When I returned from my cruise last month, I published an Instagram story to answer your questions.
Most of you have already mentioned that you’ve never been on a cruise before, so we’ve been getting a lot of questions about cruises. I had hundreds!
Most of your questions were about how much it costs to go on a cruise and what is actually included in the price. I’m sure many of you have seen offers such as “Cruises start from £500!” But there are also many hidden benefits?!
So let’s get straight into the frequently asked questions about cruises and answer the big question… How much does my cruise cost?
How much does a cruise cost?
We can’t really answer this because cruise prices vary depending on:
- how far is it
- destination you are visiting
- Which type of room should you choose
- when to travel
- When booking your trip (January is often the best month to book!)
- Add on additional packages like alcoholic beverages, signature dining, Wi-Fi, etc
- If you are departing from the UK or overseas (if additional travel costs apply)
So, like any other vacation, cruise prices can vary widely.
How much was your cruise and what was included?
If you want to join me on the same cruise (but next year) and book now (October 2022), you can do it for just £699 per person. This is based on him sharing an indoor room with two people and includes all food and soft drinks.
I stayed in a mini suite, so the price comes to £1,129 per person.
If you drink alcohol, we recommend adding the Princess Plus package for £40 per day. This includes up to $12 worth of alcoholic beverages (which is pretty much everything), WiFi, and crew appreciation (tips).
Although you will have to pay extra to eat at a specialty restaurant, it’s actually a great deal because they offer great food and service.
Additional restaurants I’ve eaten at and their prices are:
- Sabatini: $25
- Crown Grill and Bistro Sur La Mer: $29
- Winemaker’s Table: $40
I think it’s great to have two nights of specialty food, but for the rest of the cruise I’d rather be satisfied with the great restaurants included.
We also had additional onboard experiences, including:
- Sanctuary: Sun lounger half day $20 / full day $40
- Sanctuary cabana: $110 half day / $220 full day
- Enclave: $49 for a day pass
- Spa treatments: Prices vary depending on the treatment
Is everything included once you’re on board or do you have to pay extra for things?
The price you pay includes accommodation, entertainment, soft drinks and meals. So if you want to pay extra for alcoholic drinks or special meals, it’s a personal choice.
Most people add on the Princess Plus package which costs £40 per day. This includes up to $12 worth of alcoholic beverages (almost everything), WiFi, and crew appreciation (tips).
Some people choose to have a special evening and pay extra to eat at a specialty restaurant.
Click here to learn more about the Princess Package.
dresses that impress at night vs…
Did you suffer from seasickness?
I didn’t go on any cruises this time, but I have been on cruises in the past.
The trick is to take the motion sickness pill before you start feeling sick.
Seasickness tablets are a preventative, not a cure, so they won’t work if you’re already feeling unwell. If you’re worried about feeling sick, it’s best to take it as soon as you start feeling movement. After a day or two on board, you won’t need to take them anymore.
It’s also worth staying in the middle of the ship as it’s more stable than in the front or back.
It’s comforting to know that most people don’t get seasick on cruise ships. I get motion sickness on most vehicles, but on cruise ships it’s fine. The small tender boats that are sometimes used to transport large cruise ships to small ports can be uncomfortable, but they are very quick to get on and off.
Can you recommend any seasickness remedies?
I am taking Stugeron-15.
These can cause drowsiness, so if you want to avoid drowsiness, ask your pharmacist for seasickness tablets that contain caffeine. I bought it by chance in Spain this summer and it’s absolutely amazing.
Are cruises child friendly?
Cruises are also child-friendly! The ship has a kids club with lots of activities for children. I think it’s a great way to see lots of new destinations with kids without the hassle of long trips.
I think cruises are best suited for young children (under 5) and older children (over 10).
My sons are now 6 and 7 and all they really want on vacation is a waterslide and a kids club. So, if you are going on a cruise, you will need very good pool facilities.
I’m looking forward to the kids getting a little older and becoming more interested in the destinations we visit.
Would you do a cruise with the whole family?
I would like to take a multigenerational cruise with everyone from grandchildren to grandparents. I think there’s something for everyone on a cruise, and everyone can add on a package of their choice, making it super easy to vacation as a family.
Are there family rooms available?
Yes, many rooms can sleep 4 people. A double sofa bed or fold-out bunk beds are available. Accommodation rates for the 3rd and 4th person will be considerably cheaper. There is also a full-size bed, so it can accommodate up to four adults.
You can also book a connecting family room or the Sky Suite pictured below, but you’ll need to do one of these options as a family of five.
What are the interior rooms like with no windows?
Amazingly luxurious! We visited the indoor room and it was very nice. Of course, there are no windows, but if you don’t plan on spending much time in the room, that’s fine.
After visiting the interior rooms, I don’t think you’ll have any problems booking a budget-friendly cruise.
Do you have to do excursions when you get to new places?
This beautiful beach was a 20 minute walk from where the ship docked in La Coruña
no! At many destinations, you can hop off the ship when you’re ready and do whatever you want. In some cases you may be able to walk away, while in others you may need to take a bus or taxi. We recommend taking advantage of the bus transfers provided by your cruise, but local taxi drivers are often waiting nearby.
You can read more about the destinations I visited here. I joined an excursion on Ile de Ré, but explored La Coruña on my own. In Guernsey, I arranged my own mini-tour using a local company.
Visit Guernsey from a cruise ship
Visit to Ile de Ré by cruise
10 things to do in La Coruña
Read more: 10 things you need to know before your first cruise