For many people, the major advantage of taking a cruise is the ability to visit numerous destinations without the hassles of packing, unpacking and dealing with transportation from one place to the next. From luxury cruises to budget lines, the price of a cruise includes your accommodations and transportation between ports. It also includes tender service, which provides transportation to shore in ports where your ship must anchor at sea.
For many years, all shipboard dining was included in the price of a cruise. Today, your cruise fare still includes a vast array of dining options. Gourmet meals in the main dining room, 24-hour pizza and ice cream, an expansive international buffet restaurant, poolside hot dogs and hamburgers and room-service delivery are all provided free of charge on virtually all cruise lines. Many ships now offer additional options, however, for a per-person fee. Steakhouses, name-brand fast food restaurants and pastry shops are among the upcharge alternatives.
On most cruise ships, the daily calendar is packed with activities that range from afternoon tea to trivia contests and dance classes. A nightly Broadway-style show is provided before or after dinner each evening, while late-night magicians or comedians round out the offerings. These events and activities are included in your cruise fare. Also included are use of the swimming pools, fitness center, rock-climbing wall, miniature golf course and other onboard amenities.
Your cruise fare normally does not include gratuities. From cabin stewards to restaurant waitstaff, you are expected to tip the people who take care of you throughout the week. Most lines now automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, although you may adjust the amounts as desired. Cruise fares typically do not include alcoholic beverages, sodas or specialty coffees. Personal items such as photos, gift shop purchases and spa treatments are not included. In addition, the cruise fare does not include shore excursions. The ship provides transportation to each port, but you are on your own once you arrive. Cruise lines sell various tours and onshore experiences, which normally include ground transportation to and from the dock, or you are welcome to book directly through local tour operators. Some cruise passengers choose not to take part in tours or special experiences at all, instead spending their time shopping along the dock or relaxing on the ship.
Some luxury cruise lines and adventure cruise companies are more all-inclusive than the mass market lines. Upscale lines tend to include unlimited alcoholic beverages and gratuities, while adventure cruise lines often include shore excursions. In addition, many mass-market lines allow passengers to purchase packages, such as an alcohol package or a fountain soda card, that cost less than buying items individually. Check with your chosen cruise line shortly after booking for specific details that apply to your cruise.
