10 Hidden Costs of Cruises

UPDATE 7/2020 – Due to COVID-19, the world has changed. Check with your desired cruise line for more information about those changes.

You have it all figured out, found a cruise in your budget, food, and drinks are included, take money for souvenirs. However, you’re not done yet. There are some hidden costs of cruises you may not have thought about and they can easily add up. You may not have to budget for all the hidden costs listed below, but there are some you won’t be able to (or shouldn’t) avoid.

Some of these hidden costs of cruises aren’t charged by the cruise lines themselves and some are. This list is about the hidden costs associated with cruising overall. Also, cruise lines vary from each other. Read carefully what’s actually included within your chosen cruise line.

Accommodations

If you plan on arriving the day your ship embarks and leaving as soon as you’re off the ship, then you have nothing to worry about!

For those who arrive days in advance or leave days after disembarking, like us, then you’ll want to include accommodation costs into your budget. We typically arrive two days before we embark and then spend some time in Orlando after we disembark.

Parking

If you choose to drive, that’s what we typically do, you’ll need a place to park your car for the duration of your cruise. There are multiple options to choose from. We have done each of them, but to save extra money we usually choose a park and cruise package or an offsite parking lot. In terms of convenience, parking directly at the port is the way to go, but it will cost more.

Park and Cruise Hotel Package

Parking directly at your ship’s port

Parking at a local lot off port property

Taxes and Fees

You find a cruise line you like, decide on where you want to go, and for how long, then when you go to pay for it the cost is significantly more than advertised. This is because the cost cruise lines show doesn’t have the fees and taxes included. These costs are typically around $100-$200 per person depending on how long your cruise is, etc.

Travel to the Port

Whether you fly, drive, or take a train it will cost money. There are pros and cons to each of these. We drive our vehicle to cut down on costs but love saving time by flying.

If you choose to fly, you may need to rent a vehicle once you arrive if you plan of exploring local attractions.

Gratuities (yes, you should pay them!)

There is the crew who you see on a daily basis that makes your cruise a great vacation, but there are many crew members behind the scenes, doing the same thing, who you don’t see. Pay the gratuities, there’s really no debate. To make it easier you have the option to prepay them. Then you don’t need to worry about that cost at the end of the cruise. We usually prepay and yes we always pay it. If you want to give extra to any crew members you do see, then that’s great too!

Tipping on Excursions, at Ports, Before and After the Cruise

It is customary to tip the following:

Bus/shuttle/taxi drivers

Porters

Tour guides

Performers who you take pictures and/video of or with them

Bartenders

Waiters/Waitresses

The Little Extras on the Ship

Those pictures the photographer took? Extra! The specialty dining? Extra! Special Activity? Extra! You get the point.

Be aware and research your cruise line ahead of time to see what costs extra and what’s included.

Sodas, Specialty Drinks, Specialty Foods, and Alcohol

Basics like water, juices in the morning, tea, coffee, hot tea, and lemonade are typically included. However, any beverage beyond that will cost you. Cruise lines have various drink packages to purchase and you can also carry on certain beverages yourself (this varies by each cruise line).

There are usually specialty restaurants and foods on cruise ships. They will cost extra. Check with your cruise line about what they offer and the extra cost involved.

Late-Night Babysitting

If you’re worried about seeing late-night shows or other entertainment during your cruise, you can opt to pay for the cruise lines late-night babysitting. The charge is per child, per hour and the actual cost varies by each cruise line. Most cruise lines will accept children under 3 years old (and at least 6 months old). Be sure to check the requirements and cost with your chosen cruise line.

Animals

Yes, animals! At any port, if you hold and/or pose for a picture with an animal expect to be charged by the animal’s owner. Don’t expect to be told they’ll charge you and how much before they just hand you the animal. I’ve seen a lot of people really surprised by these hidden costs of cruises, be prepared to say no BEFORE you even hold an animal or have the cash you need to pay the small cost.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t costs you should skip. Not that you’re prepared for the hidden costs of cruises, you don’t have to worry about accidentally missing any!

If you’re concerned about all the hidden costs of cruises adding up, I’ve put together a list of money-saving tips to help keep the costs down. Happy Cruising!

Xoxo,

Heather

What are some costs that surprised you? Let us know in the comments below!