What's the typical pay structure for buying cruise tickets? Especially for a first-time cruiser, figuring out the different charges and expenses involved in a cruise can be a touch confusing. Especially...
Especially for a first-time cruiser, figuring out the different charges and expenses involved in a cruise can be a touch confusing. But it doesn't need to be! Emily Motycka, a travel agent with AAA Travel in Omaha, NE who specializes in cruise travel, explains all about cruise charges, port charges, and other expenses you might incur when you book a cruise.
First, the cruise rate. "The cruise rate is simply the amount of money you are paying for your cabin on the cruise," said Ms. Motycka. The cruise fare includes, of course, your accommodations onboard, all meals, entertainment, use of the ship's facilities, and more. It does not typically include items such as dining in an alternate restaurant onboard the ship, shore excursions, beverages such as soda pop or alcohol, spa treatments, and personal services such as a hairdresser.
The rate you pay for your cruise depends largely on the type of cabin you choose. There are four main categories of cabin - interior, exterior, balcony, and suite - and then sub-categories within those main categories. These sub-categories typically refer to the cabin's location within the ship, with the more desirable locations bringing more expensive fares.
Second, port charges and taxes. "You always have to add port charges and taxes," said Ms. Motycka. This is your portion of the taxes and fees charged by the governments and port authorities at the ports where your ship stops. The cruise line is assessed these charges and then passes them along to its passengers. Generally, these charges are for the docking of the ship and use of the port facilities - sort of like the fee you pay to the parking garage owner for the privilege of parking your car in their parking garage. Some governments also charge the cruise line a tax per passenger, called a "per head charge" which is typically used to maintain the port system.
Third is airfare. "You can add airfare to the cost of your cruise if you want to book them together," said Ms. Motycka. Many cruise lines offer a service that coordinates your air travel with your ship travel. This service, usually called an "air/sea" program, offers travelers many benefits. First, if your flight is delayed and you miss your ship, the cruise line is generally responsible for the expenses involved in getting you onto the ship. Second, the convenience of paying only one business, and making only one set of reservations, is appreciated by many travelers. Third, if you choose to take advantage of this "air/sea" program, the cost will usually also include luggage handling and transportation from the airport to the ship and back - which is usually called an airport transfer.
Fourth, airport transfers. "Even if you choose to book airfare on your own, you may buy airport to pier and back transfers," suggested Ms. Motycka. Many cruisers find this service to be invaluable. Travelers simply meet the cruise shuttle at the airport, load their luggage into the shuttle, and are then transported from the airport directly to the pier. On disembarkation day, travelers re-board the shuttle and are transported back to the airport.
Fifth, travel insurance. "You may also choose to add in travel insurance," said Ms. Motycka, such as the medical cancellation policy sold by many travel agents. Travel insurance, depending on the individual policy purchased, may reimburse you the cost of your trip if you need to cancel due to illness or other covered events.
