When you clearly understand what is in included in the price of your family cruise, then it makes it easier understand what costs extra on board a cruise ship. Our discussion here is for the cruise lines that cater to family cruises. Please bear in mind that specific details may vary between different cruise lines and may even differ between ships within the same cruise line. This is why it's best to work with one of our Family Cruise Experts
who can help you navigate your way thru all of your specific family cruise questions. To help set the record straight, here is a list of extra costs that you may encounter during a family cruise...

Travel Insurance To give you peace of mind while your family is at sea and to protect your cruise investment, Vacationkids HIGHLY recommends at least a minimum of travel insurance to cover you for medical, trip interruption and trip cancellation. Remember most medical insurance will not cover your family while your on vacation. As parents we all want our families safe and protected at all times. At vacationkids we're often asked by clients if they really need to pay extra for travel insurance. Our reply is if you can afford to loose the total cost of your family's vacation without it causing you any distress then no, you don't need trave insurance.

Airfare - Depending upon where you live and which port your cruise ship sails from, your family may need flights to get to port. Many people are thinking "cruise" and forget that they also need flights. At Vacationkids, we do NOT include the cost of flights in your initial quote unless specifically requested. We can gladly help you with flight reservations upon request and we do not charge extra for this service. We don't automatically to it because families prefer to use credit card points or frequent flyer miles to arranged their own flights. Bear in mind that airfares can add a big chunk of change to your overall family cruise budget. To get the best deals, plan ahead. The airlines post availability and rates about 330 days in advance. If possible,try to avoid sailing or flying during high demand weeks like the December holidays and spring break when prices will be high.

The cruise lines can book flights as part of your cruise package. You may get a bit of a price break working thru the cruise lines but the trade off is that you generally don't have any choice regarding your airline, connections or flight schedules. This may become inconvenient when it comes to flying with children. You may save money and get preferred flight schedules by booking your own flights directly.

Hotel costs If your family must fly or drive a good distance to reach port, Vacationkids HIGHLY recommends that you plan to arrive to your port city at least one day prior to sailing or embarkation. This means you'll need to factor in the cost of a hotel stay at least one night prior to sailing. The biggest reason is if your family experiences any flight or travel delays getting to port, the ship won't wait for you. Remember, family vacations are suppose to be fun. The last thing you want to do is to start a family vacation stressing, angsting and worrying whether you've missed the boat. If you're doing a European cruise your family might need a night or even two to adjust to jetlag. Vacationkids can help your family with comfortable and economical accommodations to make your cruise embarkation stress free.

Transfers or Parking- If you fly to port, your family will need a ride from the airport to the pier and back. If your driving to port, then you'll need to calculate in parking costs for your vehicle.

Tips or Gratuities - Cruise ships are known for their service. Everyone from your cabin steward to waiters make guest comfort and care their number one priority. Your cruise staff work long hours at a salary level that would surprise most guests. The staff count on their tips. The cruise lines make it easy for guests to tip the staff. Gratuities can simply be added to your ship board account or you can prepay them in advance. As a rule of thumb, figure on approximately $10 per guest per day...and with respect this includes kids who often require even more accommodations than adult passengers.

Alcoholic beverages and sodas Alcohol and sodas are NOT included like they are with all inclusive resorts. Water, fruit juices, ice tea, hot tea and coffee are included. Specialty coffee drinks may have additional charges. Some cruise lines will offer a choice of house wine at dinner. Most family cruise lines offer fountain or soda packages for sale. This means for an additional fee, passengers can enjoy unlimited soda or fountain drinks.

Specialty Restaurants The new trend on board cruise ships now are alternative dining options. These can be anything from recongnized fast food chains to chop houses to intimate chef tables to starbucks at sea. All of these alternative dining options come with an extra price tag whether it be a $5 cup of coffee to a $75 per person chef prepared meal. Just remember all cruise ships offer several main dining options for their guests like the main dining rooms, buffets and even quick bite options for pizza and sandwiches. You and your family will never go hungry on a cruise. Whether or not to splurge on any of the specialty, alternative dining opions is totally up to you.

Shore ExcursionsDepending on your port of call shore excursions can be as simple as a day at the beach or a privately guided helicopter tour. Prices can run the gamut. Again it's your choice whether you and the kids want to spend the day out sightseeing and exploring or choose to relax and enjoy the activities on the ship. One point to bear in mind is safety. Connecting with a cheap local guide at the pier might mean you save a few bucks but being safe and insured is priceless. If you're interested in making the most of your family cruise, let one of our Vacationkids family cruise experts help.

Elective costsThese are all items of a personal nature like spa services, family photographs or even after hours babysitting. Remember all passengers have ship cards that are tied to your charge card. Parents can speak to the pursor's desk once on board to revoke spending or set a spending limit for their children to avoid any sticker shock at disembarkation.

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