| Each year millions of Americans venture out on | | | | the income necessary by fares alone. While the |
| vacation. For some it will be a trip to the beach or | | | | industry boast of the food and entertainment that |
| the mountains. For some others, it will be a trip to | | | | they include in the fare, they have revenue |
| another city to visit family or friends, or simply just | | | | producers to entice you once you are on board. |
| to tour. Many more will head off to theme parks | | | | Notice, you are told that food is included, but not |
| while the more adventurous will go hiking and rafting. | | | | drinks. If you care to drink anything other than water |
| I for one fall into the millions that enjoy taking a | | | | or tea with your meal you will incur an additional |
| cruise vacation. | | | | charge. |
| The opportunity to vacation is within the reach of | | | | Almost from the moment that your feet hit the |
| most anyone's budget. The vacation traveler is one | | | | deck you will be approached by crew members |
| of a highly sought after group of individuals. | | | | ready to take your order for adult beverages. Each |
| Companies offer discounts, all inclusive packages, and | | | | beverage that you order comes with a charge to |
| specific dollar amount of credit to spend at their | | | | your account. Not only will you see the price for the |
| facility. Each organization has its own "hook" to bring | | | | drink, there will be an amount added to every |
| the traveler into their sales department. | | | | purchase for a tip. |
| Cruise line operators are no different than any other | | | | The on board casino is a big income magnet for the |
| vacation planning enterprise. Each cruise line offers | | | | cruise line. As with any land based casino, you can |
| discounted fares and travel packages. You will be | | | | lose big bucks before you realize how deep that you |
| enticed with the phrase your ship board activities and | | | | are in. Some cruise lines have even eliminated the |
| meals are included. I am writing this to point out that | | | | need for you to stop and go to the cashiers' cage to |
| a discounted fare is not the true cost of your cruise | | | | replenish your cash. They have set up the slot |
| vacation. Consider these often overlooked expenses | | | | machines to accept your ship board account card. |
| and fees that you will have to pay over and above | | | | What a convenience, you can sit there just pulling |
| that discounted ticket. | | | | that handle. Along with the slots you will find card |
| The first thing is you have to get to the departure | | | | tables, dice tables, and roulette wheels. Anyone with |
| city. It does not matter which mode of | | | | the desire to gamble will find something to please. |
| transportation you choose there will be a cost. | | | | You will be offered an opportunity to dine in a |
| Should you choose to drive your personal vehicle to | | | | specialty restaurant. The menu is different than the |
| the port you will find convenient, secured parking | | | | main dining room. Just like any other fine dining |
| right at the dock. Parking rates vary from port to | | | | restaurant, you must make a reservation. Oh, did I |
| port. I have sailed from four different ports. Parking | | | | mention, food in this restaurant is not included in your |
| fees ranged from $11 per day to $15 per day, | | | | ticket price. Expect the up charge along with the |
| payable in advance. | | | | customary tip to appear on your bill. |
| Now consider the porter that helps get your luggage | | | | My advice to anyone thinking about taking that cruise |
| from your car or taxi to the loading area to be put | | | | vacation is to prepare financially by recognizing that |
| on board. This person is not usually an employee of | | | | your fare is not the only fixed cost. You must know |
| the cruise line and is there working for your tips. | | | | about the extra charges so you can consider them |
| Here is another cost that experienced cruisers know | | | | as part of the cost for this vacation. If your funds |
| will come at the end of the cruise; a tip for the ship | | | | are limited you must control yourself because the |
| staff that serves you during your time on board. This | | | | cruise line has made it so easy to spend money while |
| charge is often a surprise for first time cruisers. | | | | you are on board. Set a specific amount of money |
| Depending on your cruise line this tip can be as high | | | | that you are willing to spend for drinks, souvenirs, |
| as $15 per day, added to your final bill before you | | | | and shore excursions. Monitor your account to be |
| disembark. | | | | sure that you do not exceed your pre-set limit. |
| Understand this fact; your cruise line is a business and | | | | Surprises on the day that you disembark tend to |
| must earn a profit. That company does not generate | | | | diminish the fun that you had on your vacation. |