Budgeting for "Extras” on Your Next Cruise

The cost of your next cruise includes everything you need for a wonderful vacation at sea: a comfortable stateroom, delicious food, engaging entertainment and lots of onboard amenities, from pools and hot tubs to kids’ clubs and nightclubs.

In addition, many ships have additional features and amenities available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Cruise lines charge separately for these "extras,” giving passengers the option of whether or not to indulge in them.

Traditionally, extras have included soda and liquor, ship-to-shore phone calls, spa treatments, shore excursions and casino charges. More recently, cruise ships have added features such as Internet centers, espresso bars, alternative restaurants and specialized exercise classes available at nominal fees.

If these extras are important to you, you’ll want to include them in your vacation budget. Your personal cruise expert can help you estimate how much you can plan to spend onboard. He or she also knows which cruise lines are offering shipboard credits – essentially, money you can use to pay for extras – as an incentive for early booking.

Your personal cruise expert can also help you explore another option: booking a cruise that includes extras in the base cruise fare. Many luxury ocean-going and river cruise lines include amenities such as beverages and alternative dining in their fares, providing greater value for their higher prices. Some cruise lines even include shore excursions in their base fares.

To explore the options for enjoying luxurious "extras” on your next cruise vacation, talk with an expert at Cruise Holidays.