that extra charges are inevitable.

And don't get me started on the Single Supplement.

 

[Aerides]

The true luxury all-inclusive cruises are out there, and there are (almost) no surprises or add-ons. Excursion, spa treatments, but other than that - all included.

They are never $798, and they start at $3-4k, and much more.

 

[arcyallen]

Don't forget parking! Another $15+ a day.

When I see a cruise fare listed, I always mentally add 50% for required charges like taxes, gratuities, etc.

As for all-inclusive cruises, I'm generally out. I usually don't want to spend that sort of money. And I certainly don't want it to be my only option. Give me a "bare bones" (aka already ridiculously decadent) cruise any day that I can add things to as I see fit.

 

[Chuckanut]

Don't most of these cruise ships include a casino? Perhaps he was including gambling losses in the total price. Otherwise, I am hard pressed to imagine spending so much extra just to sleep and eat on a boat.

I am saving cruising for the time when I really, really NEED the elevators on the ship. It's fine for some, and I am glad they enjoy it. When I visit a city like Venice or Dubrovnik I want to spend a few nights in or at least near the city. YMMV.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

We are still not going on cruises for the near future. At least till 2024/5. Literally EVERYONE we know that has been on one recently caught some kind of nasty on the trip. From COVID to Norovirus. IOHO they are still mobile petri dishes. Not our idea of a nice relaxing holiday.

 

[VanWinkle]

Booked 11 day Caribbean cruise for January that has all included with balcony room, tips, and meals. Excursions not included, but 50.00 discount on each one. Cost for 2 was 3950.00. My fiance dislikes tight spaces with no windows so we went with the balcony room. It cost much less than the 3 month rental in Florida I usually get. I'll just have to mooch off of my brothers and friends for the rest of the winter in Florida!!!

 

[Teacher Terry]

I figure if you double the fee after they add in all the fees then you will be in the ballpark. I always book my excursions through the cruise line in advance so I get to do what I want.

 

[Sunset]

We have done both AI and al la carte cruises, each has their advantages.

Since we don't booze up, paying for booze in all included is an expense we shouldn't have to pay.

Sounds like OP's friend was talked into lots of upgrades and extra's. The booze package is $60 per day x 2 = $120/day x 6 days = $720 just for that.

 

[mystang52]

Pre-pandemic we were annual cruisers and found them to be an enjoyable But whether it's a cruise, another type of vacation, or a widget I ignore any advertised price. I simply research and determine what the actual price will be, and then factor ion any extras I might want. DW and I are not gamblers, and on a 7 day vacation we might have a combined 10 drinks in total. We know shore excursions, and of course tips, are extra. So, why should anyone be surprised that they're paying more than the per-room rate?
In a couple of weeks we are going to Florida for 10 days. I don't remember the hotel's daily rate because it doesn't matter. I have to pay various taxes, airfare to get there, rental car, parking fee at the hotel, and oh yeah I have to pay for food. I don't feel ripped off because my total cost is going to be a lot higher than the nightly hotel room rate.

 

[cyber888]

I suppose the $798 is the bare minimum for an inner cabin. But it may not have included the Food, Drinks, and other luxury services. They may have upgraded to a better cabin too.

Talking with a friend about an upcoming 6 day cruise to Bermuda. The list price was $798. There were some taxes added. He and his wife are going. He said he ended up paying between 3-4k. He hasn’t even gone yet! How is this possible
If anything, I thought that list price would go down with senior discounts and for being a resident from where the ship departs. So are the list prices just come-ons? I have never taken a cruise, so I am doing my homework.

 

[PandaBear]

There are some cruise lines that offer a more “all inclusive” package. For example, with Princess, you can book “Princess Plus” so when you book, the following is included:
Room
Port taxes and fees
Gratuities
Beverage package
Internet

Sometimes they add in a specialty dinner or excursion.

So once you’ve booked that, you just have transportation to the port and any excursions.

We like to cruise. It’s like anything else, you need to do a little research to plan effectively.

 

[Bamaman]

When will they get with the program? All-inclusive is the way to go. We always book all-inclusive resort hotels with Airfare and love the peace of mind that we will not get nickel and dimes to death. We want EVERYTHING included less Excursions; they should be A la Carte as folks requirements differ. There should be a service that ONLY sells AI Cruises so folks do not get duped by the Cruise companies. JMHO Yours may Vary.

But have you priced most all inclusive resort prices? They're out of sight in most locations. And those that are cheaper are often in non-safe locations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. If I was going all inclusive, it'd be Turks & Caicos or especially St. Lucia (Jade Resort).

We've been on cruise ships to virtually every island in the Caribbean--including islands I've never heard of. We've also taken cruises of The Med and Scandinavia and 3 repositioning cruises.

We don't find port taxes to be all that much. You can make a cruise anything you wish. We often have a zero bar bill and seldom eat in the optional restaurants. And we can book excursions direct cheaper and not use the ship's excursions.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

But have you priced most all inclusive resort prices? They're out of sight in most locations. And those that are cheaper are often in non-safe locations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. If I was going all inclusive, it'd be Turks & Caicos or especially St. Lucia (Jade Resort).

We've been on cruise ships to virtually every island in the Caribbean--including islands I've never heard of. We've also taken cruises of The Med and Scandinavia and 3 repositioning cruises.

We don't find port taxes to be all that much. You can make a cruise anything you wish. We often have a zero bar bill and seldom eat in the optional restaurants. And we can book excursions direct cheaper and not use the ship's excursions.

The object for us is NOT all about the price, it IS about a hassle free vacation. We do not mind paying more, and do for a quality resort. So far we have not been disappointed.

All inclusive for us is the way to go, we do consider cost, but it is not a deciding factor. YMMV.

 

[brett]

delete

 

[brett]

We have done 20 plus cruises.

We never buy internet. Depending on the cruise line we have had 'free' minutes. We don't need it and it tends to be very slow. 7 day cruise or 21 day cruise. We will take our ipads on shore and find a bar or coffee shop with wireless access.

We never buy the drink package. One of us is a light drinker the other TT. We very seldom drink soft drinks. The only package we do buy is the specialty coffee package on Princess or I believe Celebrity. Much prefer pay as we go.

We typically tip in excess of the daily gratuity charge for good service. That too is optional.

The bigger costs for us, with the exception of Alaska cruises, are air, pre cruise or post cruise hotels. We seldom do Caribbean trips any more. Takes us two flights and a full day to get to Fll or MIA. We can get to Mexico or Costa Rica via a 5 hour direct flight.

We typically do private excursions. Often the same price as ship excursions but tailor made, no stops at trash and trinket stores, carpet stores, jewelry stores. And no waiting for five people to come back from the restroom or being lost.

 

[Sunset]

I suppose the $798 is the bare minimum for an inner cabin. But it may not have included the Food, Drinks, and other luxury services. They may have upgraded to a better cabin too.

Every cruise I've ever looked at always includes the food in the room price, just not the special restaurants (if any) on the ship. Also includes water, coffee, tea, juice. You can eat unlimited amounts of food.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

One thing I really like about cruises is that you get to see more locations without having to unpack and repack. I found cruises were really helpful to get to some of the smaller island in Hawaii and Tahiti, and now we have found some particular places we liked where we would like to fly back to spend more time. The ships we were on usually had very informative tours with local guides.

 

[Sunset]

One thing I really like about cruises is that you get to see more locations without having to unpack and repack. I found cruises were really helpful to get to some of the smaller island in Hawaii and Tahiti, and now we have found some particular places we liked where we would like to fly back to spend more time. The ships we were on usually had very informative tours with local guides.

We found that with the Caribbean, get to see a lot of little islands with ease. Also realized for most of them I'd not bother to go back