Passengers on some cruise lines often encounter unexpected additional costs during their trips. Many new cruisers board the ship unaware that their cruise fare is not all-inclusive, leading to surprising extra charges for specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, espresso-based coffee drinks, and even non-alcoholic drinks like soda and bottled water.
If travelers do not thoroughly research beforehand, they might also discover that WiFi access costs extra on many cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Additionally, waiting until boarding to purchase packages usually results in higher prices. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line charges a higher daily rate for its Cheers beverage package, and Royal Caribbean has discontinued on-board discounts for its Deluxe Beverage Package. Excursions and many other onboard extras also follow the same rule, often costing more if not pre-purchased.
An unexpected area that often incurs additional charges is onboard medical services. All cruise ships are equipped with medical centers staffed by doctors and nurses. However, as one Carnival passenger reported to Brand Ambassador John Heald, even routine medical checks, such as blood pressure monitoring, come with a fee. The passenger expressed frustration over these extra costs, suggesting Carnival was “nickel and diming” passengers.
John Heald responded by clarifying that just like on land, all medical services onboard incur charges, and it’s common practice that standard health insurance doesn’t cover such expenses. He stressed the importance of travel insurance, which can significantly save costs in medical emergencies, covering expenses like medical evacuations and treatment in foreign hospitals.
Heald highlighted that cruise lines, similar to land-based hotels, do not provide free medical services, and the additional charge covers the expert care provided by onboard medical teams. While some passengers agreed, criticizing the lack of preparation by others, there was also a call for understanding, suggesting that a small fee for minor medical checks might be a reasonable compromise.
Heald’s remarks and the discussion among passengers underscore the importance of planning and understanding the costs associated with cruising, including the necessity of bringing essential medical equipment and considering travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses.