Category: Trip Planning & Advice

That $299 cruise fare is not what you’ll actually pay. It’s the cover charge to get in the door. Start with gratuities. Budget $15 per person per day for service staff. That’s $210 for two people on a week-long cruise. You can adjust these at the guest services desk, but this is the baseline. Beverages…

Your $599 cruise will cost $1,200. Maybe more if you like to have fun. Cruise lines advertise interior cabin prices because they look good in ads. They do not advertise what you will actually spend. The base fare covers your room and meals in the main dining room. Everything else costs extra. Gratuities add $15…