What's not included?

Below is a description of the things that are not included in the upfront cost of the cruise that most of us will wind up spending money on during the cruise. All of these items are within your control, so it's hard to say how much money you'll need.

Airfare

The cost of airfare is not included in the upfront price of a cruise. If it is, we were clearly state it on our website. The good news is, airfare is generally available at better than advertised rates through the cruiseline or other venues.

Alcoholic & specific non-alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise price, and since soft drinks come over the bar there is charge for them as well. Specialty coffees are also almost always additional.

All beverage purchases are signed to your shipboard account and the service charge, a.k.a. the gratuity, is automatically added. Prices are usually about the same as they are at home, and a lot less than you'd find at most hotels and resorts!

Gratuities

Most cruise lines make it easy for you by automatically adding gratuities to your shipboard account, which is usually about $10.50 per person, per day. This amount covers your cabin steward and the waiters and assistants who have served you all over the ship.

Just because you're being automatically billed doesn't mean you don't have control. You can adjust the amount up or down by paying a visit to the Purser's desk; however, it's wise to do so before disembarkation day.

Alternative Dining Options

For all restaurants other than the main dining room you should expect to find that reservations are required. There is a fee for that reservation that usually runs from $10-$25 per person and the gratuity for the meal may be additional.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are a very important part of your experience in each port of call, especially if you've decided to take the adventure route. But you can also strike out on your own by walking or hiring a taxi from the pierside queue.

Excursions run the gamut from city tours on a bus to flightseeing by helicopter and can often be booked in advance on the cruise line's website. Look there for a complete list of shore tours offered for your itinerary.

If the excursions cannot be reserved in advance you can purchase them on board the ship. Sometimes it's helpful to speak to the experts at the shore excursion desk before making your decision, because once booked there are penalties to cancel them. You'll also have a better handle on the weather and the level of physical activity required.