So you have finally talked your traveling companion into going on a cruise with you, providing you can find one for a reasonable bottom line price. You’re very excited and start surfing the net to find the perfect cruise at the right price, but with so many websites listing different rates it is hard to know what is included in the advertised rate!
Here is what should be included and what to ask about so you aren’t blindsided when you get the bill!
What isn’t included–
- At CruiseNow.com, like most web-based sites, the government taxes are not included in the advertised or initial rate. It’s not that we are hiding the fact that you will have to pay the tax, it is just like with most advertised prices, they just aren’t listed in the beginning of your purchasing process (for example, when the Sunday sales papers come out those–prices don’t include the taxes either).
- Also not included are the gratuities–tips for your service staff onboard which are a suggested $10.00-$12.00 per person per day. Not a lot considering it is divided between the waiter, assistant waiter at dinner and your cabin steward.
What is included–
- the price of your accommodations onboard and the port fees, taxes that are charged to the cruise lines for using their ports.
Ask up front what the rate does and doesn’t include for a bottom line. To make sure you are getting the best deal possible, make sure you are comparing apples for apples.
Here are some questions you should ask to make sure there aren’t any surprises:
- Are all port and government/departure taxes included?
- How much are suggested gratuities?
- What is the price of travel insurance? (optional, but advised)
- Do you charge a service fee? (CruiseNow.com does not!)
These 4 questions will prevent you from sticker shock later! Look for Part 2 of What Is Included vs. What Isn’t : What you get for the price you pay!
originally posted 1/26/11
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