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Take time to read about all the shore excursions from your cruise line. On top of this, most entertainment on board is included, and some beverages, such as water, juices, tea, and coffee, at the self-service machines in the buffer restaurants. Use Your Cruise Line App to Communicate with Fellow CruisersNew cruise line apps offer certain planning and communication services -- often for free or discounted rates -- when you're onboard.
Souvenirs/Gifts
Alternatively, register your card when you are on board the ship if you are uncomfortable putting these details online. Cruise travelers are often lured into dropping big bucks at the onboard photo gallery, where an 8x10 photo can easily cost more than $20. These are generally automatically added to your cruise account. If you're intrigued by the for-fee activities, set a budget and choose the ones you find most interesting.
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Use Your Own Camera or Consider Photo PackagesIf you're worried about blowing your budget on photos, just say "no thanks" when the ship's photographer asks to take your picture. Or resist the urge to check out the photo in the gallery -- once you see the printed version, you're more likely to want it. Take your own pictures, and rely sparingly, if at all, on the ship's photographers. If you are disappointed with service, speak in person to guest services while you're still on the ship -- it's more effective and can generally resolve most issues. When asking the rather loaded question, “How much is it to go on a cruise?
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To avoid currency confusion, especially if you’re traveling to multiple countries on one cruise, we recommend using a credit or debit card to make purchases in port whenever possible. Cruises from Europe and Australia will still use the US dollar as the official onboard currency, but you should make purchases in port with the destination’s local currency. If cruising from Australia to the South Pacific, Australian dollars are widely accepted. You won’t require cash for 99% of purchases on a cruise, whether specialty restaurants, cocktails, or souvenirs. Plus, you’re never required to make any extra purchases in the first place if you take advantage of the complimentary options available on a Royal Caribbean cruise. We highly recommend paying for anything OFF of the ship in cash.
We have spoken to some families who have taken $500 for a family of 4 on a 7-night cruise. They have a pre-purchased beverage package and an internet package already included in the price of the cruise. Keeping an eye on the cost of the beverages you are ordering on board can be difficult and time-consuming. Having the freedom to order what you want, when you want, could mean a beverage package is right for you.Do remember to purchase your beverage package before you start your cruise. It will be cheaper than if you wait until you are on board the ship.
Buying additional batteries, memory cards and other camera supplies onboard will likely cost you more money than it would back home. By bringing the right tools with you, you won’t have to worry about how much your cruise bill is at the end of the trip. You'll pay extra for everything from casual Italian to exclusive private degustation experiences and restaurants designed by celebrity chefs. Meals at specialty restaurants are unfortunately not included with cruise tickets. With most cruises operating as cashless societies, it is possible to take a cruise without bringing any cash at all.
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Some cruise lines also have packages by the day or the entire cruise. Alternatively, you can use credit or debit cards for most onboard purchases, and for any purchases made while in port, major credit cards are generally accepted. The Sail & Sign card is linked to the passenger’s onboard account, which is created upon check-in and linked to a credit or debit card. This allows passengers to make purchases onboard the ship without having to carry cash. I know how much I have, and unlike a credit card, I pay right away and know the precise amount it costs. With credit card purchases, you are at the mercy of the foreign exchange rates that day.
Not unrealistic at all for PORT DAYS, if you're paying cash for excursions and a good meal, and aren't planning to use a CC. Make sure you are fully prepared for your next cruise by checking out this article next. So many people make so many wrong assumptions about cruising. I like to gamble a little when I cruise, usually in slot machines which do take physical cash. On occasion, I have bought along $1 bills to use in the slot machines. I personally would never spend £50 in the casino but I had to put something in the budget example right!?
Or do you anticipate sampling street food wherever your ship docks? If you’re looking forward to upscale dining, you should be able to use your credit card to pay for your meals, no matter where you are in the world. Still, it’s a good idea to have cash for the tip because you may not have the option to add a gratuity with your credit card. Although tipping is not expected in some countries, the standard amount ranges from 10% to 20% of your bill. You may also need to think about tipping at other points throughout your cruise. Technically, on the all-inclusive lines, you could go the entire trip without opening your wallet at all!
Check the daily itinerary for special offers and plan accordingly — maybe you can treat yourself to that massage if you skip the afternoon piña colada. Remember, the goal is to find balance and enjoy your cruise without sailing into a sea of debt. Cruise ships are full of opportunities to snag a bargain, so watch for onboard promotions and discounts. On a cruise, you’re in a self-contained world where all your needs are just a swipe of your room key away.
Unfortunately, most cruise ship packages don’t include souvenirs. Using shopping sales to your advantage is a great way to reduce the average cost of a cruise. Alternatively, look for cruise deals that offer onboard credit or free meals in specialty venues as part of the incentive package to book. Some cruise ship packages offer perks to get tickets booked quickly. First-time cruisers may want to take it slow by dipping their toes into excursions before signing up for all-day tours. Some cruise ship's packages may even come with discounts on excursions.
It’s also worth considering that some currencies might not be easily exchangeable on the ship, so it’s advisable to have appropriate currency before reaching those destinations. Unless you’re opposed to using a credit card, it’s a good idea to plan on paying for extra expenses with a combination of cash and your credit card. You can avoid some of the onboard expenses on a cruise, by booking these online before your cruise. Many cruisers like to prepay gratuities and even book shore excursions, so it’s less to think about, and pay, at the end of the cruise. Things to consider and plan for include shore excursions, drinks and even tips for crew members. There are definitely small and bigger expenses to budget for on a cruise.
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