unexpected expenses of cruising
On certain cruise lines, travelers frequently face additional charges they did not anticipate.
Some first-time cruisers embark without realizing that their cruise fare does not cover everything. They might be taken aback to find that specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and espresso drinks incur extra fees. In some instances, guests are astonished to discover that soft drinks, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic beverages come at a cost.
If you neglect to research prior to your cruise, you could find yourself facing the reality that on many cruise lines, WiFi access is an additional expense. To complicate things, prices for packages are typically higher if you purchase them once on board.
For instance, Carnival Cruise Line applies a steeper daily rate for its Cheers beverage package, whereas Royal Caribbean has eliminated on-board discounts for its Deluxe Beverage Package.
Being unprepared in either scenario will lead to higher expenditures. This is generally true for excursions and numerous other onboard amenities.
Even frequent cruisers can be taken aback by one specific onboard service that carries an additional fee. There are methods to evade this cost, but action must be taken prior to the cruise.
medical services and fees onboard
Every cruise ship features medical facilities staffed with a doctor and nurses. These are typically found on a lower deck, and in the post-Covid pandemic context, cruise lines recommend visiting them if you’re feeling unwell or showing any signs of illness.
This can lead to an unanticipated issue, as illustrated by a Carnival guest in a message to Brand Ambassador John Heald.
“John Heald, we are on the Carnival Horizon. DH needs to monitor his blood pressure multiple times a week. We forgot to bring his device. We visited the medical centre/infirmary for a routine blood pressure evaluation and were charged. How can Carnival justify this fee? The nickel and diming has become excessive,” she shared.
Heald responded to the concern.
“Thank you for your message. Yes, there is a fee for each medical service on the ship. I’m quite sure that if you were to seek such a service on land in North America, there would likely be a cost incurred at your doctor’s office. I could be mistaken. However, all medical services on the ship come with a charge, and I’m not sure if your insurance would cover it?” he elaborated.
Most standard health insurance does not cover medical expenses incurred while onboard or internationally, but travel insurance can. Passengers have the option to obtain insurance for individual trips or annually.
Insurance policies differ, with some plans featuring minimum deductibles. However, in the event of a medical crisis, the appropriate travel insurance can prevent you from incurring exorbitant costs, as many policies cover medical evacuations and hospital stays abroad.
Heald expressed confusion as to why passengers would anticipate complimentary medical services, noting that such services are not provided on land, nor at land-based hotels.
“What I do know is that reading the phrase ‘nickel and diming’ has definitely raised my blood pressure. I should probably check,” he added.
He reaffirmed that medical care incurs additional charges.
“Indeed, there is a fee for all medical check-ups at the medical centre, but the outstanding nurses and doctors will provide you with quality care if needed. Alternatively, please reach out to your cruise director. They will embrace you tightly and then slowly loosen their hold while informing you that your blood pressure is 120/80,” he remarked.
Most passengers shared his perspective.
- “If DH needs to monitor his BP, why didn’t they bring their own equipment? What do they do at home? It’s like me forgetting my diabetic supplies and expecting free services every time I go to the medical centre,” noted Julie Porter.
- “Not planning properly doesn’t make this Carnival’s issue. It’s not nickel and diming; it’s visiting a doctor. Naturally, there’s a fee,” stated Toni Hutson.
Certain passengers acknowledged both viewpoints.
“I recognize that people often forget items, so it would be considerate to offer this service either for free or for a nominal fee since it wouldn’t require much time. However, I also understand that Carnival compensates their staff, so there should be a fee. Additionally, if Carnival began offering this for free, it could lead to complaints from others claiming they deserve free services,” commented Barry Walker.
