Cruise Travel: What are you getting into?

Cruises are generally “all inclusive vacation”. When you pay for your cruise experience you have covered what the majority of your vacation will cost you. Let us look at what “all inclusive” means.

This will vary from cruise line to cruise line and from ship to ship. So, let’s look at the list of things that are almost always included:

Accommodations: Your stay ON the ship is included but unless you purchase a package, airfares, port charges, government fees and taxes, and transfers between the airport and the docks are normally not included.

Meals: most meals are included in buffet style. Water and limited soda is included with meals. Room service is also included. There is no limit to eating but if you want to eat in gourmet or specialty restaurants, these meals are normally not included.

Onboard activities: As mentioned earlier, there are tons of activities on board and almost all of them are free. You may pay a fee for spa treatments, golf lessons etc. Review your list of activities and confirm with the cruise lines for fees before you board.

Evening Shows: Haven’t been on a cruise lately? Get on one – it’s a new world out there as entertainment on sea has received a major face lift. Movie theatres show lounges featuring production type entertainment and dancing. You have to check it out!

Use of Pool: this is included. Some newer ships now have up to 6 pools. Are you competitive? How about a pool side contest?

Fitness Center: access to the center is free. Some cruise lines now offer classes in yoga, kick-boxing, Pilates etc. Ask in advance if these group classes are included too.

Now, let us run through the list of things that are generally NOT included:

Airfares: Transfer cost; Alcoholic drinks, soda & bottled water;

Specialty Restaurants: Laundry Service; Medical costs & Doctors visit while on board;

Spa treatments; Photos; Gift shop items;

Gratuities; Internet Access; In-room movies:

Ship to shore phone calls: Specialty services such as weddings;

Casino/bingo; babysitting services; Personal services (i.e. hairstyling or massage)

Travel Insurance; Shore excursions; Parking at the departure port;

Tips (this is included in most luxury cruises); Arcade games;

Upscale lines may include almost everything in their packages. Clients on such cruises get almost all drinks and maybe some shore excursions included in their package