When
you get a quote from your Travel Agent
for the cost of the cruise, make sure
you understand the bottom line. The cruise
cost is usually quoted on a per person
basis. If the cruise line will be supplying
you air transportation from your home
town to the port of departure, the cost
of the air fare portion is usually quoted
separately. Be clear on this point, as
whether the cost of air is included or
not in your quote is often the easiest
place for a serious misunderstanding.
The port charges and airport taxes are
almost always quoted in addition to the
cruise fare, and are not insignificant
(typically over $125 per person for a
7 night cruise). Travel insurance is almost
never included in your quote unless you
ask for it, as it is an optional item.
So, in summary, your mandatory costs are
probably the sum:
Mandatory
Costs = Cabin + Port Charges
& Taxes - with airfare & transfers
separately stated.
Included
in these costs are all of your food,
entertainment, use of facilities,
etc. If you would like to partake
of some alcoholic beverages (or even
soft drinks on most ships) expect
to pay extra for them. Juices, milk,
coffee, tea are available for no charge.
Although
not "mandatory", you should
plan on tipping your waiter, cabin
steward, and busboy. More on tipping
later, but for budgeting purposes
plan on tips adding $8-$9 per person
/ per day. Thus if a couple goes on
a 7 day cruise, they would expect
to give a total of $110 - $125 in
tips at the end of the cruise.
