Oh yes, there are hidden cruising costs!

quote=sparks1093;54821810]It all comes down to point of view and since all of those costs are only disclosed once onboard in that sense they are hidden until the passenger boards,

No they're not......most are on the website, some are common sense, and all could be found by talking to a travel agent. All before boarding. Someone not looking around doesn't mean that the thing they're looking for is hidden.

It all comes down to point of view and since all of those costs are only disclosed once onboard in that sense they are hidden until the passenger boards, from my point of view. Many cruise lines are using the term "all inclusive" in their advertising, if they don't use the term explicitly they use it implicitly. In any event articles such as this one are good for newbies to give them a heads up (and yes, even mentioning souvenirs is a good thing because in the excitement of taking a cruise it may be overlooked as a budget item). This has nothing to do with being mandatory or discretionary but just a heads up this is something you may need to spend money on if you choose to. (I would want to read an article such as this if I were to visit an all inclusive resort for the first time, just so I know exactly how "all inclusive" it actually is.)

That's just not correct, at least in our experience with RCI and Celebrity - and I would be surprised that the other mass market lines are not the same. Gratuities, beverage packages, alternative dining costs, excursions are all clearly published with prices. All also provide the option to purchase in advance of boarding. How are these in any way hidden or not disclosed prior to boarding?

They also, as stated several times already, are - with the possible exception of gratuities - optional. Again, "hidden" carries IMO the implication of "included on your final bill but not previously disclosed as a customary charge".

To provide an awareness for the novice cruiser of things that will be an additional cost beyond the stateroom rate is fine, but for CC to do so via a thread entitled "Oh yes, there are hidden cruising costs!" is misleading and at the very least not helpful, which is the crux of my point. None of these additional expenditures are in any way "hidden".

But more importantly, Happy Holidays!

That's just not correct, at least in our experience with RCI and Celebrity - and I would be surprised that the other mass market lines are not the same. Gratuities, beverage packages, alternative dining costs, excursions are all clearly published with prices. All also provide the option to purchase in advance of boarding. How are these in any way hidden or not disclosed prior to boarding?

 

They also, as stated several times already, are - with the possible exception of gratuities - optional. Again, "hidden" carries IMO the implication of "included on your final bill but not previously disclosed as a customary charge".

 

To provide an awareness for the novice cruiser of things that will be an additional cost beyond the stateroom rate is fine, but for CC to do so via a thread entitled "Oh yes, there are hidden cruising costs!" is misleading and at the very least not helpful, which is the crux of my point. None of these additional expenditures are in any way "hidden".

 

But more importantly, Happy Holidays!

Yes, some items are listed on the website but how much is a beer? How much a specialty dinner? How much is a mixed drink? How about a specialty coffee? How much are pictures? Spa services, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. Again, it's all stuff that we know because we've cruised but I think a newbie might get some good info from it. If the information isn't helpful to you then of course it isn't and while you might take exception to the title etc. it's really just journalism in today's day and age. In any event, yes, happy holidays!

Yes, some items are listed on the website but how much is a beer? How much a specialty dinner? How much is a mixed drink? How about a specialty coffee? How much are pictures? Spa services, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. Again, it's all stuff that we know because we've cruised but I think a newbie might get some good info from it. If the information isn't helpful to you then of course it isn't and while you might take exception to the title etc. it's really just journalism in today's day and age. In any event, yes, happy holidays!

How much is a beer, specialty coffee, or mixed drink at any bar, or hotel, or restaurant, or resort? Do you call ahead to find that out or wait until you get there? Either way the cost is not "hidden"! No offense, I think that argument is bordering on...well, you can fill in the blank. All the rest are not "hidden" either but - as said repeatedly - are optional costs that are clearly revealed if not in advance, then on board.

I think all that can be said has been said - none of these are "hidden" costs - that is a misleading phrase.

sparks1093, you are a frequent poster who's views and information I typically respect. I just can't buy into this one with you.....sorry.

Enjoy your Holidays......

No offense, but I don't feel any of those are hidden costs. This article confuses me, to be quite honest. :o

What those of us who have cruised who who are knowledge tend to forget that most of the people who cruise are woefully ignorant. One example. You go on the cruise company site and the itinerary says that she ship departs at 4:00 PM. How many people have come onto CC and say that they plan to arrive at the departure airport at 2:30 or 3:00 PM and figure that they can get off the plane, get to the port at 3:45 and just walk on the ship. I do not think I have ever seen a clear and prominent statement on the cruise company site that says that you MUST be on board 90 minutes before departure.

We can all think of other examples.

I do agree that the article is trivial and obvious but it may not be obvious to the newbys.

DON

Hidden costs or optional extras, really depends on a person's perspective.

What those of us who have cruised who who are knowledge tend to forget that most of the people who cruise are woefully ignorant. One example. You go on the cruise company site and the itinerary says that she ship departs at 4:00 PM. How many people have come onto CC and say that they plan to arrive at the departure airport at 2:30 or 3:00 PM and figure that they can get off the plane, get to the port at 3:45 and just walk on the ship. I do not think I have ever seen a clear and prominent statement on the cruise company site that says that you MUST be on board 90 minutes before departure.

 

We can all think of other examples.

 

I do agree that the article is trivial and obvious but it may not be obvious to the newbys.

 

DON

Two examples under FAQ's - 60 minutes in their cases:

From the RCI website:

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/ship-boarding-arrival-time

From the Celebrity website (scroll down):

https://www.celebritycruises.com/company/customer-support/help-and-faqs/pre-cruise/all-pre-cruise-faqs

Hidden costs or optional extras, really depends on a person's perspective.

No, it really doesn't. Hidden is hidden. Extra may or may not be hidden.

I started cruising in 1996 --- and, yes, I would be willing to pay more to cruise today to have the same sort of experience.

We also started cruising in the late 90's. At this point I'm just not sure. We do appreciate the relatively lower costs with the option to upgrade at least some aspects of the experience. Additionally, there are existing higher priced cruise lines that at least have the reputation of providing a better experience. I just haven't tried any of those cruise lines yet.

What an enlightening discussion. Perhaps I am a bit of a hard a## but one factoid really bothers me. The idea that newbie (cruisers) are ignorant fools! Perhaps some fall into that category, but these folks are likely going to be ignorant about a lot of things in their life. Some folks go to a hotel in NYC and are shocked to find that taxes and fees can add up to another 20% on top of their hotel cost. And then they discover that it cost them another $60 (plus tip) to park their car overnight! That information was out there...but they chose to ignore the signs and not do their homework. Many of these folks live in a fantasy land (where they ignore reality and hear what they want). It is not our responsibility (or the cruise lines) to protect them from themselves...anymore then the cruise lines should protect that poor souls in the casino who lose more then they can afford.

Folks need to accept some personal responsibility for their own lives and they have an obligation to do their own homework...or pay the price. There are few to no "hidden costs" on cruises. The info is out there. The mass market cruise lines are not all inclusive just like going to a Hilton Hotel is generally not all inclusive. Do the cruise lines market a dream...and minimize reality? Sure! Just like most things in life. Buy a home for $200,000 and you are not going to pay $200,000! See a new car advertised for $19,999 and you are not going to pay $19,999!

I do not fault the cruise lines for playing the marketing game...although I have major issues with the entire gratuity issue (we have expressed our reservations about these policies for over thirty years). Many of the long term posters here on CC have often warned new cruisers to calculate (and plan for) extra costs that will be incurred onboard and in ports.

The information on the real costs are out there if folks want to take the time to use their heads and read the info. For those that choose to ignore reality....we suspect they have been doing that for all or most of their life.

Hank

How are they hidden costs?

Unless the cruise claims to be all inclusive.

What an enlightening discussion. Perhaps I am a bit of a hard a## but one factoid really bothers me. The idea that newbie (cruisers) are ignorant fools! Perhaps some fall into that category, but these folks are likely going to be ignorant about a lot of things in their life. Some folks go to a hotel in NYC and are shocked to find that taxes and fees can add up to another 20% on top of their hotel cost. And then they discover that it cost them another $60 (plus tip) to park their car overnight! That information was out there...but they chose to ignore the signs and not do their homework. Many of these folks live in a fantasy land (where they ignore reality and hear what they want). It is not our responsibility (or the cruise lines) to protect them from themselves...anymore then the cruise lines should protect that poor souls in the casino who lose more then they can afford.

 

 

 

Folks need to accept some personal responsibility for their own lives and they have an obligation to do their own homework...or pay the price. There are few to no "hidden costs" on cruises. The info is out there. The mass market cruise lines are not all inclusive just like going to a Hilton Hotel is generally not all inclusive. Do the cruise lines market a dream...and minimize reality? Sure! Just like most things in life. Buy a home for $200,000 and you are not going to pay $200,000! See a new car advertised for $19,999 and you are not going to pay $19,999!

 

 

 

I do not fault the cruise lines for playing the marketing game...although I have major issues with the entire gratuity issue (we have expressed our reservations about these policies for over thirty years). Many of the long term posters here on CC have often warned new cruisers to calculate (and plan for) extra costs that will be incurred onboard and in ports.

 

 

 

The information on the real costs are out there if folks want to take the time to use their heads and read the info. For those that choose to ignore reality....we suspect they have been doing that for all or most of their life.

 

 

 

Hank

I fall into your category I guess. [emoji54]

After a life filled with travel cross-country and abroad, I was beyond shocked when I had a “resort fee” tacked onto my Opryland visit. Had no idea such things existed having never stayed in a place (hundreds of nights in hotels) that did such a thing.

And if folks book a cruise with a call to a travel agent based on a friend raving about cruising being “all inclusive” (MANY people use the term loosely) I can see them being surprised.

I cruised the other way my first time. I assumed I had to pay extra for anything and missed out on some complimentary items. ☹️

Folks need to accept some personal responsibility for their own lives and they have an obligation to do their own homework...or pay the price.

Some of it may be due to other cultures and laws in other countries.

In my country taxes and tips are ALWAYS included in the price.

And tourists have great trouble navigating the traffic here, as we have three types with three sets of rules and lanes in the streets: cars, bikes, and pedestrians.

Also: If you smack your child you are breaking the law.

I’m quite sure most visitors don’t even think about these things before they arrive as they can’t imagine they exist.

I fall into your category I guess. [emoji54]

After a life filled with travel cross-country and abroad' date='[b'] I was beyond shocked when I had a “resort fee” tacked onto my Opryland visit. [/b] Had no idea such things existed having never stayed in a place (hundreds of nights in hotels) that did such a thing.

 

And if folks book a cruise with a call to a travel agent based on a friend raving about cruising being “all inclusive” (MANY people use the term loosely) I can see them being surprised.

 

I cruised the other way my first time. I assumed I had to pay extra for anything and missed out on some complimentary items. ☹️

Again, that would be more by definition a "hidden" cost as it was not disclosed prior to being charged and is a regular fee that is assessed without prior disclosure to your booking.

And once again as well, none of the extras outlined in the article referenced in this thread are "hidden". All are published and identified ahead of time or on board, and all (again with the possible exception of gratuities) are optional and none are automatically added to your booking account. These simply are not "hidden" costs!

I fall into your category I guess. [emoji54]

After a life filled with travel cross-country and abroad' date=' I was beyond shocked when I had a “resort fee” tacked onto my Opryland visit. Had no idea such things existed having never stayed in a place (hundreds of nights in hotels) that did such a thing.

 

And if folks book a cruise with a call to a travel agent based on a friend raving about cruising being “all inclusive” (MANY people use the term loosely) I can see them being surprised.

 

I cruised the other way my first time. I assumed I had to pay extra for anything and missed out on some complimentary items. ☹️[/quote']

 

The "resort fee" is very common in resort places like Las Vegas. They say it covers things like airport shuttles, etc. What it really does is allow the place to advertise a rate online that is lower than the real rate. In my humble opinion, this practice should not be allowed.

 

I was speaking with the Oceania rep trying to clarify some costs. I asked what the daily gratuities amounted to. He said "We don't have daily gratuities. That is what sets us apart from other lines. Instead, an amount will be added to your account at the end of the cruise to cover all gratuities". Almost word-for-word. Do people really believe this stuff - LOL.

Some of it may be due to other cultures and laws in other countries.

 

In my country taxes and tips are ALWAYS included in the price.

 

And tourists have great trouble navigating the traffic here, as we have three types with three sets of rules and lanes in the streets: cars, bikes, and pedestrians.

 

Also: If you smack your child you are breaking the law.

 

I’m quite sure most visitors don’t even think about these things before they arrive as they can’t imagine they exist.

As a long time world traveler I totally agree with you when it comes to different cultures, mores, etc. But that is exactly why I said that folks need to do their "homework" which does include understanding something about a countries practices, tipping, etc. As to the traffic (and related practices in Copenhagen) it is quite simple when compared to what we have had to tolerate while driving thousands of miles in Italy (that could be the topic of a large book :). There are few secrets to cruising or travel to those who do a little research (and CC is the best place). For those who prefer not to do any personal homework.....well they are at the complete mercy of whatever or whoever they encounter and have nobody to blame but themselves.

A few years ago we did our first Grand Med cruise on HAL's Prinsendam. It was a 62 day cruise (round trip from Ft Lauderdale) and nearly half the voyage were sea days. On the 2nd morning (which was the 2nd sea day of 6 in a row) one woman went nearly mad...complaining about all the sea days! Her husband just rolled his eyes as another passenger asked her, "didn't you realize there were sea days when you booked the cruise.?" She admitted that she had paid no attention to the itinerary and never thought it would have sea days (the cruise went round trip from Florida to Europe). And its no different for a fellow American who visits Denmark. If they leave a 20% tip at a restaurant, then so be it :). On the other hand, even though you insist that tips are "always" included in the price...we are aware that plenty of folks (including some Danes) will leave a small tip good restaurants if they get excellent service :).

Hank

The "resort fee" is very common in resort places like Las Vegas. They say it covers things like airport shuttles, etc. What it really does is allow the place to advertise a rate online that is lower than the real rate. In my humble opinion, this practice should not be allowed.

 

I was speaking with the Oceania rep trying to clarify some costs. I asked what the daily gratuities amounted to. He said "We don't have daily gratuities. That is what sets us apart from other lines. Instead, an amount will be added to your account at the end of the cruise to cover all gratuities". Almost word-for-word. Do people really believe this stuff - LOL.

Yes, there are people that believe that. I am in the process of researching a trip to Hawaii for 2019 (instead of a cruise :eek:) and the resort fee is prominent at most hotels.

The "resort fee" is very common in resort places like Las Vegas. They say it covers things like airport shuttles, etc. What it really does is allow the place to advertise a rate online that is lower than the real rate. In my humble opinion, this practice should not be allowed.

 

I was speaking with the Oceania rep trying to clarify some costs. I asked what the daily gratuities amounted to. He said "We don't have daily gratuities. That is what sets us apart from other lines. Instead, an amount will be added to your account at the end of the cruise to cover all gratuities". Almost word-for-word. Do people really believe this stuff - LOL.

Whether or not one believes in gratuities, as long as a service charge com be removed -even if it takes some effort, it s not a "hidden cost". A "resort fee" is simply a way to lie about the cost - unless it is clearly disclosed up front - and, if it not removable (say, if one did not use the poo, spa or any comparable facility) is surly sleazy marketing.