Your first cruise: what to know before booking
The advertised price isn't what you'll pay. These are the items added afterwards and how to avoid the surprises.
What the price usually covers
Cabin, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, onboard entertainment, pools and facilities. That's a fair amount, and it's what makes a cruise look cheap next to an equivalent land trip.
What costs extra
Here's the small print. Drinks (sometimes including soft drinks), speciality restaurants, shore excursions, daily gratuities or service charge, wifi, spa and laundry. Gratuities are charged per person per night and added to your final bill: with many lines they're not optional in practice.
Port taxes
Sometimes shown separately from the cabin price and they can be a significant amount. When comparing offers, make sure both prices include them.
Choosing a cabin
Inside is cheapest and has no window; fine if you'll spend little time in it. Outside has a window that doesn't open. A balcony costs considerably more and is worth it on scenic itineraries like the fjords or Alaska, and little on sun-and-beach ones. For seasickness, pick lower decks toward the middle of the ship, where movement is least noticeable.
Excursions: with the line or independently
The line's are pricier but guarantee the ship waits if there's a delay. Independent ones are far cheaper, and in ports where the centre is near the dock you need nothing organised at all. The rule: book with the line only when the destination is far from port or the timing is tight.
Choosing a cruise line
They vary enormously in style: some aim at families with water parks, others at a quiet adult crowd, others run small ships on more unusual itineraries. Look at the profile before the price: a ship full of children, or one with no atmosphere, can ruin the trip depending on what you want.
Documents
Check the requirements of every country on the itinerary, not just the departure one. Some require a passport with minimum validity even for a few hours ashore.
Keep reading
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