All-Inclusive? The Hidden Costs of Cruise Vacations

Thinking about taking your first cruise vacation? Even if you book a cheap cruise, there are still a few hidden costs that you might not expect.
For example, most people don't expect free alcohol, but soda isn't free either. Add $6.50 per day for unlimited soda. What about tips and gratuities, and internet? We'll talk about these and many more!

[@Carraroebouncingcastles]

GREAT VIDEO VERY EDUCATIONAL 👍👍👍👍

[@peoplezthesedayz]

I really enjoy your cruise videos. Very informative especially for someone who has never been on a cruise but would like to try it

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

peoplezthesedayz Awesome! Glad to hear you're enjoying them.

[@vietrounder]

it`s actually $65 for all-you-can-drink packages. You need to add the 18% gratuity on the $55

[@rutatutut]

Haha I went and watched that video (3:42) of the couple running late down the dock! SO entertaining!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Kevin R. Haha, there's a few compilation videos of it. In the one I showed, the ship was already slowly moving away. They never had a chance.

[@krowawo]

+Kevin R. I agree with some of the other comments I\'ve seen - If anyone is looking for info on cut hidden hidden cost of cruises try Debuncar Cruise Saver Aid (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? our partner suggested it incredible

[@georgeleong1572]

+Mike and Lauren That is a huge warning for everyone - DON'T BE LATE. The ship will leave you behind. Make sure you carry your passport when leaving the ship. My wife and I always have our passport with us, even if you don't need it on a closed loop cruise that start and end at the same US port.

[@clement2780]

generally if city from port is two to three hours one way i just book excursion for peace of mind and for skip line museum like accademia uffizi vatican alhambra louvre orsay and similar.

[@roblena7977]

You underestimate your audiences ability to hold their liquor.

[@mykasiurka]

There are many components to spending less while on cruises. One place I discovered that succeeds in merging these is the Carls Cruise Cutter (google it if you're interested) without a doubt the most useful plan i've heard of.look at the great info .

[@raygames8712]

Just wonderful, been searching for "how much is the royal caribbean drink package?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Natipaan Cruiser framework - (search on google ) ? It is a smashing exclusive guide for revealing insider secrets of the cruise industry without the normal expense. Ive heard some decent things about it and my mate got cool results with it.

[@yorlett5888]

Just wonderful, I been tryin to find out about "what are the best months to cruise the caribbean?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Natipaan Cruiser framework - (do a search on google ) ? It is a great one off guide for revealing insider secrets of the cruise industry without the hard work. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my buddy got great results with it.

[@louisaL1980]

As your are reviewing for a specific liner I think you should state that. Some give free unlimited drinks like ours on Thompson cruise.

[@Jimirulz1]

I am a raging drunk so $55 a day is a deal!

[@superhero2010100]

Hello the best success that i've ever had was with the Carls Cruise Cutter (i found it on google) - without a doubt the most incredible idea that I have ever tried.

[@whitefusion9688]

I've been studying spending less while on cruises and found a fantastic website at Arack ship tips (check it out on google)

[@rosewhite9046]

I have spent months studying saving money while on cruise trips and found a great website at Arack ship tips (google it if you are interested)

[@jeewanthakodikara2657]

I've been researching into saving money on cruises and discovered a great website at Arack ship tips (check it out on google)

[@alexvidu4517]

hello If anyone is looking for info on ways to save money things to do on carnival cruises look at Debuncar Cruise Saver Aid ( it's at crazycruisesaver.banfangenie)my m8 recommended it incredible

[@clement2780]

excursions on ocean cruises cost many hundreds of dollars per person per day even on cheapest cruise line costa. you are two three hours one way from port. milan, florence, rome, paris, london, st petersburg, berlin, brussels, cordoba, granada, seville, figueres, you will Never arrive by your ship , only by excursion or by train or bus looong ride into town and back to port. 120-150€ per excursion on costa. 500-600$ norwegian

[@gigisando7824]

There are a few components to cutting costs during cruises. One place I found that succeeds in merging these is the Carls Cruise Cutter (google it if you're interested) definately the no.1 plan i've seen.Check out all the amazing information .

[@lhenry9]

Soooo no drinking or gambling huh? Good information guys and thanks for the tips. I guess one little ole drink won't hurt. Right?

[@LEDANCETHERAPY]

Only thing that I found surprising is having to pay for the fitness classes. That kind of sucks but the other stuff is expected.

[@nathandavies6618]

Tipping is voluntary and that means there is no obligation. The people in this video did not even mention the fact that you can remove the automatic gratuities from your account on the first day of your cruse at guest services. They acted as if gratuities where mandatory, maybe that was because they did not even know themselves that there is no obligation.

[@aailakhan7173]

some interesting points,but If anyone is looking for info on how to save money on carnival cruise line try Crazy Cruise Recovery Tactics ( it's at crazycruise.RecoveryTactics.com )? my mate suggested it extraordinary

[@najibcasa2745]

I've been studying saving money while on cruise trips and found a fantastic resource at Voyage magic method (google it if you are interested)

[@PERFORTIS]

There are a few tips for saving money during cruises Look for restaurant special deals. Ask on board or keep an eye out for the occasional alternative restaurant deal to save with a special meal. Book spa treatments on port days. Spas will often discount services on days in port or during other slow times. Go on your own on shore trips. Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions in every port of call they visit but charge for them. Look for drink specials. If you don't drink enough to make a ackage pay, look for special discounts. Don't waste your wine! If you order a bottle of wine with dinner and can't finish it, ask your waiter to cork it and save it for you for another night. (I read these and why they work from Voyage magic method site )

[@ukesandfun3247]

here's several suggestions for spending less while on cruise trips Book restaurant packages. You will be able to save money by eating in the free dining venues. Do not over tip. Most cruise lines add to your cruise bill a service fee that covers your cabin steward and dining staff. Disconnect your phone at sea. Calling ship-to-shore has always been expensive. Look for drink specials. If you don't drink enough to make a ackage pay, look for special discounts. Don't waste your wine! If you order a bottle of wine with dinner and can't finish it, ask your waiter to cork it and save it for you for another night. (Reference: Voyage magic method website )

[@leftertiberiuvlad]

here's a few things for spending less on cruises Watch out for for restaurant specials. Ask on board or keep an eye out for the occasional alternative restaurant deal to save money with a special meal. Do not over tip. Most cruise lines add to your cruise bill a service fee that covers your cabin steward and dining staff. Go on your own on shore trips. Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions in every port of call they visit but charge for them. Look for drink specials. If you don't drink enough to make a ackage pay, look for special discounts. Bring your own drinks. Many lines are won't let you bring alcohol onboard (or they'll charge you a corkage fee), but a few let you bring on soft drinks, juice, bottled water and iced tea. (Reference: Voyage magic method website )

[@wsmith9443]

LOL you guys are fun, thanks for the share :o)

[@jenniferguertin1776]

Thanks for all the details. How did you decide on which cruise company to go with? Was it royal carribean?

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Jen Guertin We've been on Norwegian, Princess, Disney, Holland America and Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean is by far our favorite.

[@kaoteni4122]

I don't know about when you made this video, but I just booked a cruise with royal caribbean and there was an optional box to check if you wanted to pay gratuities beforehand. If you choose this then they won't charge you per day and won't add it to your card, since you already paid them.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Yup, we've seen that option also! It's nice if you want to take care of it before, but if you have a large onboard credit you can wait and put that towards them.

[@KevinP32270]

Thanks

[@kristinavee1012]

So true! Great tips. I've got a cruise tip video on my channel too. These are awesome tips and helpful to first time cruisers

[@kristidavis6193]

The gratuities have been added to the cost of every Royal Caribbean cruise I have been on. This way I don't have those unexpected expenses. I still give a little extra at the end of the cruise!

[@PidasianHippie]

Great video, but there is something so very wrong about the picture of you (Mike) on the scooter. I have only been on one cruise so any advice is appreciated.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Pidasian Hippie Haha, sometimes you have to "turn it on" for the camera.

[@ManojTiwari-qf7gj]

+Pidasian Hippie hello want to know about cut real cost of cruises try Stiklind Budget Cruise Fixer (do a search on google)? our mate uses it awesome

[@PidasianHippie]

Manoj Tiwari Thank you so much. I will check them out.

[@corinajasmine2703]

is it cheaper to get on a cruise or take a plane to an all inclusive?

[@FreckleFinance]

Good tips to know!

[@thecam0073]

Also watch out for hurricane season

[@igorsidelkovsky7944]

There are several components to spending less while on cruises. One plan I found that succeeds in merging these is the Carls Cruise Cutter (check it out on google) it's the most useful guide that I have ever seen.Check out the incredible info .

[@sexyassdreadhead8485]

So how much was your whole trip in all I'm planning a cruise in OCTOBER?!

[@estancia3857]

I've never been on a Royal cruise, but on 2 Carnival cruises. I've learned to go to Guest Services immediately to let them know that I do not want gratuities added to my bill because I would rather pay my own gratuities in cash... like Royal, when you book excursions through the ship your place will be held and also certain things will be guaranteed if weather conditions, time, and whatnot do not permit. As for alcohol... There are pros and cons. If you don't plan on drinking a ton then purchasing a drinking package for alcohol is not necessary. the last cruise I went on I did purchase one and still obligated to drink several drinks a day that did not sit well with my stomach my mind or my body for several days. however, if this is a big party cruise for you and your friends encourage you to buy it because it does add up and is well worth it in the end.

[@singh11373]

Can one person buy unlimited drink package and shared the drink with the next person

[@IDF1987]

@Brooke Hamilton This is true with the exception of a doctor's note saying person B cannot drink (for example pregnancy)

[@clarky23]

can you get a room with a tub. I cannot stand in a shower due to an amputation.

[@scottbuckingham3236]

55 bucks a day for booze???? Wife and I would bankrupt them in 1 day!!!!!!!!!!

[@peteannas9424]

You say one alcoholic drink runs 6-9 bucks. How much for one one cup of coffee with my breakfast or a soft drink out at the pool? It's difficult to compare if the cruise line doesn't show prices for single drinks!

[@georgeleong1572]

+pete annas I can tell you that on Carnival, regular and decaf coffee served at the main dining room and at the buffet area is free. Coffee at the main dining room is offered only during breakfast, lunch, and dinner times by dining room servers. At the buffet area - coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade, hot water for tea is 24 hours at coffee/lemonade/hot water self serve stations. Milk, chocolate milk and juices in single serve cartons are free during breakfast at the buffet counter where you get the food. You might be able to ask for the milk and juice at the buffet counter at other times. I've done that once. I don't buy soda on cruises since there are free stuff to drink (coffee, lemonade, etc) so I have no idea of what soda cost. There are specialty coffee at special locations, but those you will have to buy. For alcoholic drinks, there are special when drinks are a dollar less.

[@Lord_Internet]

2.25 a piece on carnival or they offer endless bubbles for $50 which is unlimited the whole cruise and we went on a 7 day. now heres the kicker with the package they put it in a cup with ice and it gets watered down faster. if you dont and you buy each one they give you a cold can that is much better and doesnt get watered down. but on carnival each person can bring 1 12pack. but my fridge in the room wouldnt get drinks cold enough to be enjoyable

[@MaxBobcat]

I know about the included gratuities that they charge you on...but aren't you also supposed to tip your room attendant and the waiter, asst waiter and head waiter in cash at the end of the week?

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

MaxBobcatIt used to be in cash, but that's what they changed to automatic room charges. At least that's the case on Royal Caribbean.

[@LEDANCETHERAPY]

+Mike and Lauren Being a service provider myself (massage therapist), I never mind tipping the servers. They work extremely hard and the big part of their income comes from tipping. So important!

[@georgeleong1572]

+MaxBobcat Carnival Cruise also automatically charge tips. From what you get, service wise throughout the ship, $12 per person per day is very cheap. If a dining room server does something special for me like singing happy b'day to my son, I'll give cash tip at the end of my cruise to that person. Anything done above and beyond by a server, I usually give extra cash tip. If you order room service, tip $2 to $4 when the food is delivered to your room.

[@corinajasmine2703]

do you have to pay for rock climbing

[@manilalucas4045]

When the boat docks do u have to get off if u don't want to or not feeling well

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

+manila lucas you can stay on the boat as much as you'd like. Some people never get off.

[@johnrolle6779]

John Rolle: Seal Seal Seal go on and enjoy the world around what more can you do on a sealing cruise.

[@kneestothechin]

don't go on a cruise if youre not willing to splurge a little more and get the drink, meal and wifi packages. youre gonna want a few drinks (the bartenders are legit), a nice meal that isn't a buffet and you WILL want to call your kids or parents or whoever. don't cheat yourself out of the vacation you REALLY want as opposed to barely skimping by and still having to pay a wad of money anyway

[@08094denise]

I sent 4 dresses out to be ironed only. $32 bucks! on Oasis of the Seas. I thought that was high..

[@NOTANOTHERYOUTUBE]

no irons in the room?

[@khurl3]

Good tips! But 6 drinks a day isnt a lot at all. The drink package sounds worth it.

[@urosmladenovic379]

yes if you want to discover about cut true hidden cost of cruises take a look at Debuncar Cruise Saver Aid (do a google search)? my neighbor suggested it amazing

[@petarpetrovic6994]

hi guys, the greatest success that ive had was by following the Carls Cruise Cutter (just google it) - I found it the best idea i've followed.

[@Pete.G]

Is internet access available / outrageously expensive on a cruise?

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Pete G It used be outrageous (60 cents a min), now it's just expensive ($100 per week unlimited).

[@LEDANCETHERAPY]

+Pete G Good question. Hadn't even considered internet cost. Ouch!

[@markomarrindudarin3950]

+Pete G I have spent months researching saving money while on cruises and discovered a great website at Carls Cruise Cutter (google it if you are interested)

[@joeschwartz8152]

4:22 What kind of view were you giving everyone here????

[@IDF1987]

If you are a wine fan, the drink packages pay for themselves.

[@mitev6669]

hello if you\'d like information on how to save money on disney cruises look at Panlarko Cruise Cutter Planner (should be on google have a look)? our colleague uses it incredible

[@ganeswarsahoo3782]

Hey everyone, the best results that i've ever had was by following the Carls Cruise Cutter (just google it) - I found it the most useful method that I have ever tried.

[@laykomusic2089]

Only 6 drinks a day to break even? Well fuck sign me up

[@igorsidelkovsky7944]

I've been researching into spending less on cruise trips and found a fantastic resource at Arack Ship Tips (check it out on google)

[@wadoc8404]

any place to get a legit foot massage…RC port st georgegrenda

[@dbrook7763]

I won't tip unless they are way over top fantastic . Why does he look at her all time when answering questions

[@wendychong8823]

Minimum 6 drinks a day?? Bitch please.