So, you have decided to set sail and take a cruise vacation. Whether you are an experienced cruiser or a first timer you are bound to have a few questions. We have selected some of our most frequently asked questions to help make your cruising experience all it can be!
What is included? A typical fare will include your stateroom of course, meals, most ship board activities and entertainment, your port stop fares, and so much more. What can be included in your fare price really does vary depending on several factors.
What’s included in my Cruise Fare?
Let’s start with the meals. Your dining price is always included in your fare. Most of the time you can choose from 4-course dining rooms or buffets when aboard a cruise ship. Many ships also include 24-hour room service for no additional price.
Expect to pay an additional cost for alcohol and soft drinks. If you don’t want to hassle with additional costs for beverage items you can purchase a drink package ahead of time. You can also watch out for cruise deals that include a drink package while on-board. We frequently offer exclusive on-board credits through CruiseExperts.com that can help offset the cost of beverages too.
Another thing to consider when talking about your meal plans aboard a cruise ship is the specialty restaurants. If the buffet or the main dining hall doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in for the evening most cruise vessels offer several specialty restaurants for a small fee.
What’s included in my Cruise Fare?
Also included in your cruise fare is most on-board entertainment. Aboard a cruise ship you will have plenty of entertainment to pick from. You can see a movie for free in the theater or watch a Broadway style show. Some entertainment features even include extreme sports like rock climbing or bumper cars. While others will help their guests unwind with a jazz band quartets or educational seminar. It’s important to talk to a travel advisor before booking so you are sure to be on a ship that best fits your entertainment needs.
Kid’s entertainment is also included in the fare price. Majority of the cruise lines offer free clubs for teens, pre-teens, children, and even toddlers. Furthermore, it’s been my experience that the children programs aboard cruise lines are not only educational but immensely fun for all age groups!
What’s included in my Cruise Fare?
Things not included towards entertainment would be spa treatments, specialty courses or seminars, and after hour child care. All of these can be purchased for small fees or forgone completely. It’s totally up to the guest. Just a tip, if a spa treatment aboard is on your list wait until the port stop and prices will go down. Also, if you are interested in late night childcare it’s totally reasonable and don’t be afraid to ask! My teenage daughter charges more for babysitting then they do and they have accredited childcare aboard most cruise ships. Lastly, some of the educational courses they offer may have a small fee but most do not.
Other fees not included on your cruise would include shore excursions, airfare to port of call, gratuity, etc. You should know gratuity is added on a daily basis. It’s usually under fifteen dollars a person per day. Actually it’s approximately twelve dollars a day. I love this feature because I don’t have to think about the tip! It’s already handled for me. Shore excursions can be found through your travel advisor ahead of time if you are looking for a discount, and at CruiseExperts.com we have an airfare specialist that can help you with your airfare needs too!
When you consider everything that is included on your cruise vacation and compare it to a land vacation I can bet you will find the cruise experience a lot less expensive! Plus, so much more is included. Sit back and relax, let the CruiseExperts.com make your dream vacation come true. Call us today at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) and let us help make your dream vacation a reality! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our Inner Circle for more exclusive offers!