Cruise lines promote precruise discounts and bundled extras
Travelers can compare package prices with their expected spending on drinks, dining, Wi-Fi and other onboard purchases.
Royal Caribbean offers discounts on some precruise purchases, including shore excursions, beverage packages and Wi-Fi. Other cruise lines are packaging several onboard extras into flat-price bundles, with pricing generally tied to the length of the sailing.
Holland America, Princess, Windstar Cruises and Azamara Cruises sell bundles that can combine beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and other inclusions. Princess Plus, for example, is reported to cost $65 per person per day and includes beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities and four meals at casual restaurants.
Melanie Fish, vice president of global public relations at Expedia Group, said bundled fares may be cheaper than reserving a cruise-only rate and purchasing the same extras afterward. Depending on the package and a traveler’s use, she estimated that savings could reach hundreds of dollars.
Royal Ahmadi, senior vice president and general manager of The Vacation Group, advised assessing whether normal spending would exceed the package price. If travelers would use amenities only to justify the cost, he said the bundle is less likely to offer value.
Chris Gray Faust, Cruise Critic’s executive editor for content innovation, said packages may appeal to travelers seeking a more all-inclusive experience and those who want to avoid a substantial bill at the end of their cruise.