Cruise: Tips : Top Ten : THINGS YOU’LL PAY EXTRA FOR AN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISE
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1. Tips. On most ships, gratuities to dining room waiters and cabin stewards are all but mandatory. Tips to other service staff , such as the wine steward, pool attendant and maitre d’, are strictly voluntary. Count on a total of about $10 per person, per day.
2. Port charges. These head taxes, which vary depending on the length of the cruise and its ports of call--are levied by local port authorities. (For more on port charges, see Travel Insider, L2.)
3. Beverages. It’s not unusual to pay $3 or more for a beer or glass of wine or $4 for a mixed drink, plus a 15% service charge added directly to the bill.
4. Beauty and spa services. You’ll pay $40 or more for a facial or massage; $75 and up for more elaborate services.
5. Laundry and dry cleaning. Need that tux pressed before the captain’s party? Expect prices comparable to those at full-service hotels and resorts.
6. Shore excursions. Most passengers on a seven-day cruise take about two shore excursions, which are sold on board and range from as little as $18 for a two-hour city tour to $150 for a helicopter trip.
7. Souvenir photographs. Can’t live without that Mae West shot of you in your life jacket during the safety drill? Expect to pay $5-$8 for a photo by the ship’s photographer.
8. Ship’s doctor. On many ships, pills to alleviate seasickness are free. But doctor’s visits start at about $20.
9. Telephone. Phoning the kids back home? You’ll pay $15.50 per minute for satellite service.
10. Casino. What you spend is up to you--and your conscience.
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