Going on a cruise for first time would like to know of any hidden fees...someone told that there are many?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Regardless of which cruise line you select, the things that are included are pretty much the same. The price of your cruise includes your cabin, all meals (including breakfast, lunch dinner, snacks and free room service)(you do pay to eat in the specialty restaurants), all shows and entertainment, and free use of all facilities on ship; things like the pools, hot tub, sauna, gym, roller skating/ice skating, rock climbing, etc are all free. If you go on the NCL's Gem or Pearl you do have to pay $5 a game to bowl.

The things that you will have to pay for are:

GRATUITIES: They will amount to about $10 per person in your cabin per day; about $70 each for a 7 day cruise. When you check in at the pier they will set up an on-board charge account for you to cover any and everything you may buy on ship. They will issue you a "cruise card" which will also serve as your room key and pass to get on and off the ship. At the end of the cruise they will add the gratuity to your tab and you can pay with a credit card or cash, your choice.

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND SOFT DRINKS: Coffee, tea, milk, juice, and lemonade and punch will be provided free but you must pay for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and they will add a 15% gratuity to each drink or soft drink order.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Cruise lines will take plenty of photographs of you all over the ship, in the dining room, and as you exit the ship in ports. If you decide to buy them these will cost a lot, like $15 to $20 for most.

TOURS/EXCURSIONS: You are not required to book any tours and can get off and on in the ports as much as you want. But the cruise line will offer a lot of tours and these are expensive.

SOUVENIRS: Anything you buy on ship from a gift shop or duty free shop goes on your on board account. Things that you buy on shore you pay cash or credit card for.

CASINO: If you plan to gamble on ship you will need cash for that.

OTHER: most cruise lines have what they call "specialty" restaurants where there is a gratuity/service charge. These specialty restaurants are nice but they charge between $5 and $25 per person each visit if you want to eat there. All other food on board is free and its not really necessary to budget for food; you cannot eat all of the FREE FOOD that will be available.

SPA SERVICES: If you want/need to have your hair done, get a massage or wrap, or any services from the spa, you will have to pay for them. You can use the gym free but the spa stuff cost big bucks.

INTERNET ACCESS: Ships now have internet cafe and some have WiFi but the there is a fee for internet access and it is very expensive (like about $50 to $60 an hour). Skip the ship's internet service and just look for an internet cafe in your port stops. You can usually get internet service in the ports for $5 to $7 an hour.

You cabin will likely have a minibar with soft drinks and munchies; you have to pay for them (but there is free room service 24/7).

tricia3uk

No hidden fees. You just pay for your drink, beauty treatments and any excursions you want to go on. ( just keep an eye on your bar tab, as they don't use cash)

They are fantastic, don't let others put you off.

littlemomma711

I don't remember any hidden fees. But, one thing to remember is ships will charge for special drinks, which can add up. And, also, at least on the cruise line we went on....we paid a mandatory $10 per person in our cab per day for tips. But, it wasn't a hidden fee...we were informed before hand. I love cruising!

randall_nd

You are charged extra for tips. This is automatically charged to your Sail and Sign account. You, however, have complete discretion to change the amount up or down. Do this at the purser's desk before debarkation day. Sodas, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and on board purchases are also extra. If you would decide to eat in the ship's supper club, there is a nominal fee. Talking to people that have done that, say the main dining room experience is better, and that's included.
Bon Voyage!!

Kevin L

For now, be aware of the following:

1. Fuel surcharges ($2-$7) on most cruises
2. Alcoholic beverages
3. Souvenirs
4. Excursions
5. Photos (they take them for free but charge you to print)
6. Tipping Tipping Tipping

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