7 Cruise Cost Watch-Outs For When You Resume Cruising 2020 - 2021

Editorial Summary

Gary Babbage provides guidance for travelers navigating the changing landscape of cruise budgeting as the industry resumes operations. He explains that cruise lines often offer low fares to fill ships, intending to recoup revenue through onboard spending, which can range from 50 to 100 percent of the initial fare. Babbage advises patience, suggesting travelers wait until cruising officially restarts to avoid booking before demand and capacity are fully understood. He recommends focusing on major regions like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska, and emphasizes comparing similar cruise tiers rather than mixing budget and luxury lines. To manage costs, he suggests monitoring fare drops after booking and being mindful of future cruise credit expiration dates. The creator also highlights the importance of calculating door-to-door costs, including flights and transfers, rather than just the cruise fare. Finally, he warns about potential increases in onboard expenses such as gratuities, drink packages, excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, advising travelers to budget strategically for these items to avoid unexpected financial burdens.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.