When you’re searching for your dream cruise, the advertised rate often hides the true cost of the voyage. While cruise fares cover many essentials, there are unavoidable extras that can significantly inflate your final bill. Cruise lines have also mastered the art of enticing passengers to spend more once they’re on board. Our list unveils 20 clever tactics cruise lines use to get passengers to part with more of their hard-earned cash. By knowing these tricks, you can navigate your cruise experience more wisely and potentially save money without sacrificing enjoyment.
Priority Boarding
Cruise lines have adopted a sneaky tactic: priority boarding packages. Following Disney World’s lead, they offer perks like priority check-in, early room access, and express services for an extra fee. Carnival’s “Faster to the Fun” package promises a smoother experience, but at a hefty price. While tempting, these add-ons significantly inflate your vacation costs.
Port Fees
Beware of sneaky port fees that can significantly raise the cost of your cruise. These unavoidable charges passed on from ports to cruise lines, can turn a $500 cruise into a $750 one. Unlike gratuities, port fees are fixed regardless of cabin type. When comparing cruises, factor in these hidden costs, as they vary greatly by destination.
Gratuities
Cruise lines often exclude gratuities from advertised prices, adding a sneaky surcharge to your bill. These daily fees, ranging from $18 to $20 per person, are distributed among crew members. Be prepared for additional service charges on onboard purchases, like the 20% added to that $17 cocktail.
Thermal Spa Package
Cruise lines capitalize on crowded pool areas by offering enticing adults-only thermal spa packages. These pricey add-ons grant access to exclusive lounges with steam rooms, jacuzzis, and heated loungers. Available as day passes or unlimited packages, they tempt passengers with the promise of crowd-free relaxation.
Spa Upgrades
Cruise ship spas are masters of the upsell, turning a simple massage into a spending spree. They prey on your vacation mindset, tempting you with unnecessary add-ons like scented candles, lotions, facials, and even botox treatments. By appealing to your desire for pampering, they skillfully persuade you to splurge on services you hadn’t planned on.
Alcoholic Beverages
Cruise lines inflate onboard drink prices, with cocktails costing up to $21. To combat this, they offer daily drink packages ranging from $55 to $80 per person. While complimentary options exist, the temptation to indulge can quickly bloat your vacation budget.
Robotic Bartenders
Cruise lines have upped their game with robotic bartenders, turning drink orders into entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s automated mixologists put on a show, enticing passengers to splurge on beverage packages. This clever tactic makes you want to keep ordering, just to watch the robots in action.
Shore Excursions
Cruise lines tempt you with pricey shore excursions, knowing you’ll want to explore destinations like Alaska or Europe. These often-expensive adventures tend to sell out quickly, pressuring you to book in advance. While onboard activities are fun, memorable experiences like snorkeling in Aruba can make these costly add-ons seem worthwhile, encouraging you to splurge on unforgettable moments.
Room Service
While cruise ships offer abundant included dining options, they tempt you with convenient but costly room service. Most lines charge for this luxury, either per item or with a flat fee. It’s a sneaky way to make extra money when you’re too tired to venture out. However, they often provide free continental breakfast, giving you a taste of in-room dining.
Sales
Cruise lines exploit their captive audience with clever onboard retail tactics. Gift shops create artificial scarcity through limited-time sales and deep discounts, like $10 souvenir days. Knowing they have a monopoly and your time is short, they manufacture urgency. This pressure often leads passengers to overspend on items they don’t truly need.
Double Tipping
Cruise lines employ a sneaky tactic by automatically adding service charges to your bill. Many passengers, either not scrutinizing their receipts or simply unaware, end up inadvertently tipping twice.
Specialty Dining
Cruise lines tempt you with premium dining experiences beyond the included options. Specialty restaurants offer enticing meals like gourmet steaks or hibachi but at an extra cost. While not mandatory, these venues create memorable experiences that outshine the main dining room.
Wi-Fi Access
Cruise lines capitalize on your need to stay connected by offering pricey Wi-Fi packages. Costs vary, ranging from $12.75 to $25 per day, depending on the cruise line. Some, like MSC, require separate packages for each device, while others allow device switching.
Onboard Shopping
The allure of duty-free shopping encourages spending, but the savings aren’t always real. They often inflate prices on items like cosmetics, negating tax-free benefits. “Sales” on souvenirs can be misleading too, offering outdated merchandise at seemingly good prices.
All-inclusive Bundles
Cruise lines entice with “free” perks like Norwegian’s drink packages, but hidden costs lurk. You’ll still pay gratuities, and upgrades cost extra. Similarly, bundled packages for drinks and Wi-Fi may seem like deals but often lead to overspending.
Onboard Credits
Cruise lines use onboard credit as a clever marketing tactic to encourage additional spending. While it seems like free money, it’s often not enough to cover full experiences, prompting passengers to pay the difference. Whether it’s for specialty dining, shore excursions, or other add-ons, the partial coverage tempts guests to splurge on pricier options they might have otherwise skipped.
The “Kids Sail Free” Illusion
Cruise lines dangle “Kids Sail Free” deals, but read the fine print. Blackout dates, itinerary restrictions, and age limits often apply. Plus, you’ll still pay taxes, fees, and gratuities for kids. The catch? Everyone must squeeze into one cabin. Savings might not justify the cramped quarters.
Corkage Fee
Cruise lines often permit one bottle of wine or champagne per passenger on embarkation day. But beware of the sneaky corkage fee in dining rooms. Savvy cruisers can sidestep this charge by bringing their own corkscrew and enjoying their drinks in-cabin. It’s a simple trick to save on beverage costs.
Soft Drinks and Smoothies
Cruise lines have strategically reduced their complimentary drink options, typically limiting free beverages to water and tea. This calculated move nudges passengers towards purchasing unlimited soda packages or enticing specialty coffee and smoothie deals.
Onboard Rides and Attractions
Cruise lines tempt passengers with exciting onboard attractions, but many come with a price tag. Want to race Go-Karts on Norwegian Encore or experience the Bolt roller coaster on Carnival? Be prepared to pay extra. These add-on activities are designed to extract more money from thrill-seeking cruisers.
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