Ahoy Matey, But Don’t Forget Your Wallet…
That’s right. Bring that wallet ready to use! Cruises are the ultimate family vacation, right? Sun, fun, food, and someone else doing the dishes? Sign me up! But before you set sail on the S.S. Funtimes, let’s talk about some sneaky costs that can leave your vacation fund looking like a shipwreck.
My family and I have been on a handful of cruises and have had the most amazing times. I highly recommend it as a family vacation. I love that there’s always ‘something for everyone’ and my husband loves that the kids can just eat all day without having to decide when and where. It just seems to make the whole vacation easier (and mom can feel like she’s actually on vacation… not just another “trip.”)
10 Additional Fees to Expect on a Family Cruise
1. Getting to The Cruise Port
Okay, Captain Obvious here, but you gotta get to the darn boat first! Plane tickets, gas money, that weird airport coffee that costs $12… it adds up! And if you’re driving, that port parking can cost more than the cruise itself (okay, slight exaggeration, but it’s pricey!). Pro tip: Check out off-site parking lots near the port – they’re often way cheaper. Or, get an Uber. That’s how we got to and from the port on our last cruise and it was so slick. We were able to get out of there much quicker than the buses and it was so much more affordable! Granted, with my big family, we needed TWO Ubers, but it was still cheaper.
2. Ship Photographers
Those ship photographers are like ninjas, popping up at every turn to capture your “candid” moments (you know, the ones where you’re trying to discreetly pick that spinach out of your teeth). Those glossy photos are tempting, but they can cost a small fortune! My advice? Embrace the selfie, or bring a good camera and unleash your inner Ansel Adams. Don’t feel bad just saying “no thanks,” and walking past, when they try to pull you over to them.
3. Fancy Pants Food
Let’s be real, the buffet is a cruise staple (and a glorious one at that!). But those specialty restaurants with names like “Le Fancy Bistro” and “The Lobster Lair” can lure you in with their siren song of gourmet goodness. Just remember, they come with a fat price tag. If you’re on a budget, stick to the included dining options – they’re usually pretty darn delicious anyway. As a side note, my family always prefers to avoid the fine dining (the dinners that come with the cruise.) As fun as it is to order steak and seafood, plan on the dinner service being over two hours. We all get bored and irritable, so we stick to the buffets and then go play basketball or ping pong.
4. Excursions (Plan Ahead or Pay the Price!)
Picture this: You arrive at a stunning tropical island, ready for adventure, only to realize you forgot to book an excursion. Whoops! Booking on board is almost always more expensive, so do your research and reserve your zip-lining, snorkeling, or historical tours in advance. We have personally liked booking through a website called Shore Excursions, that our travel agent recommended to us. They guarantee returning to the ship on time and the excursions are a MUCH better price and WAY less crowded. Some of our excursions through them have just been our family only. It was awesome! It seems people are often scared to book with a company outside of the cruise ship, but we have used this company with at least 4 of our cruises and it was a great experience (they should pay me for sharing this. Ha.)
5. Souvenir Buying Shenanigans
That “I ❤️ My Cruise” t-shirt might seem like a must-have at the time, but will you really wear it once you’re back home? Souvenirs on board are marked up like crazy. If you must buy something, try waiting until you’re back on dry land – you’ll find similar items for a fraction of the price. Most of the port stops will be filled with vendors anxious to sell to you. Be ready to bargain, walk away, compare prices at nearby stands, bargain some more, and eventually you can end up with a decent price on a vacation souvenir.
6. Games Galore (But Not Always Free!)
Bingo, trivia, that giant inflatable Twister game on deck… cruises are packed with fun activities. But some, like those fancy game shows and the arcade, can cost extra. Set a budget for your family, or stick to the free activities (like belly flop contests! Just kidding… kind of). My kids are always so anxious to play in the arcade, but we usually nip that in the bud right at the start of the trip. There are PLENTY of other fun things to do on the ship that don’t cost additional money.
7. The Drink Package Dilemma
Water, juice, and maybe some watery lemonade are usually free. Everything else? Prepare to pay! If you’re a soda fanatic or enjoy a cocktail (or three) by the pool, consider a drink package. But crunch the numbers first – it might not be worth it if you’re not a big drinker.
8. The Most Expensive Spa Experience
Ah, the spa. A haven of relaxation, where you can get pampered with massages, facials, and seaweed wraps (okay, maybe not the last one). But those blissful treatments come with a hefty price tag. If you’re on a tight budget, maybe opt for a DIY spa day in your cabin with some face masks and cucumber slices. My husband and I splurged on a spa experience just one time and decided it was definitely not worth the higher price tag.
9. Showing Appreciation with Gratuity
The crew works tirelessly to make your cruise unforgettable, so tipping is essential. But remember, gratuities are often added automatically to your bill, so factor that into your budget. And if someone goes above and beyond, feel free to give them a little extra cash – they deserve it!
10. Wardrobe Woes (Pack Smart, My Friend!)
“I have nothing to wear!” The dreaded pre-vacation phrase. Make sure everyone has enough cruise-appropriate clothing before you leave. Last-minute shopping can be stressful and expensive, especially if you’re trying to find that perfect Hawaiian shirt for your impromptu limbo contest. One little tip… It used to be that I would buy and plan super cute outfits for every day of the cruise. But, once on board, all I wanted to wear was either a swimsuit with cover up or some lounge pants and comfy t-shirt, ready to join in a volleyball game or chill and read a book at any moment. I would often go home having not worn any of my new, cute outfits! For me, part of being on vacation is feeling comfortable (and a little cute.)
Bon Voyage!
Cruises are awesome, but those hidden costs can sneak up on you like a rogue wave. By keeping these expenses in mind, you can plan ahead, avoid any financial surprises, and focus on having a fantastic time with your family. Happy sailing!
Read about some of our past family cruises:
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