Ahoy, it’s Shelly! 🐢🛳️ I’m a sea turtle who is happiest when the ship horn sounds and the ocean is wide open. Before you set sail, let’s talk about the price on the screen. It’s a starting point, not the finish line, and your final total can look different once the extras show up. Here are five costs that first-timers often forget, so you can plan with your eyes open.
1. Drink packages
Drink packages are usually priced per person, per day. Many cruise lines also want every adult in a cabin to buy the same package if anyone does. On a long trip, that can add up fast. Before you buy, think about how many drinks you actually have on a normal day, then do the math. Are you the kind of traveler who will be off exploring a port all day? That matters too. Rules and pricing differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms.
2. Wi-Fi, often charged per device
Onboard internet is commonly sold per device, not per cabin. Two phones and a laptop can mean three separate plans. Some travelers skip it and go offline for the week. Others pick one device to use for the things that matter. Plans, speeds and sharing rules vary, so check your line’s terms before you buy.
3. Small extras that add up
Specialty coffee, treats from a café, bottled water and other little extras are often not part of your base fare. Each one feels tiny. Together they can become a real number by the end of the week. A simple habit helps: decide before you sail which extras you truly want, and check your onboard account now and then so nothing sneaks up on you. What’s included changes by line, so check your line’s terms.
4. Getting from the port to town
The ship gets you to the port, but the trip into town is often up to you. Taxis, shuttles and ship-arranged transfers can all cost extra, and some ports are a fair distance from the sights. Before you sail, look up how far the port is from where you want to go, and plan how you’ll get back with time to spare. Being late back to the ship is a stress you don’t need.
5. Cancellation penalties
This is the one that surprises people most. If you cancel after booking, what you might lose usually depends on how close you are to sailing and on the fare type you chose. Deposits and payments may not be fully refundable. Before you book, read the cancellation section of your line’s policy. Many travelers also look at travel insurance to see whether it might help in certain situations. Policies differ a lot, so read what each one covers and what it leaves out.
A simple way to plan
Add a “hidden costs” line to your cruise budget. Write down drinks, Wi-Fi, small extras, port transport and a little cushion for the unexpected. Then compare cruises using the total you expect to pay, not just the headline price. It takes five minutes and can save you a big surprise.
Which one surprised you most? Tell me in the comments on the video, and follow along for the next tip. 🐢🛳️
Cruise line terms and policies
Cruise rules and cancellation policies differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms before you book. These are the official pages, listed for reference only. This is not an endorsement of any line.
- Carnival: Cruise Ticket Contract | Deposit, Final Payment and Cancellation Policy
- Royal Caribbean: United States Guest Terms and Conditions | FAQ: Can I cancel my booking online?
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Terms and Conditions | Guest Ticket Contract (PDF)
- Princess Cruises: Passage Contract | Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Celebrity Cruises: United States Ticket Contract | Cancellation Policy FAQ
- Holland America Line: Cruise Contract | Cruise Cancellation
- Disney Cruise Line: United States Cruise Contract | Terms and Conditions for US Residents
- Viking: Booking and Sale Terms and Conditions | Legal Documents
- Virgin Voyages: Ticket Contract | Pre-Voyage Policies
