Money Saving Tips For Your Next Cruise

On the last morning of every sailing there are increasingly frantic announcements requesting that so-and-so report to the Purser's Office to settle an on board account. I've often speculated whether or not they overextended their credit card limit.

Charge, charge, charge and you can see the cost of your cruise vacation rising faster than a helicopter over Alaska's glaciers. Although your fare includes a lot, it doesn't cover everything. Holding down the add-on expenses isn't easy—after all, it's your vacation, you deserve it, and you want it to be special. A bit of pre-planning not only will make all the difference in the enjoyment of your cruise, but it can also take a lot of the worry out of straining your resources. As you'll see, there are ways to keep those costs minimal.

The list below includes most of the extra-charge categories for which cruise travelers find themselves paying additional. See Cruise Diva's Cruising Cost Control for specific tips on how to keep spending on these items in check.

• Air fare
• Beverages
• Casinos and games of chance
• Photographs
• Food
• Gratuities
• Internet access
• Cell phone access
• Laundry, pressing, dry cleaning
• Medical treatment
• Shopping
• Shore excursions
• Spas, salons, personal trainers, and specialized exercise classes
• Sports
• Luggage handling

So, you say...those things are not included in my basic cruise fare, then what is? Cruise Diva has your question covered in What IS and Is NOT Included In Your Cruise Fare.

Image © Linda Coffman, CruiseDiva.com