How to Avoid Surprise Costs on Cruises

Every cruise line packages fares differently. Some include extras like drinks, Wi-Fi or gratuities. Others charge separately for many onboard services.

Before booking, review what is included in your fare and what will be an extra cost. Pay close attention to:

• Gratuities
• Beverage packages
• Specialty dining
• Wi-Fi
• Shore excursions
• Spa services
• Laundry
• Photos and souvenirs
• Port fees and taxes
• Transportation to and from the cruise terminal

A lower cruise fare may not always be the better deal if you plan to add several extras later.

Gratuities are one of the most common cruise costs travelers overlook. Many cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account for dining staff, housekeeping and other crew members.

Depending on the cruise line, you may be able to pay gratuities before your trip. This can make budgeting easier and help reduce the final bill waiting for you at the end of your cruise.

Most cruises include access to main dining rooms and buffet-style restaurants. Specialty restaurants, premium desserts, room service and certain snacks may cost extra.

Drinks can also add up quickly. Alcohol, soda, specialty coffee, bottled water and smoothies may not be included in the base fare.

Before buying a dining or beverage package, think about how much you will realistically use it. A package may be worth it for some travelers, but not for those who only plan to order the occasional drink or specialty meal.

Shore excursions are a major part of the cruise experience, but they are usually not included in your fare. Guided tours, snorkeling trips, beach transfers, museum visits and other activities can be expensive, especially for families or larger groups.

Review excursion options before your trip so you can decide what is worth booking and what you may want to skip. If you book outside the cruise line, make sure you understand the timing, cancellation terms and transportation back to the ship.

Staying connected at sea can be expensive. Cruise Wi-Fi is often sold as a daily package, by device or by internet speed.

Before you buy, decide how connected you need to be. If you only need to check in occasionally, you may be able to use Wi-Fi while in port instead.

You should also check with your mobile provider before sailing. Roaming, shipboard cellular networks and satellite connections may lead to unexpected phone charges.

Small onboard purchases can cost more than expected. Items like sunscreen, toiletries, over-the-counter medication, chargers and basic first-aid supplies may be more expensive if purchased on the ship.

Packing these items before you leave can help you avoid paying a premium onboard.

Your cruise budget should include more than the cruise itself. Flights, checked bag fees, hotels, parking, rideshares, meals on travel days and transfers to the cruise terminal can all increase the total cost of your trip.

If you are flying to your departure port, consider whether arriving a day early makes sense. It may add hotel and meal costs, but it may also help reduce the stress of same-day flight delays.

Some of the most expensive cruise surprises can happen before you even board. A delayed flight, missed connection, lost bag or sudden illness can affect your ability to reach the ship on time or continue your trip as planned.

That can be especially stressful with cruises because ships follow strict departure schedules. If your flight gets delayed on the way to your departure port, the ship may leave before you arrive. In that situation, a travel insurance plan with emergency travel assistance can help arrange a new flight, hotel stay or ground transportation to catch up with your cruise at the next port.

The best way to avoid surprise cruise costs is to plan before you sail. Review your fare, decide which extras matter most and set a realistic onboard budget.

A few simple steps can help:

• Prepay gratuities when available.
• Compare drink and dining packages before buying.
• Book only the excursions you truly want.
• Pack essentials instead of buying them onboard.
• Check your onboard account during the trip.
• Include flights, hotels, transfers and parking in your total trip budget.

With a little preparation, you can spend less time worrying about extra costs and more time enjoying your cruise.