A cruise trip seems to be an ideal all—inclusive vacation option - you pay once and enjoy the sea, entertainment and food. However, the reality turns out to be more complicated. Many Russian tourists going on a cruise for the first time are surprised when they receive a bill for several hundred dollars for additional services at the end of the trip. Let's look at what hidden expenses await passengers and how to prepare for them.
Mandatory fees and tips
Service Charge
The first thing cruise passengers face is the mandatory tips, which are automatically added to the bill. Cruise companies call them "service fees" or "daily gratuities." This may come as a surprise to Russian tourists, as these payments are usually not included in the cruise price.
The fee ranges from $12 to $18 per person per night, depending on the cabin class and cruise line. For a family of three on a week-long cruise, this is an additional 250-380 dollars. Theoretically, you can refuse to pay by contacting the reception, but this is considered unethical, since tips are distributed among the staff.
Port fees and taxes
Port fees are usually included in the total cost of the cruise when booking, but they are not always clearly highlighted in a separate line. These payments can add $100-300 per person to the base price. It is important to carefully study the details when buying in order to understand the real cost of travel.
Drinks: an expensive treat
What is not included in the base price
Most cruise companies include only basic drinks in the price.:
- Water from coolers
- Tea and coffee in the buffet
- Juices for breakfast
Everything else is paid separately. A bottle of water in the cabin costs 3-5 dollars, a glass of wine — 8-12 dollars, a cocktail — 10-15 dollars, coffee in a specialized coffee shop — 4-6 dollars. For Russian tourists accustomed to more affordable alcohol prices, this may come as a shock.
Beverage packages: benefit or trap
Cruise lines offer beverage packages ranging from $50 to $100 per person per day. The alcohol package pays off if you plan to drink 5-6 drinks daily. A non-alcoholic package can be useful for families with children. An important point: if one person in the cabin buys an alcohol package, all adult passengers in this cabin must purchase it.
Internet on board
Wi-Fi on cruise ships is one of the most criticized services due to the high price and low speed. The cost of Internet packages is:
- Basic package (messengers, social networks) — $ 15-25 per day
- The standard package (including video) is $25-35 per day.
- Unlimited package for the entire cruise — $ 100-250
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For Russian tourists who plan to stay in touch with their relatives or work remotely, these expenses can significantly increase the travel budget. The alternative is to use Wi—Fi in ports or buy local SIM cards during stops.
Excursions and entertainment
Shore excursions
Excursions organized by the cruise company are much more expensive than independent trips. Prices start at $50 for a basic bus tour and can reach $200-300 for specialized tours. For a week on a four-stop cruise, a family can spend $600-1200 on excursions alone.
Many experienced travelers prefer to organize excursions on their own or through local guides, which saves 30-50% of the budget. However, it is important to keep in mind a strict schedule: if you miss the ship, it will leave without you, and you will have to catch up with it at the next port at your own expense.
Paid entertainment on board
Many modern airliners offer entertainment for an additional fee:
- Specialty restaurants — $25-75 per person
- Spa treatments - $80-300 per session
- Photo sessions — $20-50 per photo
- Casino (unlimited losses)
- Cooking or dancing workshops — $30-100
Specific expenses for Russian tourists
Visa processing
Most popular cruise routes pass through the countries of the Schengen area, which requires a visa. The cost of a Schengen visa is about 80 euros plus the visa application center service fee of 25-30 euros. For a family of three, this is an additional 10-12 thousand rubles.
Medical insurance
High-quality travel insurance for a cruise is more expensive than usual due to the specifics of sea travel. Expect 3-5 thousand rubles per person for a one-week cruise. It's not worth saving on insurance: medical services on board are very expensive (doctor's appointments starting at $ 100, simple medications starting at $20).
How to reduce additional costs
Here are some practical tips for Russian tourists.:
- Study the terms of the tariff: some companies offer all-inclusive packages with drinks
- Book drinks and internet packages in advance — it's usually 10-15% cheaper.%
- Take a water bottle with you and fill it at self-service stations.
- Plan excursions on your own, but with plenty of time to return.
- Have dinner in the main restaurants, not in specialized ones.
- Set a daily spending limit and monitor your account through the app or the terminal in the cabin.
Conclusion
Additional expenses on the cruise may amount to 50-100% of the base cost of the trip. For Russian tourists planning a one-week cruise worth $ 1,000 per person, real expenses can reach $ 1,500-$ 1,800, including all additional services, visas and insurance. Understanding the cost structure will help you plan your budget correctly and avoid unpleasant surprises when receiving the final bill before disembarking. A cruise remains an excellent vacation format, but it requires careful financial preparation.
