Going on a cruise is a fantastic holiday. For singles, be prepared to be entertained almost 24 hours a day. For honeymooners it can be the most romantic time of your life and a time to remember. For Mums and Dads being spoiled is too good to believe, and when there are children with you, you’ll be glad to know that they are cared for and entertained for most of the day. This gives you lots of free time to pursue whatever entertainment the line offers.

Many people new to cruising don’t always realize that not everything is included in their cruise price. Many are disappointed when they board their ship and realize they will need additional monies to get them through their trip. However, if you have done your homework you should know this prior to making bookings.

Although each cruise line has its own set of inclusions, the following information does apply to the majority of the cruise lines. Always check the free classifieds sites and travel websites before you book your holidays, you’ll be surprised with what you might find.

Fun-For-All Entertainment
Pack some evening dress because you will find most cruise ships entertain their passengers with a variety of ‘miscellaneous’ treats. These include a Masked Ball, Ladies Night, talent competitions, and Fancy Dress Balls, for adults and children.

Interestingly, you'll find that the list of what is not included on a cruise is much shorter than what is included.

Accommodation
If you opt for stateroom accommodation, a cabin steward will be assigned to you and will attend to your every need. Your steward will unpack your bags, attend to dry-cleaning and pressing of clothes. They will arrange for your stateroom to be cleaned and refreshed each day, and even make sure your beds are turned down at night. The majority of these cabins come equipped with televisions, DVD, stereos, computer connections, and telephones. Most new ships may also include blow driers and bar fridges, though this depends on the cruise line.


Meals
You won’t go hungry while cruising. All meals are included from morning to night. Most cruises have 24-hour buffet areas where you can eat any time of day or night. Sit-down gourmet dinners include your choice of appetizers, salads, main course, and desserts.

One of the most popular meals is the ships’ midnight buffet. You’ll find pizza parties and finger foods. At most of the bars the children may be treated to ice cream parties. If children have a birthday while on cruise, parties can be arranged and, of course, all the children enjoy the party entertainment. And…if you are still hungry some ships offer 24-hour room service.

In addition to this, there is a Captain’s Cocktail Party, where you have the opportunity to meet and talk to the Captain and his immediate crew. Another highlight of any cruise is being invited to the Captain’s table for dinner. Sometimes this can be for especially invited VIP’s. However, there are times when individual passengers are invited throughout the cruise.

Fitness Centers
If you think you’re going to miss out on your everyday gym sessions while on a ship, then you’ll be pleased to know that cruise ships offer ‘state-of-the-art’ fitness centres for the health-conscious traveller. Gyms include various fitness machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, stair steppers, weights and of course, classes; aerobics, Yoga, and Pilates classes.

Not all classes offered are free, but there are many others from which you can choose. Personal trainers are available and have to be hired on board, for a fee. Remember that all of the classes fill up very quickly so book in a soon as you get on board.

Entertainment
You might ask, ‘…what kind of entertainment can I expect…’ The answer is, well, endless, but for starters, cruise ships include cabaret, that feature elaborate Vegas-style shows, singers, and comedians.

Additionally you will find cinemas that show current movies. There are numerous bar lounges with dance music (yes, complete with dance floor), karaoke bars to sing the night away, and piano bars. There are plentiful deck and pool parties and even dance parties arranged for young teens. In addition, don’t forget the Casinos, which feature high-stakes poker tournaments, (of course your gambling money is not included), so make sure that you budget well for this type of distraction.

Beverages
Most drinks are not included unless they are being served with breakfast, lunch, buffet, or dinner. These included drinks are usually limited to soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea. Water is always available, though you may have to pay for ‘bottled’ water.

Additional Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise rate. Furthermore, soft drinks, wine, cocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled water are not included. You may find that your cruise line may have options to buy ‘packages’ for unlimited wine, alcohol, soft drinks and bottled water. Take advantage of this if your beverage consumption is high.

Onboard Activities
All in all, it’s virtually impossible to be bored on a cruise ship. There are ongoing activities throughout the day, which are usually free of charge. Contests, games, bingo, clay shooting, dance, Tai Chi and golf lessons, karaoke and sing-a-longs, etc. Swimming or relaxing in a spa or hot tub.



Children and Young Teenagers on Board
All mainstream cruise ships offer organized programmes that cater to the entire family. These programmes are usually categorized by age, which include age-appropriate activities.

Not Included in Cruise's Fees

Tips
Beverages
Spa Treatments
Hairdressers
Dry cleaning
Laundry services
Shore Excursions

Guidelines to Extra Expenses:

When paying for your cruise the tips will NOT be included, although you can pre-pay your tips if the cruise liner will agree to it. Some cruise lines automatically add the recommended tip amount to your account at the time of sailing. You can decide to adjust this amount based on the service received.

The onboard hospitality crew and general staffing crew earn much of their money in tips. Make no mistake, they do EARN IT – their shifts are long and they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and well-looked after on your holiday. You won’t find better waiters, stewards, bartenders, and cabin staff anywhere.



Most cruise lines have ‘recommended tipping rates’ that can start at $10.00 per day per guest. These tips are then distributed among the personnel that service your every need for the included cruise items such as stateroom stewards, waiters, bartenders, and general cabin staff.

Spa Treatments
All cruise ships offer excellent technicians for spa treatments such as massage, facials, waxing, manicure, and pedicures. Hairdressers are available as well. Of course, all of these are extra, but are they worth it, and you’ll always look your best without much effort. Another tip, book in as soon as you get on board for your first service and you can book ongoing services easily or you’ll miss out. These services fill up very quickly.

Shore Excursions
Unfortunately, shore excursions are not included. There are dozens of things to do when your ship docks at the beautiful exotic destinations. Don’t let your next holiday turn into a fiasco. Cruise lines make it extremely easy for you to book excursions on-line even before you board the ship. If you prefer you can book shore excursions once you board.

The Best Hints to Remember: