Why are cruises so complicated?
 

I would like to go on a cruise. But I don’t want to schedule it weeks or months in advance, and I want to know how much it will cost. That includes the cruise fee, taxes, port charges, wifi, cable TV, drinks, mandatory “gratuities”, and anything else that I will need to pay for. I don’t want any surprises. Am I being unreasonable?

I know on Celebrity you can buy what you want. Everyones requirements are different but Celebrity allows you to get 1, 2 or even 3 "perks" and the pricing is adjusted. You can even find a travel agent that will throw in as part of your price 1 or even 2 perks. What you are asking is not unreasonable...Celebrity does it ...just get a good Cruise or travel agent.

travel, ships
 

Suggestion. My wife is very good at this. She does all the online looking on her own and then contacts RJFarmer45@hotmail.com ( A great agent for sure)
Ph 317 881 0676. My wife has coordinated with this lady for years, she is really good and reasonable and has a lot of good information. YOu can tell her that Becki in Florida, gave out the information.

bbbbbb :smiley:

No. But it has become the bait and switch industry. It will cost you more than 2x - 4x what they advertise for the original cost. The gimmicks - try items like drink packages when only 2 bars are open all day until happy hour - oh yea drinks are half price at the bar at the other end of the ship. Can't pour a double. Is the ice cream machine open - not until 3 pm. On and on and on. This industry has become worse than used car dealers.

travel agents are PAID by the cruise line threw a commission. you don't pay a travel agent.....there service to you is FREE.... I just wanted to clarify that fact....

usual commission is only on the cruise rate and the optional insurance. the commission is typically 10-18 percent depending on the cruise line.

True...but....the actual cruise fare is rather cheap for what you get...hotel..food..entertainment and travel.

The added fees are taxes..port charges...tips...optional insurance and parking..

don't get sucked into buying the drink package....you must drink alot to make that worth while.

No idea why you don't either get a travel agent or call the cruise lines direct. they will give you all that info(except the drinks because they don't know how much you will drink). Wifi usually costs depending on the time you are connected, but hey it's a cruise why the hell would you be on a computer???? The cable tv is included in the price of the room.

As to negative norm I've never had the issues he claims but I've always cruised on Norwegian or Royal Caribbean. I suppose their are cheap lines(like carnival)that might have issues. You get what you pay for. You pay cheap...well you get cheap.

No.

Try Cruise Critic Message Board Forums and ask your questions. It might be easier to call the cruise co and ask them the questions. Add what do they sell on the ships that is extra. Their are shops you can skip, excursions, and liquor for some items. Also their are two to a room so double room costs.

Been on 25 cruises.. mostly Royal Caribbean with several on Carnival and we always know what the cruise will cost us. Added expenses is totally up to you, casino, beverages and personal shopping is not included. The advantage in booking well in advance is cabin selection... We always want mid ship. Hope you find what you want for what you want to pay and enjoy all that cruising offers. We love it.

Contact Lynda Jackson with Cruise Holidays. Her and her husband Larry have been on over 80 cruises and cater to first-time cruisers. I have been traveling with them for 10 years. Larry even does a weekly radio program every Saturday morning.
Go to: Melbourne Travel Agent & Cruise Agency | Cruise Holidays of Viera. Tell them Vince & Camille referred you.

We have been on 60 plus cruises mostly Celebrity & Royal Caribbean. We think it's a great deal.
We have booked with agents & through the cruise line. Both have advantages.
You don't have to pay anymore once you get on the ship, except gratuities.
Of course there are extras if you choose. Casino, spa, shopping, specialty restaurants & coffees, wifi, shore excursions, photos & of course drinks.
Hubby & I always get the drink package. I like my premium martinis, scotch, Grand Marnier & the included fresh orange juice & specialty coffees. It is well worth it for us.
Cruise Critic is a great place to find info or talk to some of your friends that cruise.
Also, not all cruise lines are created equal. Some are better than others depending on what you like.

While I am sure you can manage to get the final cost up to 2x-4x the advertised cost, that is certainly not typical. With the exception of gratuities, you don't really need to spend an additional dollar over the price you are paying for the cruise (obviously excluding costs such as transportation to the dock). That is also not typical as most people do go on some excursions, buy some drinks, etc. While generating additional revenue is clearly the goal of the cruise lines, you are ultimately in control of what you spend.

I always use cruisecompete.com where many agents compete for your business. Full disclosure of taxes etc. but you may need to check individual cruise lines' web sites to confirm gratuities.

Prices change regularly - getting cheaper nearer sailing date if cabins remain unsold; getting more expensive otherwise - so keep checking. Most lines let you cancel up to 10 weeks or so beforehand, so if prices drop and your agent won't adjust your booking (which many will) just cancel and rebook.

I disagree costs escalate very quickly. You have to pay tax and port fees. These are usually several hundred dollars per person. Your expected to tip minimum of 20% of the entire cost of your cruise. They even charge now for soda on the ships. And if you are not going on excursions you must have been there before. If it's your first time in a new place most people want to see it. Most of these are not cheap. Next a good portion of people do the cabin upgrade. I for one won't sit in a 2 x 4 room in the bowels of the ship without the light of day. Start adding it up.

Port fee & tax you know those prices before you even make a deposit on the cruise.
You don't tip 20% of your cruise cost. Gratuities are about $11.00 per day for those that get them.
Drink tips etc. are 15 - 18 % of the cost.