Is Your Cruise Really "All-Inclusive"? A Look at the Hidden Costs.

Cruises often sound like a great deal because they are advertised as "all-inclusive." This usually means you pay one price for your room, food, and fun. But lately, cruise lines have been adding a lot of extra charges, making people wonder if cruises are still the good value they used to be.

If you're planning a cruise, it's important to know about these extra costs, so you're not surprised by a large bill at the end of your trip. Let's break down some of the common charges you might see.

Staying Connected: The Cost of Wi-Fi

In today's world, being online is a part of daily life, but on a cruise ship, it comes at a price. Getting Wi-Fi on a cruise is not free, and it can be a major extra expense. Most cruise lines offer different internet packages that you have to buy.

If you need connection for communication to either work or home, count on the lowest priced wifi package being only good enough to check text messages and e-mail

A basic plan, which might only let you use social media apps, could cost around $15 to $18 per day. If you want to browse the web and check emails, you’ll need a mid-tier package, which often costs between $20 and $30 per day. For those who want to stream movies or video chat with family back home, a premium plan can cost $40 or more per day. These prices are usually for just one device, so if you want to connect your phone and a tablet, you might have to pay double or buy a multi-device plan.

The High Price of Drinks

Basic drinks like tap water, iced tea, and simple coffee are included in your cruise fare, but almost everything else costs extra. A single can of soda, like a Coke, will cost you between $3 and $4. If you're a coffee lover who enjoys lattes or cappuccinos, expect to pay between $4 and $7 for each specialty coffee drink.

To handle these costs, cruise lines sell drink packages. An alcoholic drink package can cost over $80 a day per person. But here's the catch: most cruise lines have a rule that if one adult in a cabin buys the alcohol package, every other adult in the same cabin must buy one too. This is to stop people from sharing one package. This rule also affects kids and even babies. They won't have to buy the expensive alcohol package, but the cruise line will often require you to buy a cheaper soda or refreshment package for them, which can still add $10 to $15 per day for each child. This means a family of four could pay for four separate drink packages, which adds up quickly.

The Disappearing Buffet

The cruise ship buffet used to be famous for having endless food, anytime you wanted. Now, that's changing. To save money and waste less food, many cruise lines are offering less. The buffet might close between meals, and there might not be as many choices as there used to be. Some lines have even started limiting certain foods that are in high demand. This makes the "all-you-can-eat" promise feel a little less true.

Although some cruise lines still offer the buffet, many are doing away with them.

"Special" Restaurants Cost Extra

While the main dining room and buffet are free, cruise lines now encourage you to eat at "specialty" restaurants. These are places like steakhouses or sushi bars that cost extra. You might have to pay a set fee (like $20 to $50 per person) or pay for each item you order, just like at a regular restaurant on land.

Even Desserts and Workouts Can Cost More

Cruise lines are finding more ways to charge you for small things. For example, some cruises now charge you for fancy desserts that used to be free, often around $12. Want to take a yoga or spinning class at the gym? While the basic gym equipment is free, these special classes will cost you extra, usually between $12 and $30 per class.

Princess even charges extra for their "Special Desserts"

Exploring in Port Adds Up

A great part of a cruise is visiting different places. But getting off the boat and exploring, called a "shore excursion," is almost never free. A simple walking tour could cost around $50 per person, while bigger adventures like zip-lining or boat tours can cost hundreds. For a family, the cost of doing an excursion in every port can add a lot to your vacation total.

The Tip You Can't Avoid

One extra cost you usually can't avoid is the daily tip, also called a "gratuity." Cruise lines automatically add this to your bill every day. It's usually about $16 to $25 per person, each day. This money is to tip the staff who clean your room and serve your meals. For a family of four, this can add over $400 to a week-long cruise.

So, Is It Still a Good Deal?

With all these extra charges, it's fair to ask if a cruise is still an all-inclusive vacation. While your basic room and meals are covered, you now have to pay extra for many of the fun things you see in the advertisements. The idea of a cruise being one simple price is becoming a thing of the past.

A cruise can still be a wonderful and valuable vacation, but the key is to be prepared. Before you book, do your homework. Look up the specific costs for Wi-Fi, drinks, specialty dining, and excursions on the cruise line you're considering. By planning for these extras in your budget, you can relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about a surprise bill when it's all over.