Cruise Critics Article

Saving Money for Your Cruise Vacation

At one time, not too long ago, only the wealthy people of the world were able to afford a cruise vacation. Somewhere around 1950, people even of meager means started taking advantage of cruise vacations, even though they didn’t have a ton of money in the bank. Today, if you plan ahead, you can take a cruise vacation, even on a very limited income, if you are so inclined.

If you do have limited vacation funds, you will have to really plan well to make ends meet and be able to take the vacation you have been dreaming of. Doing your homework, and planning ahead, can be the difference between you being able to go on your cruise, and having to spend your vacation camped out in the backyard.

One of the first things you need to know is that the advertised special often comes with many limitations, and that to get the cruise vacation you want, you should be prepared to pay extra. Cruise companies list their lowest prices to get more customers in the door, and then they can get more money out of them once they find out they won’t be able to get what they want for that advertised “low” price.

Another way they get more money off of you is they put time limits on those advertised specials, and if you overlook the closing date, you will miss out on the great savings. This is sneaky advertising by the cruise officials, but it is not illegal, since they have the right to limit their specials as they see fit.

Another thing you should know is that even the regular price is only going to cover the basic cruise. It usually includes your room on the ship, your food, your entertainment, and access to some of the basic amenities. The price doesn’t cover any extra services, such as massages, spas, and some of the more elite entertainment options. When we say this price covers your food, that means three meals a day, not snacks, drinks, or alcohol that you may want in between. You don’t necessarily have to have these items, but wouldn’t you rather know they are covered if you do want one?

In many cases, you may also be required to pay port fees, which can really add up as well, if they aren’t included with the price of your vacation. In general, these fees usually start at $100, and go up from there, depending on how many times the ship docks during the cruise.

Travel or accident insurance is almost always an additional expense, one that you might really want to think about. You never know what may happen, or when you may get injured or sick, and your traditional health insurance policy may not cover charges incurred while on vacation, especially out of the country.