Cruise Fare basics

During the days of your cruise, your fare includes a plethora of entertainment options, complimentary white table dining as well as multiple fast food and grab and go delectable served at the pool grill or buffet. To quinch your thirst, grab some nonalcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, non-bottled water, lemonade and ice tea. By night, your fare includes your comfortable stateroom with cabin steward to refresh your sailing quarters daily, room service options, the exciting visit to however many port destinations that are included in your itinerary and your government mandated taxes and port fees. For minors, complimentary kids programming with age-appropriate activities in exciting onboard settings with trained child care professionals is included in the fare. Most programs are free, but you may pay for after-hours group babysitting or babysitters who come to your cabin (not all lines offer this).

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Here's Where Things Get Tricky

Is the ship new or old? What class of ship is it? How many days will you be sailing? How many people are in your cabin? Heck, what cabin did you choose, and where is it located? These are all factors that can elevate your cruise fare.

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A few rule of thumbs to remember...Generally speaking:

• The older the ship, the more economical the price. The newer the ship, well... you know the rest.

• Cabins types with obstructed views, bunk bed units or located in less ideal location on the ship are usually priced and advertised to represent the LOWEST available fare on the ship. You may even find promotions that offer lower fares if you allow the cruise line to pick your cabin location - you find out moments before you board. Could you imagine the horror of an undesirable cabin? This isn't always the case, but it's like playing Russian Roulette with your accommodations.

• Ship classes make a difference. Each year cruise line's spend millions renovating and creating the most enjoyable experience. Certain classes of ships have accommodations and features that other ships may not.

• Unless there is a special promotion, the first and second guest in the cabin pay the FULL FARE. Sometimes, the third, fourth and fifth guest in the stateroom pay a reduced fare but this is not always true.

• Midship and cabins located higher up, or with the most spectacular views such as an AFT balcony cabin are highly prized commodities, few in inventory and sell out fast.

• The more destinations you pack into your itinerary, the more fuel and service costs are associated with your fare. Expect shorter sailings to be priced less than smaller sailings.