The Real Cost for Cruises

David · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

I was talking to a friend and telling them that I found some 7 day cruises for around $500 for 7 days. I've never been on a cruise, but they were telling me that by the time you calculate the cost of excursions and tipping, it usually ends up costing nearly twice the amount. Do you agree?

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

I have to admit that I've only been on one cruise, and it was top of the line. I have heard, however, that there are plenty of very cheap cruises and that they attract young people for just that reason. No frills, just going to meet members of the opposite sex and party and have a good time!

I imagine if one wasn't to go on any excursions, which is easy to do since it's fun to just hang out shipboard and sun yourself or get involved in the numerous activities they offer, one wouldn't have to spend a lot of money. Not quite sure about tipping, though. I remember giving our cabin-guy a decent tip as he looked out for us and made sure our room was in order the entire week. Also, the no-host bars tend to run into money, if you happen to be a party animal like me.

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

I found something that might give information on tipping, etc., as it lists manners & etiquette on cruises. Pretty interesting & informative, too!

http://www.cruisediva.com/

Jonathan · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 185

Thanks for the find cocodrilo

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

Hi, I just got back from a cruise. It was 9 days and 8 nights.

A few things to take into account. SOMETIMES when cruise prices are listed, the port charges are not included. For an average 7-night cruise, these can be between $100 and $200, depending on where you are stopping. Fortunately, people have gotten wise to this practice and now the vast majority of cruise prices are listed with the port charges included so as not to fool people.

As far as tips go, my mom paid them, but I think they came to about $150 per person for our 9-day cruise. Shorter cruises will be less. Also, tipping on the "premium" or "luxury" lines is at a higher level than on the more normal lines. We went kind of luxe this time (even had a butler!) so our tips might be on the higher end of the usual range. There are places on line where you can get detailed tipping information. In fact, the different cruise line web sites often states the usual tips that people give.

And finally, there's the issue of the bar bill. "That's where they get you!" Your cruise price includes SOME soft drinks -- iced tea, fruit punch, some juices served with breakfast and lunch -- but does not include sodas, bottled water, or cocktails. The more you drink, the more you spend, and you never have to dole out cash because everything gets automatically charged to your stateroom. It can get away from you and add up if you're not paying attention. Especially if you're also gambling. Mom's and my stateroom bill was, uh, a little high this time.

I think as a general rule of thumb, based on my experience, you should budget on your cruise really costing between 150% and 200% of the price you pay for the cruise itself.

There's a great message board where cruise-addicted people talk about every possible aspect of cruising. Check out boards.cruisecritic.com