Cruise vacations offer great fun and great prices. Most of the cruise packages include the basics such as room and board, a full range of activities and non-stop entertainment. In fact, cruise lines today will keep you so occupied that you’ll need time to recuperate after your cruise.
Though most expenses on board are included in the package price, some extras are not. So that you have an idea of what you might be spending above and beyond the cruise package price, we’ve listed some of the lesser-known extras (not including tips or shore excursions).
Photos When you board the ship, the cruise line’s photographer will have camera in hand, ready to take your snapshot. These photos are a great memento for your cruise ship vacation, and are on par with a professional type shooting. These 5 x 7 photos cost about $15 each, and the best part of it is that you have the option not to purchase the photo or to take it again if you don’t like the shot. It’s a lot cheaper than sitting for a photographer at your house or in a store.
Spa treatments Cruise lines have top of the line spa facilities, but the catch is that it will cost you for the treatment. Spa treatments run you anywhere from $75 to $225, depending upon the number of different treatments that you request. Though it sounds expensive, it’s comparable to prices that you might find at other spa treatment facilities. It’s a great to relax though, especially if you’ve booked a cruise for pure relaxation.
Shopping on board Most cruise lines have a number of different shopping venues, from gift stores to clothing stores. Payment can be made either by credit card or by cash. It’s a great convenience, especially if you forgot to pack your bathing suit or a black tie for a formal dinner night. Casinos Even though a ship might have a casino, you’ll still need to pay for your own gambling, just like in a land based casino.
What’s great about these casinos is that you can enjoy gambling on international waters, whereas with non-cruise vacations, your options are very limited.