Travel / Guide

First Cruise? How to Book It Without Overpaying

Cruises can be one of the best travel values out there because your room, meals and entertainment are bundled together. The trick is knowing what the fare covers and what it does not.

What the cruise fare usually includes

  • Your cabin for the whole sailing
  • Main dining room and buffet meals
  • Most onboard shows and pools

What usually costs extra

  • Taxes and port fees, often shown separately from the headline fare
  • Daily gratuities charged per person per day
  • Drinks, specialty restaurants and Wi-Fi
  • Shore excursions at each port
  • Getting to the port: flights, a hotel the night before and parking

Picking a sailing

Shorter sailings of 3 to 5 days are a low-risk way to try cruising. Sailings outside school breaks are usually cheaper and less crowded. If you have to fly to the port, plan to arrive the day before so a delayed flight does not make you miss the ship.

Cabin choice

An inside cabin is the cheapest way onto the ship and fine if you will mostly be out exploring. Balconies cost more but are worth it on scenic routes. Cabins midship and on lower decks feel the least motion.

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