Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining & Gratuities

Three charges surprise more cruisers than any other: the internet plan, the specialty restaurant that looked too good to miss, and the daily gratuity. All three are easy to plan for.

Wi-Fi at Sea Without the Shock

Ships now offer far better internet than a few years ago, and most lines sell it as a plan per device for the whole cruise. That is where the money goes: four phones on four plans cost four times one. A few habits keep the cost sensible:

• Buy before you sail. Planner prices are often lower than onboard, and pre-cruise sales include internet.
• One device, shared. Pick the phone or tablet that really needs to be online and let the others wait for port.
• Use the free app. Most line apps work on the ship’s network without an internet plan, for menus, schedules and your account.
• Avoid maritime roaming. At sea your phone may connect to the ship’s cellular service, billed by your carrier at roaming rates. Use airplane mode with Wi-Fi on unless you have checked your plan.
• Port Wi-Fi. Cafés and terminals in many ports offer free Wi-Fi for uploads and calls.

Gratuities: Budget Them With the Fare

Most mainstream lines add a daily gratuity per guest to your onboard account automatically. Drinks, spa treatments and some dining add their own service charge on the bill. Premium and luxury lines more often include gratuities in the fare. None of this is hidden, but it is easy to forget when you budget.

• Prepay if you can. Many lines let you prepay gratuities with the booking, which keeps them off the onboard bill and can lock today’s rate if the line raises it later.
• Count every guest. The daily amount is usually per person, children included on many lines.
• Know the extras. Expect the service charge on bar and spa bills; you do not need to add more unless you want to.

A few lines also sell fare types that bundle Wi-Fi, drinks, dining or gratuities. They can save money or cost more, depending on how you cruise. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can price both versions for you, and if a better cabin matters more than extras, see our sister site Cruise Upgrades.