Watch Out For Extra Costs On Your Cruise!
By Dick Pellegrino of Sea Quest Cruises, LLC

All-inclusive cruises really don't exist! With so many reduced fares, cruise lines are increasingly turning to expensive extras to maintain profits. These can run up the cost of your cruise vacation in a significant way, if you aren't careful.

1. TIPS

Unless you're on a line with a no-tipping policy ( like Holland America or Silversea), follow the line's recommendations for tipping the cabin steward, waiter and busboy (at least $8 per day per passenger). These staff members rely on your tips as their main source of income. Don't over-tip, however, as it can add up fast!

2. DRINKS

On most ships, all beverages except coffee, tea and lemonade cost extra. Alcoholic drinks can run $4.50 each and account for a cruise line's biggest source of on-board revenue. To save, you can stock your cabin with soda and duty-free alcohol when in port, though the lines discourage this and can confiscate your stock until the end of the cruise. Just remember, seven nights of partying can add up to a big bill!

3. GAMBLING

With casinos getting larger on cruise ships and bingo being offered almost daily, cruise ships have taken a Vegas approach to gaming, with much of the on-board revenue coming from gambling. Some lines even set the payback on slots much lower, giving them an even greater edge. Go ahead and enjoy the challenge if you like to gamble, just don't bet the mortgage payment and don't be surprised if your wallet is lighter at the end of the cruise.

4. SHOPPING

The newer ships boast shopping arcades and shopping promenades that put Rodeo Drive to shame. If you don't know which goods are cheaper at home, your best bet is to wait for the end-of-the-cruise sales. gambling

5. PHONE CALLS

Ship-to-shore calls cost $7 to $15 per minute. So wait until you're home to tell everyone how much you enjoyed your cruise. Also, check out the cost for sending e-mail from the ship, it may be a lot cheaper.

6. SHORE EXCURSIONS

Excursions sold on board range from $15 to $250 or more per person. The advantage of using these pre-arranged excursions is that the cruise line has hand picked the operators, meaning that they are probably reliable and offer a good product. Also, if the excursion returns late for some reason, the ship is probably waiting for you, not so if you go off on your own. If you are adventuresome, however, you can save significant sums of money by buying the same tour from vendors waiting at the dock, by bargaining with local operators for an organized tour, or by renting a car.

7. SPAS

Today's shipboard beauty and fitness services are as sophisticated as those on land, with prices to match. Beware of costly exotic treatments, which can cost up to $150 each, and beauty products pushed by spa personnel.

8. ART AUCTIONS

Artwork can go for $50 to $50,000 or more. Unless you know what you are buying and what a good price is, be careful to not get caught up in the auction "fever."

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