Why Do Some Cruise Lines Not Include Gratuities
The cruise lines know that the majority of cruisers will leave the automatic gratuities on. I personally always do this as I worry about the behind the scenes staff who may be losing out if I remove the gratuities and tip directly the crew members that I see.
When cruising there are often other additional costs, to find out what is included in a typical cruise fare, check out this post: Are Cruises All Inclusive? Your Guide To What Is Included.
To learn more about gratuities, including how they also affect drinks and spa treatments, check out this post so that you dont have any nasty surprises on your cruise:
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Advantages Of Fly Cruises
Staying close to home and discovering something new in your own backyard is great, but sometimes you want to get away, see new places, meet new people and experience new cultures.
Thats when booking a fly cruise will come in handy. Here are some of the main benefits of doing so:
- You do less work upfront, like researching flights, hotels and booking them
- Travel agents have bulk fares, so cheaper flights, hotels, etc.
- Upgrades to Business Class and higher category hotel rooms are a good possibility
- Safer in case flights being delayed or cancelled, the travel agent will help communicate with the cruise line
- You can spend a couple of days in the port city of departure/arrival, so have a double holiday really
- Visiting corners of the world you would never visit on your own for fear of foreign languages, booking things online, etc.
Which Cruise Line Is The Best For European Cruises
- #1. Seven Seas Explorer. Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
- #2. Viking Sun. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #2. Seabourn Odyssey. Seabourn Cruise Line.
- #4. Celebrity Reflection. Celebrity Cruises.
- #4. Silver Spirit. Silversea Cruises.
- #4. Viking Sea. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #4. Viking Star. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #4. Viking Sky. Viking Ocean Cruises.
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Free Open Bars And Lounges
Aboard our ships delight in a warm and friendly ambiance at our sophisticated lounges where live music performances are perfectly paired with expertly prepared cocktails. And toast with champagne at our main show lounge as the curtain opens on a rousing musical. Back in your suite, your mini-bar is replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water all complimentary.
Laundry / Spa / Gym Services Involving Cruise Staff
Its easy to group these three together as they generally follow the same rule that if a member of staff is involved, then there is going to be a charge. Self-service laundry, the sauna/steam room and gym equipment are usually free of charge.
Using a laundry service, having spa treatments or getting a gym class will often incur a charge though but there are some exceptions to this. Other services, such as using a salon costs extra.
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Find Top Deals On Cheap Flight And Hotel All
Furthermore, cruise vacations may have hair salons. Even more, there might be swimming pools, nightclubs. And there may be yoga, illusionarium, music shows. Other activities include live concerts, youth, and kids programs. The total package price could be even with a fitness club with personal trainers. Or there will be dancing lessons and movies in the cinemas. And it will also include golf, scuba diving. So you receive value for your money with many entertainments.
The Best Discounts On All
First of all, you may find the best fly-cruise prices under 500. And it will be when you book as early as possible. Try to look for an affordable Air-Inclusive cruise with everything included. It means that the cruise includes almost everything. Even more, it will be with a roundtrip flight.
You will pay for the roundtrip cruise. And the superior vacations with airfare & the best Air-Inclusive resorts will be included this way. And it will not be as expensive as purchasing cruises with tickets. They may be for direct flights, and tropical airfare separately. You will also pay for all the onboard food. And they will be with beverages. You will also find many restaurants. And there will be and ice bars, amenities, activities, and entertainment. The All-Inclusive cruises that include airfare may combine all. When I say all, I mean that there will be meals, drinks, a sauna. Even more, body massages, spa, and wellness procedures are also aboard. They will also include spin classes, skating. Other things included may be aqua-cycling, casinos, or even game centers.
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Arranging Air Travel Separately
Cruise passengers are always free to arrange their own air travel to the departure port, but the cruise line will offer very little assistance should any problems arise. Nevertheless, passengers should inform the cruise line of their travel plans , including airline names and flight numbers. If the flight is on the day of departure and it is delayed, passengers can approach the airline desk and explain the situation, as well as call emergency numbers provided by the cruise line. While there are no guarantees, both the airline and the cruise line will work to resolve the problem to the best of their ability. Naturally, the passenger will be responsible for any additional fees resulting from changing airlines or adjusting flights at the last minute.
To safeguard travel plans, it is best to arrange independent airfare well in advance of the cruise departure: flying in a day or two early, for example. That way, delays do not threaten your arrival on the ship, and you have the opportunity to enjoy a bit more of the departure city before leaving on the cruise. Many upscale hotels will offer transportation to and from the airport or cruise terminal if they are situated nearby, or passengers can buy transfers from the airport to the ship directly through the cruise line.
Does It Pay To Plan Ahead Or Should I Wait Until The Last Minute
Its an age-old question does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a wait-and-see approach? If youre booking a cruise vacation, youll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings, as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. Its also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings but only if the itinerary youre interested in hasnt sold out yet.
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Whats Included In A Cruise
Every cruise includes accommodation, meals, entertainment and on-board activities. Drinks such as water, squash, tea and coffee are also included free of charge. Other drinks can either be purchased individually using your cruise card, or you can pre-book a drinks package offering unlimited drinks.
If youre starting your cruise from a port outside of the UK, it makes sense to have a travel agent such as ourselves book your flights and transfers the same time booking your cruise. As well as getting you the best package deal, this also gives you ATOL protection, should anything happen.
All Inclusive Cruises With Airfare
Most people think that the all-inclusive cruises with included airfare are very expensive, but actually this type of travel vacation is luxury and affordable for everyone.When you book online a cruise package deal, in most cases you pay for the airfare and for the cruise, which is usually less expensive than purchasing your flights airfare and the cheap cruises airfare separately. All-inclusive cruises with airfare included are more fun and real bargain.
When you book a luxury cruise vacation, well over 90% of your holiday is prepaid as all meals, drinks, night clubs, shows, movies, entertainment, as well as numerous other activities and amenities.In addition, most ships have on-board activities such as golf, dancing, swimming, scuba diving lessons , yoga, fitness trainers, and even spa or body massages, cheapest cruise fare.
When you cruise, you are traveling in the lap of luxury in a floating five-star hotel. So many things are included on the cruises which make them such a great value for your discount air-inclusive travel vacation with the whole family. Cruising with kids is easy with all special kids programs and so many kids attractions available on board that will keep your children busy and happy. Its easy to relax when you know your kids are safe and happy. So many wonderful memories and experiences will stay with you a lifetime when you take a luxury cruise.
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Make Room For Romance
Taking some time alone with your other half can be an incredible way to connect though its not always easy on a family vacation. But nothing says romance quite like exploring the world with the love of your life. So with the kids excitedly checked into AO, you can spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool deck. The main pools are always popular, but the Solarium is a great getaway from the bustle with cozy nooks overlooking the ocean and a more tranquil pool vibe.
Or if youre doing date night onboard, dine in style with a romantic dinner. There are all kinds of specialty restaurants serving cuisine from around the world every night of your cruise if youre craving something in particular. But the complimentary dinner at the Main Dining Room never skimps on special, with a wide selection of spectacular dishes in an upscale setting. The nightly menu consists of some staples you can expect every night, like prime rib and escargot, while others comprise a rotating cast of international flavors and every one is guaranteed to please your palate.
After dinner, no date night is complete without entertainment, and youve got plenty of curtain calls to choose from. Full-scale productions of Broadway blockbusters and West End hits. Ice skating spectaculars. High dive shows that will have you on the edge of your seat. Plus a downright dizzying number of places and parties to do some dancing. And best of all, its all included.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Making the claim of having the worlds most luxurious fleet is bold, but year after year, Regent Seven Seas delivers on that promise on each of their five ships . The fares wont be within everyones reach, but everyone who is onboard will be treated to a truly first-class experience, with practically everything covered under Regents expansive all-inclusive program.
Whats included: Round-trip airfare , pre-cruise overnight hotel stays, airport-to-ship transfers, 24-hour room service, open bar, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry service and unlimited shore excursions.
Where you can cruise: Regent Seven Seas cruise ships sail to exotic destinations all over the globe, from Alaska to the Caribbean in North America, plus Europe, Australia and Asia. Perhaps best of all, this cruise line offers two-for-one fares, making once-in-a-lifetime luxury possible on their all-inclusive cruises. Just be aware, though, that there are a few things you wont see on cruises anymore.
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The Balance Of Cruise Fare And What Is Included In Your Cruise
The clearest piece of advice here is quite evident in that you cant judge whether a cruise is good value for money or not just based solely on the cruise fare. The minimum expectation is that all cruise ships include port-to-port travel, accommodation and food but beyond that, you simply dont know.
There is plenty to consider before your ship sets sail and a company offering a higher fare than another for a similar cruise might actually end up being more value for money. This is where it is worth doing your homework to see what is going to be right for you.
Taking your personal preferences into account is going to be vital. You may prefer to skip excursions and explore on your own, you might not drink alcohol or it could be that you have no interest in going to any specialty restaurants.
Its good to plan out how much each person per day will spend to get the right deal for you and which liner is going to best match your circumstances. Once you do that, you are not only going to have a great cruise vacation but you will also save a lot of money too.
Check out these articles for more information on the costs of cruising:
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Paul Gauguin Cruises Tahiti & The Society Islands 7 Nights
Flight included: Round trip flights from Los Angeles
Price: Starting around $3,500
Why go: Blue waters await in the South Pacific. At this tropical escape you can kick back on a private islet with a floating lagoon bar, go snorkeling and kayaking, or head out to sea on a glass bottom boat in Bora Bora. With only 332 guests, you’ll feel like you have this island paradise to yourself.
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Find The Best Cruise Vacation For You
How can I find a cheap cruise?
Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn’t plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways.
What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?
The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise, for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it’s the local hurricane season.
Can I cancel my cruise booking?
Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.
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Why Choose An All Inclusive Cruise
For most passengers, an all inclusive cruise mean better value for money. With full board and drinks packages including both alcoholic and soft drinks as part of your package, youll never need to worry about spending money onboard, or over indulging.
Along with making great savings, all cruises also take the hassle out of holidays. With an all inclusive cruise, your airfare, meals, drinks and even accommodation on one of our Cruise & Stay packages is taken care of, leaving you entirely free to relax and enjoy your holiday.
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Viking River Cruises Viking Homelands 15 Days
Flight included: Return flights from London and up to 14 regional airports
Price: Starting around $6,700
Why go: Fifteen days aboard the Viking Star or any other Viking Cruises vessel will grant you a full tour of Scandinavia “the homelands,” the tour operator calls it including a medieval Denmark town, a string of Swedish islands, Norwegian fjords, and more. Of course, the boat also makes the obligatory stops in Nordic hotspots like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.
How Can I Maximize The Value Of My Cruise Vacation
There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options, but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise. Add a Specialty Beverage Package which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra.
Royal Caribbean also offers deals based on departure ports and destinations, so if youre a flexible traveler looking for great savings, you can plan your next vacation around which itineraries are on sale. Just check your email or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/cruise-deals to stay up to date on promotions, sales and special offers. You can even browse sailings and deals by homeport, destination and season, so you can rest assured youre getting the best possible deal no matter when or where in the world you choose to set sai.
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Cruises With Free Drinks Packages
Many people search for all-inclusive cruises with alcohol included. However, what you might not know, is that ANY cruise can be made all-inclusive by adding on a drinks package. The cost of a drinks package varies depending on the cruise line and length of sailing.
From time to time, cruise lines have promotions which offer free drinks. These offers may only be available for certain stateroom types, such as balcony cabins, or you may be able to pay a set fee to upgrade to all-inclusive, such as in Norwegian Cruise Lines Free at Sea promotion.
Sometimes cruise lines have a price for a cruise only deal and another price for an all-inclusive deal. If you give us a call, we can always give you a price with and without drinks included so that you can choose the one which offers you the best value.