The best cruise booking perks – and which ones are actually free

Booking a cruise has become a popular vacation choice for many travelers. With the allure of exploring multiple destinations while enjoying all the amenities and entertainment offered on board, it’s no wonder cruises are in high demand. To attract more customers and incentivize them to book in advance, cruise lines often run promotions that include various perks such as free drinks, tips, and other extras. However, it’s important for travelers to read the fine print and understand what they are actually getting and paying for when they choose these “free” perks.

One of the most common perks offered by cruise lines is an open-bar package. While it may sound like an incredible deal to have access to unlimited drinks, it’s important to note that not all drinks are included. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an Unlimited Open Bar Package as a free booking perk, but it only covers select spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, soda, and juice valued at up to $15 per drink. Passengers who accept this “free” package are also required to pay gratuities of 20% of the package’s retail value, which can add up to a significant amount. While heavy drinkers may still find this perk valuable, occasional drinkers might find it more cost-effective to purchase drinks individually.

Another highly sought-after perk is free Wi-Fi. Cruise Wi-Fi can be notoriously expensive, so the offer of free internet access is a great incentive for many travelers. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of this perk. Some cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises and Norwegian, offer free Wi-Fi on a limited number of devices per passenger or cabin. Additionally, streaming is often blocked, and the signal strength may vary depending on the ship’s location. It’s also worth noting that if the ship’s line of sight with the satellite is blocked, passengers won’t have any Wi-Fi access, regardless of the package they paid for.

Onboard credit is another perk that is often offered to entice travelers to book a cruise. This credit can be used for various onboard activities such as spa treatments, tours, drinks, and shopping. While it’s exciting to have free money to spend on board, there are some caveats to consider. Some cruise lines may limit the amount of onboard credit based on the cabin category or sailing duration. Additionally, any unused credit at the end of the cruise is usually forfeited, so it’s important to plan how to use the credit effectively.

Specialty dining is a perk that food enthusiasts can appreciate. Many modern cruise ships offer a variety of specialty restaurants with unique menus and dining experiences. It’s a great bonus when cruise lines offer free meals at these specialty restaurants. However, it’s important to note that additional main courses and select premium dishes may still incur an extra fee. Additionally, passengers are often required to pay gratuities for the wait staff, which should be factored into the overall cost.

Shore excursions are a significant expense for many cruise passengers. Booking a cruise promotion that includes free tours can be a great money-saving opportunity. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of these offers. Some cruise lines may only offer a limited amount of shore excursion credit per port, which may not cover the full cost of the desired tours. It’s also worth noting that these credits generally cannot be used to book tours for another person or purchase equipment rentals on private islands.

Lastly, many cruise lines offer promotions that include free fares for kids or reduced fares for third and fourth passengers. While this can be a great deal for families or groups sharing accommodations, it’s important to understand that these promotions typically apply to the third and fourth passengers in a cabin. They do not include a separate cabin for additional passengers. Nonetheless, it can still be a valuable perk for those who were planning on sharing accommodations.

In conclusion, booking a cruise with added perks can be a great way to maximize the value of your vacation. However, it’s important to read the fine print and understand what you are actually getting and paying for. Not all “free” perks are truly free, and there may be additional fees or limitations associated with them. By being informed and making informed decisions, travelers can ensure they are getting the most value out of their cruise booking.

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