I have a friend planning her first cruise. She was shocked to learn about all the “extras” she’d have to consider. She thought cruising was like an all-inclusive resort – just on the water. But that’s not really the case, with the exception of river cruises and luxury cruise lines.
The first thing to note is that it is possible to take a cruise and not spend a penny more than your cruise fare, taxes and gratuities. However, there are a lot of additional expenses you need to to be aware of that can add up quickly. The good news is that you can purchase some of these add-ons in advance, as a package, to help alleviate the shock of a high shipboard account balance at the end of your cruise.
Cruise fares may seem quite high, but they do include almost everything you need for an awesome vacation. Your accommodations, transportation, food and entertainment are provided at one cost. When you breakdown everything that’s included, a cruise can be a budget friendly way to travel.
The cruise fare includes:
