Imagine you’re picturing that perfect Carnival cruise vacation: sun, fun, and delicious food! But have you factored in how much do extra things cost Carnival cruise ships? Many cruisers are surprised by the additional expenses beyond the initial fare. This guide will break down all the potential extra costs on a Carnival cruise, from drinks and specialty dining to excursions and onboard activities, helping you budget effectively and avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Fares and Basics
The base cruise fare covers your cabin, main dining room meals, select onboard activities, and transportation between ports. However, many appealing aspects of the cruise experience come with added costs. It’s crucial to differentiate what’s included in your initial fare and what you’ll need to budget for separately to accurately determine the overall cost of your Carnival cruise.
What’s Included in the Base Fare?
- Cabin Accommodation: Your stateroom is covered, ranging from interior rooms to suites, though upgrades will cost extra. Your base fare includes the basic use of the cabin for the duration of the cruise.
- Main Dining Room Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining rooms are included. These meals offer a set menu that changes daily.
- Select Onboard Activities: Access to shows, pools, and some fitness facilities is included. This covers most of the daytime activities and evening entertainment.
- Transportation Between Ports: The cruise ship serves as your transportation between destinations.
A clean and comfortable cabin is a basic necessity, and your cruise fare guarantees this. Different cabin categories offer varying levels of space and amenities, influencing both comfort and cost.
Enjoying meals in the main dining rooms offers a traditional cruise dining experience. The included meals provide a cost-effective way to enjoy diverse cuisines without incurring additional charges.
Free activities abound on a Carnival cruise! From stage shows to deck parties, there’s no shortage of fun included in your fare. This allows cruisers to experience various forms of entertainment without the extra cost burden.
One of the biggest advantages of a cruise is the ease of traveling between multiple destinations without the hassle of airports and hotels. The base fare takes care of the travel logistics for you.
What’s Not Included in the Base Fare?
- Alcoholic Beverages: Drinks beyond water, tea, coffee, and select juices are not included. Carnival offers drink packages that can help budget for these costs.
- Specialty Dining: Restaurants like steakhouses, sushi bars, and Italian trattorias have a per-person charge. These restaurants offer more upscale dining experiences.
- Shore Excursions: Tours and activities in port are additional expenses. These can range from snorkeling to historical tours.
- Gratuities: Tips for the crew are typically charged daily per person. These cover the services provided by various crew members throughout your cruise.
Many cruisers enjoy alcoholic beverages, and these come at an extra cost. Purchasing a beverage package can provide cost predictability, but it’s important to weigh its cost against your expected consumption.
Specialty dining offers an elevated culinary experience compared to the main dining room. These venues provide a wider selection of gourmet options and more intimate atmospheres.
Shore excursions allow you to explore the destinations you visit in a deeper way. The experiences range from active adventures to cultural immersions, catering to diverse interests.
Gratuities are an essential component of the cruise experience, ensuring that the crew members who provide service are adequately compensated. These are typically charged automatically to your onboard account.
Understanding these inclusions and exclusions is the first step to planning a budget for your Carnival cruise. By knowing what to expect and what to anticipate, you can avoid being surprised by additional costs.
Delving into Onboard Expenses: Food and Drinks
One of the most significant aspects of any cruise is the food and beverage experience. While Carnival offers a variety of included dining options, many passengers opt for specialty restaurants and beverages, which can quickly add up. Understanding the costs associated with food and drinks is crucial for effective budgeting.
Beverage Costs and Packages
- Individual Drinks: Cocktails, beers, and sodas are individually priced, typically ranging from $7 to $15 each.
- Cheers! Beverage Program: An unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink package. Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise. This package provides unlimited drinks up to a certain price point, offering significant savings for those who consume multiple beverages daily.
The Cheers! package is a popular choice for cruisers who enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It offers a predictable cost for drinks, making it easier to budget and enjoy your cruise without constantly watching your spending.
- Bottomless Bubbles: An unlimited soda package. This is a more affordable option for non-alcoholic drinkers.
- Coffee and Specialty Drinks: Coffee shops onboard charge extra for lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks.
If you only plan to have a few drinks, paying individually might be more cost-effective. However, if you anticipate consuming multiple beverages daily, a beverage package might be more advantageous.
For those who prefer soda, juice, and other non-alcoholic beverages, the Bottomless Bubbles package offers great value. It allows you to enjoy unlimited refills throughout your cruise without worrying about individual drink costs.
If you’re a coffee lover, be prepared to budget for your daily caffeine fix. Specialty coffee drinks are not included in the standard beverage offerings and come at an additional cost.
Specialty Dining Experiences
- Steakhouses: Carnival’s steakhouses offer premium cuts of meat for a per-person fee, usually around $35-$50.
- Italian Restaurants: Cucina del Capitano, for example, offers family-style Italian meals for a per-person fee.
- Sushi Bars: Bonsai Sushi offers sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes for a la carte pricing.
- Seafood Shacks: Seafood shacks offer fresh catches for a per-item price.
Carnival’s steakhouses provide an elegant dining experience with top-quality steaks and seafood. These restaurants are perfect for a special occasion or a more upscale meal.
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. These restaurants provide a communal dining experience, perfect for families and groups.
For sushi lovers, Bonsai Sushi provides a variety of fresh and flavorful options. The a la carte pricing allows you to customize your meal to your preferences.
Enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes with a casual and relaxed vibe. These shacks are perfect for a quick and delicious meal by the pool or on the deck.
A 2023 survey found that on average, cruisers spend between $500 and $1000 per person on food and drinks alone, excluding the initial cruise fare. This highlights the importance of carefully considering your dining and beverage preferences when budgeting for your Carnival cruise.
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Shore Excursions: Exploring Ports Beyond the Ship
Shore excursions are a fantastic way to experience the destinations your cruise visits. However, they can significantly impact your overall budget. Planning and understanding the costs associated with shore excursions is essential to avoid overspending.
Types of Shore Excursions and Their Costs
- Guided Tours: Historical tours, city sightseeing, and cultural experiences typically range from $50 to $150 per person.
- Adventure Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining, and other adventure activities can cost between $75 and $250 per person.
- Beach Breaks: Relaxing beach days with transportation and sometimes included amenities can range from $40 to $100 per person.
- Independent Exploration: Opting to explore ports on your own using local transportation and attractions.
Guided tours provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and landmarks of each destination. These excursions are perfect for those who want a structured and informative experience.
Adventure activities offer thrilling experiences and unique ways to explore the destinations. These excursions are ideal for those who seek excitement and physical challenges.
Beach breaks provide a relaxing escape to pristine beaches. These excursions are perfect for those who want to unwind and soak up the sun without the hassle of planning transportation.
Independent exploration allows you to tailor your experience to your interests and budget. This option is ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace and discover hidden gems.
Tips for Saving Money on Shore Excursions
- Book in Advance: Booking shore excursions in advance can sometimes offer discounts.
- Consider Independent Excursions: Research and book excursions through local tour operators, which may be cheaper than those offered by the cruise line.
- Share Excursions: If traveling in a group, consider booking private excursions and splitting the cost.
- Look for Free Activities: Some ports offer free activities like walking tours or access to public beaches.
Early booking allows you to secure your spot on popular excursions and potentially take advantage of early bird discounts. It also gives you more time to research and compare different options.
Local tour operators often offer similar or even better excursions at a lower price point. Just be sure to do your research and choose reputable providers with good reviews.
Private excursions can be more personalized and offer more flexibility. Splitting the cost among a group can make them more affordable than individual bookings.
Many ports have free or low-cost attractions that allow you to explore without breaking the bank. This can include parks, museums, historical sites, and public beaches.
According to a 2022 study, the average cruiser spends around $300-$500 per person on shore excursions. Planning your excursions in advance and exploring alternative options can help you stay within your budget and still enjoy the destinations you visit.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment: Are They Worth the Extra Cost?
Carnival cruise ships offer a plethora of onboard activities and entertainment options, some of which come with additional fees. Deciding which activities are worth the extra cost depends on your interests and budget. Understanding these offerings can help you make informed decisions.
Spa and Wellness Services
- Massages and Treatments: Spa treatments can range from $100 to $300 per session.
- Salon Services: Haircuts, styling, and other salon services also come at an additional cost.
- Fitness Classes: Some specialized fitness classes, like yoga or Pilates, may have a fee.
The spa offers a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. These services provide a luxurious way to unwind and pamper yourself.
If you’re looking to freshen up your look while on vacation, the onboard salon offers a variety of hair and nail services. These services come at an extra cost, but they can be a convenient option.
While the gym is typically free, some specialized fitness classes require an additional fee. These classes can provide a more structured and guided workout experience.
Gambling and Games
- Casino: Playing games in the casino involves wagering money.
- Arcade: Arcades offer a variety of games for children and adults, each requiring tokens or credits.
The casino offers a variety of games, including slot machines, blackjack, and poker. Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
Arcades provide entertainment for all ages. However, the cost of playing games can quickly add up, so it’s important to set a budget.
Internet and Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi Packages: Carnival offers various Wi-Fi packages with different data allowances and speeds. Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise.
Staying connected while at sea can be costly. Wi-Fi packages provide access to the internet, but the speed and data allowance may vary depending on the package you choose.
Other Onboard Expenses
- Photography Services: Professional photos taken by the ship’s photographers are available for purchase. Individual prints can range from $20-$30.
- Souvenirs: Buying souvenirs and gifts from the onboard shops.
Carnival offers photography services to capture your vacation memories. While the photos can be beautiful, they come at an additional cost. Consider taking your own photos as an alternative.
Souvenirs are a great way to remember your cruise experience, but they can be expensive. Set a budget for souvenirs and avoid impulse purchases.
Carnival offers a diverse range of onboard activities and entertainment options. Whether you choose to indulge in spa treatments, try your luck at the casino, or stay connected with Wi-Fi, it’s important to factor these potential costs into your budget.
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How to Budget and Save Money on a Carnival Cruise
Planning a cruise can be exciting, but it’s important to create a realistic budget to avoid overspending. There are numerous strategies to save money without sacrificing the fun. Strategic planning can make your cruise more affordable and enjoyable.
Pre-Cruise Planning and Savings
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on the cruise, including the fare, onboard expenses, and shore excursions.
- Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for cruise deals, discounts, and promotions offered by Carnival or travel agencies.
- Consider Off-Season Cruises: Cruises during the off-season (e.g., early December, January, or September) tend to be cheaper.
- Pack Essentials: Bring items like sunscreen, toiletries, and over-the-counter medications to avoid buying them onboard at higher prices.
Creating a detailed budget helps you track your spending and make informed decisions throughout your cruise. Consider using a spreadsheet or budgeting app to stay organized.
Cruise lines frequently offer deals and promotions, such as early booking discounts, onboard credit, and package deals. Sign up for email alerts and follow cruise lines on social media to stay informed.
Off-season cruises offer lower prices and fewer crowds. While the weather may be less predictable, the savings can be significant.
Onboard shops typically charge higher prices for essentials. Packing your own supplies can save you money and ensure you have everything you need.
Onboard Savings Strategies
- Take Advantage of Free Activities: Participate in the many free activities and entertainment options available on the ship.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Consider purchasing a beverage package if you plan to drink a lot, or limit your consumption to save money.
- Choose Main Dining Room: Eat most of your meals in the main dining room, which is included in your cruise fare.
- Skip Souvenirs: Resist the urge to buy expensive souvenirs. Instead, take photos and collect memories.
Carnival offers a wide range of free activities, including live music, stage shows, trivia games, and deck parties. Take advantage of these offerings to save money on entertainment.
Alcoholic beverages can be a significant expense on a cruise. If you don’t plan to drink frequently, it may be more cost-effective to pay for drinks individually.
The main dining room offers a variety of delicious and complimentary meals. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying dining experience without incurring additional charges.
Souvenirs can be a tempting purchase, but they often end up collecting dust at home. Focus on creating lasting memories and taking plenty of photos instead.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your expenses on a Carnival cruise and enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in making your cruise more affordable and enjoyable.
Debunking Common Myths About Cruise Costs
There are many misconceptions about the costs associated with cruising. Addressing these myths can help you make more informed decisions and budget effectively. Understanding the reality behind these myths can lead to a more enjoyable and affordable cruise experience.
Myth #1: Cruises are All-Inclusive and Everything is Free
Reality: While the base fare covers many essential aspects of the cruise, numerous extras, such as alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, and shore excursions, come at an additional cost. Understanding what is included versus what isn’t is crucial for budgeting.
Myth #2: Drink Packages are Always a Good Deal
Reality: Drink packages can be cost-effective for heavy drinkers, but not necessarily for those who only consume a few beverages. Assess your drinking habits and compare the cost of the package to the cost of individual drinks to determine if it’s worth it.
Myth #3: Shore Excursions Booked Through the Cruise Line are Always the Best Option
Reality: While booking through the cruise line offers convenience and security, independent excursions can often be cheaper and provide a more authentic experience. Research and compare options before making a decision.
Myth #4: You Can’t Bring Any of Your Own Drinks or Snacks Onboard
Reality: Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks onboard. Specifically, each guest is allowed to bring one 12-pack of unopened cans/bottles of non-alcoholic beverages as well as a reasonable amount of snack food in your carry-on luggage. Check Carnival’s specific guidelines for the most up-to-date policies, as these can change.
FAQ
How much are gratuities on a Carnival cruise?
Gratuities on Carnival cruises are typically around $16.00 USD per person, per day for standard staterooms and $18.00 USD per person, per day for suites. These are automatically added to your onboard account but can be prepaid before your cruise. Gratuities cover the services provided by the dining, housekeeping, and other service staff throughout your cruise.
Is the Cheers! drink package worth it on Carnival?
The Cheers! drink package can be a good value if you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages per day. To determine if it’s worth it, calculate the cost of the package versus the price of individual drinks you expect to consume. Consider that you usually need to purchase it for the entire cruise, and all adults in the same cabin typically must purchase it as well.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival generally prohibits passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages onboard to consume in public areas. You are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) at embarkation, subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room. It’s essential to check Carnival’s current policies, as they may change.
Are there any free activities on Carnival cruise ships?
Yes, Carnival offers numerous free activities and entertainment options. These include access to pools, water slides, fitness centers, live music performances, comedy shows, and stage productions. Participating in these free activities can help you save money while still enjoying your cruise experience.
How much do shore excursions typically cost on Carnival?
Shore excursions vary in price depending on the activity and duration. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250+ per person for a shore excursion. Guided tours and beach breaks tend to be on the lower end, while adventure activities like snorkeling or zip-lining may cost more.
What happens if I exceed my onboard spending limit?
Carnival cruise ships typically require you to link a credit card or provide a cash deposit to activate your Sail & Sign account, which is used for all onboard purchases. If you approach your spending limit, you may be notified to settle your account. Failure to do so may result in restrictions on further purchases.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do extra things cost Carnival cruise ships is essential for planning a budget-friendly vacation. While the base fare covers many aspects of the cruise, additional expenses like drinks, specialty dining, and excursions can add up quickly. By planning ahead, looking for deals, and making informed choices, you can enjoy a fantastic Carnival cruise without overspending. Bon voyage!