Cruise Vacations:

Ten Hidden Costs of a Cruise Ship Vacation

(continued)

8. Laundry: As at land-based resorts, the laundry and dry cleaning charges on cruise vacations can be expensive (approximately $2.50 to $3.50 to wash a T-shirt or jeans, for instance). You should check to see if there is a self-service launderette and use it if possible(typically, washing and drying one load of clothes comes to about $2 - $3).

Savings Tip: I have found that on long a cruise, the laundry is a huge convenience and well worth the minimal cost since if I pack less, I can save on not paying extra luggage fees, and my bags are lighter and easier to schlep making me less stressed when I travel. You can also pack a travel size laundry and do a hand wash for lighter items to save on cruise ship laundry costs.






9. Photo Souvenirs: For cruise vacations, it's easy to go a little out of control with ship board souvenirs especially when it comes to photos. Your photo will snapped by the ship's photographer from the moment you arrive, at every port, every formal dinner and until you disembark. Purchasing the photos can be very tempting and some are fantastic, but make sure you plan a photo souvenir budget between $50.00-$150.00.

10. Fuel Surcharges: In 2008, just about every cruise line (including mainstream cruise lines and most niche cruise lines) responded to the escalating cost of fuel by levying fuel surcharges on cruise trips. As the price of a barrel of oil dropped in the fall, every line removed the charges. Most cruise lines will reserve the right to levy these charges if the cost of fuel rises rapidly.

By knowing the hidden costs in advance that can cost you big bucks, you can hopefully avoid big surprises on your vacation budget.

So when you book your cruise ship vacation, just remember to plan for some of these extras. I also have some important additional travel tips for First Time Cruisers before you book your cruise.

Cruises are still an amazing vacation value for the dollars you spend and locations you visit. I think cruises can be a wonderful
experience and hope you will too!

Return to Top of Page

Return to Back to Cruise Vacations - Planner

Is a Cruise Ship Vacation for You?

Five Travel Tips for Booking Shore Excursions

Tipping Guidelines for Cruises

Ten Travel Tips for Staying Connected Abroad

Travel Advice:

Tips for Booking Travel Online

Credit Card Reward Programs & Travel Loyalty Programs:
Your Ticket to Free Vacations

Travel Technology: How Smartphones are Changing How You Travel

Avoiding Jet Lag - Tips

Travel Resources:

Airline Luggage Fees Chart

Lost or Stolen Passports

Embassies & Consulates - Find an Embassy

Tourism Offices - U.S. & Around the World

Back to Best-Travel-Deals-Tips Home Page