Your Cruise Vacation: What Charges Might not be Included

If you are planning to take a cruise vacation in the near future, you may be wondering whether there are some charges that you will encounter that are not included in the basic fee that you pay for passage on the cruise ship. Through this brief article, you will be provided with some basic information about what likely will not be included in the basic charge you pay for passage on a cruise ship.

Of course, if you find that you have any additional questions about what is and what is not included in the basic cost associated with your cruise vacation, you will want to contact a cruise line representative directly. In the alternative, your professional travel agent should be able to assist you in this regard, should be able to provide you with answers to questions about what is and what is not included in the base price of your cruise trip.

Meals and Entertainment

Overall, most of the costs associated with meals and entertainment onboard a cruise ship will be included in the charge associated with boarding passage in the first instance. This will cover the costs of amazing meals -- from delicious breakfasts to unbelievable buffets in the middle of the night. In addition, you will feast your eyes on magnificent entertainment as you travel from port to port -- again, usually at no additional charge to you beyond the price of the initial all inclusive ticket.

Alcoholic Beverages

In many instances, wine and champagne will be available at evening meals at no charge. In addition, brunch will oftentimes feature complimentary alcoholic beverages as well -- mimosas, Bloody Mary and the like. Some cruise line operators provide passengers with tokens to tickets through which they can obtain other alcoholic beverages at no additional charge at different times during the course of the cruise.

With that said, if you want to spend some time kicking back at the bar, you likely will need to bring along some extra money for that need. However, in most instances, the costs associated with booze from the bar will be charged to your room and you will settle up at the end of your cruise trip. You will not actually make any payment directly to a bartender.

Onshore Excursions

In many instances, there will be no additional charge for some of the more basic types of onshore excursions -- sight seeing jaunts and shopping trips, for example. (Of course, you are responsible for paying for your own purchases.)

Many cruise lines offer specialty types of onshore excursions -- for example, a round of golf at a fabulous course -- that will cost a passenger additional money. However, the costs for such an excursion normally are paid at the time the cruise trip itself if booked.

Basic Recreational Activities

Cruise line operators provide a wide range of different recreational activities on board. As a rule, there is not additional charge for these activities -- the costs involved are part of your initial all inclusive pass.

Other Recreational Activities

If you want to participate in some more specialized recreational activities -- for example, parasailing -- there likely will be additional costs associated with these adventures.