Ten Tips to Consider When Budgeting for Your Cruise

Lately I have been reading a lot on the Cruise Critic forums and I noticed many cruisers, particularly new cruisers, don't realize the extra costs of cruising. It is fairly typical that once folks pay off their cruise they feel like they are done spending money-yet this is not true. There are quite a few things to budget for when you take your cruise, which will be additional fees on top of your total cruise fare. Here is a list to help you budget for your voyage on the seas:

1. Gratuities- These charges range from roughly $12-$17 per person, per day and are charged by every mainstream cruise ship. All passengers are charged-even children. This gratuity charge is dispersed by the cruise lines for your room steward, main dining room staff and many behind the scenes crew. While you technically can remove these gratuities and choose to tip those you personally valued on your cruise, it is highly discouraged by the cruise lines. Additionally, most cruise lines have you fill out a reimbursement form to receive a refund within several months time, so you will initially be charged the gratuities for the passengers in your cabin-which will be charged to your credit card. What this means is that for a 7 day cruise for a family of 4 you should expect to pay an additional estimated $400. This amount will vary a bit based on what your cruise line charges per person, per day, as well as the type of room you sail in. Suites on Norwegian, for example, are more costly for daily gratuities by a few more dollars.

2. Butler/Concierge Tips- Speaking of suites, if you are a suite passenger and have a butler and concierge you are expected to give each a tip at the end of the cruise. Your daily service charge/gratuities does not include these two specialty staff members. The common amount dispersed to the concierge seems to be between $25 and $50 for the week to the concierge, depending on how much he or she helped your family with planning and logistics. The typical tip for your butler, depending on how much he or she assisted your family and met your needs, is between $100 and $200 for a week long cruise. So if you have a suite booked plan to spend at least an additional $125 for your cruise, but prepare for twice that amount.

3. Parking/Transportation- Unless you are being dropped off and picked up at the cruise by a family member you will need to park your vehicle if you drive to the port. Most official parking lots, which are adjacent to the ports are about $20 per night, although a port in New York is quite a bit more per night. There are other independent parking lots in the vicinity of all major ports where you can park, with many of them being safe and reputable. Should you use these lots you will likely need to take a shuttle to and from the port, which most all external lots provide. These shuttles do usually run according to a certain schedule, or when they have enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile. If you are set on getting to the port at a specific time then parking right at the pier may be your best bet. In general parking costs can average anywhere from $50 to $200 for a week long trip. If you take a plane plan to get a cab, cruise sponsored van or an Uber to get to the cruise ship pier. These costs are highly variable based on your location and travel time to the pier. Research before you travel to have an idea of cab ride fares, etc.

4. Excursions- Unless you have chosen ship sponsored excursions and prepaid these, plan to have cash and a reliable credit card for port plans. A few hundred dollars in smaller denominations for cab rides, meals, activities and souvenirs is ideal. There are ATM machines on cruise ships, as well as at most ports, but there is usually a higher than normal fee to withdraw money. We use a credit card that does not have a big limit so if someone were to misuse the card they could only charge so much fraudulently before we could take care of the situation. Some port stops are very inexpensive and your family can enjoy a free beach or walking around the local area to take in the sights and culture. Do your research before your cruise to have an idea of what you plan to do and spend on your cruise port stops. 

5. On Board Expenses- These extra expenses range from drinks (if you don't have a beverage package or want bottled water, soda, etc.), souvenirs from the ship (tee shirts, bags, etc), merchandise (cruise ships sell lots of jewelry, clothing, cigars and liquor) and dining/shows not covered in your cruise fare. 

6. Cruise Insurance- Some passengers elect to buy cruise insurance in case of injury, illness, or an inability to take the intended trip. While the cruise lines do offer their own insurance plans, Insure My Trip is a reputable website that offers a variety of plans and insurance options to meet your needs. Check out https://www.insuremytrip.com/

7. Incidentals on the Cruise Ship- If you forget your toothbrush or need band aids you can buy them on the ship-but for a hefty fee! Check out these two posts on The Cheerful Cruiser for ideas on what not to forget when packing for your trip- http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2016/06/dont-forget-to-pack-these-five-items.html  and http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2016/05/five-things-to-bring-on-your-next-cruise.html 

8. Children's Program Activity Fees- Activities for your littlest sailors are abundant on most major cruise lines. That being said, some cruise ships have extra activities your kiddos can partake in for an additional fee. These might include a special craft or cupcake decorating. 

9. Arcades/Virtual Rides/Theaters and Games- The arcade is not free, and neither is the bowling or the 4-D theater experience many ships offer. Some cruise lines, like MSC offer a flat rate for the week for a family to enjoy the simulator ride and 4-D theater, while other ships charge your experiences to your sign and sail card as you go.

10. Additional Tips- You may have a favorite bartender or sever on the ship, or a crew member that goes out of his or her way to make your family feel special. These are examples of when you may wish to tip additional monies to crew and staff. Some folks suggest keeping a stack of singles handy for occasions like these. 

Whatever you choose to spend your hard earned money on during your next cruise, take time to budget any definite, plausible and possible expenses before you go! :)