Finding you way through cruise-ship packages can be a complicated ordeal. Most cruises offer all-inclusive or a-la-cart packages, depending on the cruise line and the season in which you go. Cruise ships offer a number of different packages, all tailored to how much you’re willing to spend and what you hope to take home from your experience travelling the high seas.
Most packages are calculated based on your length of stay; changing the length of your vacation may allow you to upgrade your packages. Airfare is usually not included in cruise packages, unless indicated on their website or from a travel agent. Meals are almost always included. The standard dining practice on cruise ships is an all-day buffet setting, however, many ships offer up-scale, on-board restaurant dining at an additional cost. It may also be necessary to purchase a beverage package. Beverage packages usually allow you unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Make sure to review the ship’s list of on-board activities. Gyms, pools, movies, and other on-board things are usually included in the standard package; spa treatments are not. You may also have to pick up complimentary tickets or RSVP for featured events, like shows. Water activities like jet skiing, snorkeling, or scuba diving are usually at an extra cost, as are tours and trips to the shore.
Unless you have a business package, office extras come at a price as well. Internet access, whether in your room or at the internet café, is usually charged per minute. Office suites and phone service are also additional. Other things not included in standard cruise packages are ship photography and gratuity. You should expect to pay at least $3 in tips per day per service. Some ships make it easy, by automatically adding tips directly to your ship account, but you still have control over how much you pay. You can adjust your shipboard bill up or down, depending on how good the service was and how much you desire to tip. Some ships still handle things the old-fashioned way, with cash that you give directly to the servers; still others allow you to conveniently pre-pay all of your tips with your final payment. After all, you can’t tip someone if you can’t find them.
Make sure you know beforehand what packages are included and which are extra, as the cruise package you end up with can make or break the experience.
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