When many people picture a budget vacation, they picture an
intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale
sandwiches and riding around on the city bus. However, one of
the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the
most luxurious and most exciting - the cruise ship.
Cruise ship vacations are actually one of the most affordable
ways to travel almost anywhere in the world, from the glaciers
of Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central and South
America.
One of the things that make cruise ships so attractive to budget
travelers is the fact that the price of the cruise typically
includes everything that happens onboard the ship. This
includes, of course, the room, which is often less costly than a
typical hotel room in many locations. In many instances, it
would be impossible to book a good hotel room for less than the
daily cost of the cruise.
In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers
unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the food on cruise
ships is often superior to those in all but the best land locked
restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price.
After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to
work out, and the cost of the cruise also typically includes
unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and the sports
locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of
the hotel gym, with a cruise it is generally included.
The cost of a cruise also includes all shipboard entertainment
and classes. The entertainment options on a cruise are often one
of the best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such
things as movie nights, theatres, spas, night clubs, discos, and
even casinos. There are also some great classes offered by
cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom
dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are
included in the price you pay for the cruise.
Among the only things that are not included in the typical
cruise are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the
higher priced cruises even include these extras. If the shore
excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price
list for shore excursions and drinks.
It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on
a cruise by booking the tours locally at portside instead of
going with the cruise line. Just be sure, however that the book
it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time.
For all these reasons, cruises can be among the best, and most
economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy
a week or two week vacation at one low price is one more reason
to love cruising.
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