How much should you budget for your cruise trip?

Cruise trips ranges from $100 per day up to the thousands depending on the type of ship. These prices are based on double occupancy meaning the price quoted is per person, but they base them on two persons occupying the room. How much money and time you have will pretty much dictate the type of trip you will have. If money is not a problem, you can take a trip that will cater to your every need and you can go anywhere you like in the world.

Larger ships tend to have good deals and operate on popular routes like the Caribbean. Most times they command better price because of their economy of scale. Expect large crowds and long lines on these ships. Smaller ships on the other hand carry less people, cost more but have unique services.

When a ship is not fully booked, they offer last minute sale and you can find great deals. The downside to this is that you will have limited choice of staterooms and may usually end up with the least preferred. Cruise ships may encourage bookings or energize slow sales by offering special promotional fares such as two for one. You can take advantage of special rates given to passengers who have sailed on cruise line before, there may also be group rates available, and some travel consortium has negotiated prices and enjoy lower rates when you book through their travel agents.

It cannot be overstated that to get a good bargain for your money, use the services of a travel agent, book your cruise six to nine months in advance and always make your payments with a credit card. Credit card payments help protect you when disputes arise. When you book your cruise remember to buy your travel insurance within 15 days as most insurance companies with not exclude pre-existing health conditions.

It is important to know that cruise lines get many passengers to spend more money on board the ship than they did for the cruise trip, so watch out! Cruise lines start an account for you when you board and settle it on your last day before disembarking. The account covers cost like soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, casino, gaming, bingo, shore excursions, spa visits, onboard shopping and photos. These are all money makers for the ship. It may be wise to set your limit before boarding so there are no surprises on your last day! Do not forget tipping. Tips range from around $6 to $12 per day per person and are normally done at the end of the trip. Check with your ship’s tipping policy. Most ‘all inclusive’ ships do not allow tipping as it’s already included in the price.