Our additional onboard costs center around a non alcohol drink package for Kathy, Internet access and Excursions. We always add an additional $2000 to the base price of a cruise to give us a rough order of magnitude total price for planning purposes. That would cover airfare, ground transportation pre/post cruise lodging, out of pocket meals, parking plus onboard expenses. This also acts as a psychological buffer to know what to expect and reduces the anxiety of over spending up front.

My travel agent always gives me the price with all fees and gratuities included. So I know exactly what the cruise itself is going to cost. Lobe it.

My money goes towards the drink package, shops, and photos. I usually don’t spend a lot of money at home, so a cruise is my chance to spoil myself.

Great tips! Not everyone plans for these expenses and they can add up quickly.

I'm glad I cruise to disconnect from the net.

Your video reminds me of a cruise with my brother, and I would say food and tea is free, and he would correct me and say, “That’s Included.”

When we did our very first cruise we racked up an enormous bill on the extras! Lots of excursions, photographs, laundry, drinks, & spa treatments mainly! When that bill comes under your door on the last night, it can be quite a shock! Be prepared & then some!

DCL laundry is put on your Key to the World card. Also if you have the DCL app you will be notified when the washer is dine and when the dryer is finished. Very handy features. This is how we fly and cruise with carry on only.

On my upcoming 21 day b2b cruise I bought a prepaid laundry package that way I will bring less clothes and the laundry is already paid for no matter how much I use it.

This was a very thorough list, Tony! I guess after racking my brain, I came up with two extra expenses that we have spent for our cruises that are not "included" in the fare: first, I like to dress up a little more fancy for cruises and so buying clothing and also cruise-related items prior to a cruise is a cost that goes into cruising; second, we have done an excursion to visit the local people and brought donation items for orphanages...toothpaste, toothbrushes, crayons, pens, paper, backpacks, etc. These would be an additional cost, but we really enjoyed donating them and also going on this type of excursion...Carnival has these under "Giving back with Purpose". I'd recommend them to anyone who wants a little dose of the real culture of an area. Our biggest spending above the cruise fare is probably the amount we spend on excursions. That can really add up fast! Thanks for a great list, Tony!!

I pay gratuities at my disgresson, and in the amount I decide is adiquate. Pre-paid gratuities indeed, that's damn nerve.

Great video and tips. Its amazing how many people go on a cruise just to drink instead of be thankful for being able to go on vacation and enjoy different port locations. We always appreciate the videos.

Great video! Excursions usually cost me the most after the cruise fare! But that’s the reason I like to cruise, get to see new places each day!

Thank you Tony. All your information is very helpful.

Most of this I’d though but the visa to do the visitations in port I hadn’t thought of.

I used the laundry room on my cruise and was thrilled to find it. It was really close to the cabin so that made it a lot easier. I wouldn't mind getting free laundry in the future so I reckon I'd better take more cruises!

Back from the first cruise and I completely agree. Research and pre-pay whatever you can. Then start putting additional monies aside so you don't get side swiped by unforeseen expenses. I planned pretty well but little things add up quickly.

You are slayin’ these videos! I haven’ been disappointed yet! ❤️

Great tips Tony. A cruise could be very expensive if you just do everything without thinking about the end of your cruise. When you get your final bill, it could be a real eye opener.

Here is a completely off-topic comment - I found your channel last week or the week before, so I'm still slogging through old videos. I just watched one from March and y'alls weight loss really shows. You and Jenny should have done a great job.

Pre-paying for things is a must for me! I pad my on-board account with cash before I leave, purchase bottled water, pay for any speciality dining and excursions prior to sailing. I did a 7 day cruise on NCL once and my final bill was only $76.00!

Drink package is our biggest expense. But on Carnival it includes soda, coffees, energy drinks. Definitely worth the price. Also excursions

Tony, enjoying your videos. One item overlooked, given the age range and experience of cruise passengers is use of the medical facilities, either for mal de mer or medical emergencies. My biggest additional costs are the gratuities, which I often supplement, I give my cabin stewards a bonus on the first day. After that I do enjoy some libations and soft drinks.

For a first time cruiser like myself these vids are really helpful, thank you.

Great, comprehensive list of extra expenses. It always surprises me, the number of people who still think they are "All Inclusive" like resorts in the Caribbean.. I guess I spend the most money on excursions.

If you need to visit the medical facility on board there is an extra charge. We typically splurge on the wifi and the room. Occasionally specialty dining.

My expenses are the casino and excursions. As you mentioned, Tony, with my loyalty perks with NCL and RCCL, there is a reduction in the cost of my cabin, laundry, and shore excursions. Alcohol consumption cost is covered by the casinos and my Diamond status with RCCL.

Biggest expense for us is the airfare to the port, a pre and a post cruise hotel and transfers from the airport, hotel and the port.

Have watched so many of your videos and really appreciate all your assistance and knowledge.

Thanks all my questions were answered...my cruise is 2 weeks away. I was confused about bottled water, WiFi, buying individual pictures. Carnival sunshine

I try to pre-pay as much as I can prior to the cruise. This would include gratuities, drink packages, special dining, wi-fi, and excursions. You can parse these expenses over a few months prior to the cruise. This will save you the shock of the final bill. On many cruises, I actually receive credit because of an onboard credit I received as part of my cruise package.

pictures no matter how much I dont need them, its hard for me to pass them up. bingo sometimes if you play more than one session it can run up the cost quickly lol. I usually only do one special dining per cruise and a pedicure is my treat.

Very helpful information Tony. First time cruiser this coming January to Panama Canal from Ft. Lauderdale on Holland America. Thus, knowing about all the ‘extra costs’ is extremely helpful. Thanks again...Ed

I spend mine with Specialty Coffee Cherry on top and Pictures!

Great video...I would really enjoy a video of what is or not included in an "on board credit". We are booked for a cruise in August on Carnival and were given a $500 credit. Thanks!!!

Great video really informative Tony. Thanks very much xx

Hi Tony. Love your videos. You look better in T-shirts. Keep the informative info coming. 😁

Well, that puts me off for a start.

I was on the Oasis of the Seas over Christmas a few years ago so I did buy the WiFi package so I could watch the great grandchildren open gifts on Christmas. It worked great. I bought the package at a discount prior to the cruise and saved a lot. It was almost twice the cost after boarding the ship.

I enjoy watching your videos Tony, and I think all the info is helpful. We happened to luck up this time and got a sale package with Princess that included free gratuities ... and ours is a 13 day cruise so if we had to pay for that ourselves, it would end up costing close to $400 for the two of us. I am very happy we won't have to pay that cost this time. Hopefully others will find similar sale promotions like that one.

I never understood why the cruises won’t charge 5.00 per pic. I think they will make much more. Especially if they are known for that.

Mine is split between shopping and excursions

I budget for the casino, a little bit of ship shopping at the end of the trip when they mark every thing down. And for a $9 bag of popcorn/caramel corn towards the end of the cruise when I just can't take another piece of cheese cake. I like as much as possible to pre-pay so I don't have to think about money.

Most of our extra spending has been in the onboard shops. Enjoy your videos.

Good job, excursions is the biggest extra cost for us, however I’d like to try the speciality dining at some point.

Thank you for the tips. My extra expenses are on dining, excursions and transportation. Luckily I watched your tips and was prepared.

We are platinum on Carnival and our favorite perk is the free laundry! We always purchase the drink package but if only one person in your cabin drinks it may be less expensive to not purchase it.

some of those fares can be shocking... and newbees always just see the base price i know i did on my first cruise thnks for the vid you guys are great see you on the lido

Great video once a again. Some cruise ports in Asia and are away from most tourist sights so to do anything you have to either do a shore excursion or take cruise bus to the nearest town.

#3 - Well, since I don't drink it's not a problem for me! #11 - Build a Bear on Carnival, still cheaper than TRex at Disney Springs

Alcohol is my number one cost. Shore excursions is a close second.

We spend additional money on “adult “ beverages.

My biggest expense on a cruise ship. Will be the spa know us girls love being pampered. Casino, food package and drink package. Norwegian cruise line hold about 600.00 on your credit card. I alway budget around 2k. For shopping .

Best travel insurance I've ever had was ADAC when I lived in Germany. Unbelievable service.

On the exursions part, we have found that being loyal to a TA company like cruisesonly gets you up to $100 credit on shore excursions and $100 on the deposit for resorts for a day , and $100 OBC. The "third party " exursion companies that we use also guarantee you back to ship on time or they will pay for you to meet back with the ship. In almost 6 years and many excursions, we have never had a problem. Most of the time we are on the same exursion (only cheaper) as the cruise line offers.

We buy cocktails and wine and beer. Also some extra money goes on activities such as bottomless bubbly galley tour for example. MickieG Adelaide Sth Australia

More things for me to know for my first cruise coming up in September! So excited. Thank you for the information ℹ️!

Great Video!!

Our most expense is the adult beverage package, shore excursions but by far it is my gambling stash that is the biggest.

I’ve been on several cruises and ever port is so different, I wish I had seen this video before my last couple cruises. Great information!

We spend most on excursions or dining, we try to book NCL deals that you get some free WiFi . We do limit WiFi use, but like to be able to do a quick check in with family every other day.

Air fare. This is not included in your cruise fare (unless it is part of a special deal).

I spend most on excursions

Jewelry shopping. :)

Great List, No casino money!

this is such a great video! definitely helpful for first timers!

My wife and I are the same. We spend the most on Specialty Dining.

Travel Insurance. Is this different from what the cruise line offer ie. 'Travel Protection Plan?'. If so what is a good and affordable Travel Insurance company?

Great tips!

we pre pay the gratuity We are pretty frugal, however I played a lot in the casino didn't keep track and was surprised at the bill. So I won't charge my sign and sail card ever again for gambling.

We always pay the gratuity in advance and add more tip on my waiters and room service.

If I have the family with me, I spend the most on excursions (on average $400 for 4 people, for each excursion). If I'm solo, the casino is top spend.

Thanks for the heads up! We're still confused on the drinks package though. We'll be going on a 15 day sail on the Carnival Mardi Gras for our honeymoon and don't know if it's worth the buck. We're not big alcohol drinkers though we both love our cocktails and coffee. It's a shame they don't have different choice on their packages as the ones on offer now aren't worth it for people like us who mainly drink water and coffee 😕

Very thorough list! Well done!

Excursions, soft drink packages and pictures. Normally we book 3rd party for excursions unless the time frame of the excursion is tight. Keep up the good work.

Love your guys channel !😀😀 I hope you have wonderful cruises to come !❤️

for me and mum its photos and shore tours we stay with p&o cruise tours and shops on the ship

MSC, charges for water! That was a first for me after doing 22 cruises!

I wasn't listening very close when you spoke about the China visa. You may well qualify for the 144 hour visa. You can get one when you enter and leave on your cruise. You can then get another when your cruise returns to shanghai or tianjin. A lot depends on whether you are leaving the area. You have to stay in the same region.

Thanks for the vlog

A lot of the European cruise lines don’t add gratuities or taxes later they are included in the base price. At least P&O, Marella and NCL include gratuities and taxes.

Ty Tony...ill review the video again before the cruise...🥳❤❤

I’m cheap....lol.....I dont drink...no specialty dining....no internet. But I do hit the casino but always stick to a strict budget!

one thing you should have mentioned about parking is at least in Charleston SC if you have a Handicap Placard you can actually park for free

Good points, Tony.

Did you mention a hotel stay and travel meals to and from the cruise port?

Great info thanks, I never been on a cruise before, so invaluable

Never cruised so I have a question. You said photographers have a backdrop so they can take your photos. My question is, are you forced to take a photo?? I know you are not forced to buy any photos and one thing you forgot was fitness classes like yoga, pilates, etc. I found out that Crystal, a premium cruise line even charges for these classes.

We live in Florida so our transportation fees are minimal.On DCL, the soda package is included and we don't 🍸. Also no casino and use of the kids clubs for children 3 and over is included. We typically only get off at their island 🏝 when we take a Bahamas cruise, which is included also, with the exception of bike/snorkel rentals which are around 30ish. We probably spend the most at the spa/tipping/souvenirs and specialty dining. Although even the dining 🍽 is not too bad now. Since we're platinum we get Palo for free and Remy's is about 100 though easily worth 400-so I call it a bargain for the experience you have there as it's a Michelin 🌟 restaurant.

I noticed that on carnival that there is a free WiFi option that gives you access to the daily activities and to see what others in you group of friends are interested in going to. There is a few web sites that you can surf on while sitting on the toilet with the free WiFi which are all carnivals different cruise lines.

AT M usage has high fees associated with their use onboard. Bring enough cash that you don’t have to use the ATM if you want to avoid those fees.

Our cruise for two is usually about 2500 with balcony. But after every thing else it ends up doubled to about 5,000. Plane fair, shuttle, tips, excursions, drinks etc.

You did a good job of explaining these, I think you have it all covered. I spend extra in the casino,but not that much. I try to stick to 100-150. I have spent extra in the Steak house once and it was worth it.It was delicious.

Thank You for all your advice. I plan on taking my 1st cruise March 2021

I wish someone had told me these things before my first cruise in 2004. That bill was CRAZY😂😅😭. Great info!

All inclusive a must, available celebrity from the uk.

I do one two week Europe cruise every year. I go the whole nine yards minus the casino. An ocean view suite, drink package, photo package, laundry service, one night specialty dining and four pre-booked excursions (port fees, taxes, and gratuities). Cruise (with packages), airfare and two night stay in a hotel, cost about $4k per person. Too much? Too little?

Thank you I'm getting as much info bc I'm going to be a new cruiser with the disney cruise line out of Galveston TX I'll know how to plan and budget.

Shore tours for me. I’m too anxious to go explore on my own and prefer the security of the organised tours. I’m terrified of being left behind and being a pier runner. I’d just die! That being said, I’d feel ok doing Mystery Island on my own. It’s small. It’s walkable. And there’s no way to get lost.

There is an Australian product called the Scrubba which it a wash bag for laundry . I haven't used mine yet. Long term cruisers swear by it. I think the orginal full sized product weighs 200 grams. It's available worldwide.