Finding Hawaii cruise specials may be more daunting than you think. A simple search online for the term will yield you thousands of results. Many of the specials sound too good to be true, and they usually are. A price of $400 for a world cruise is likely going to cost you quite a bit more by the time everything is said and done. To take advantage of really good Hawaii cruise specials you need to keep a few things in mind.
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Port Fees
If you’ve ever looked for cheap cruise deals, you’ve probably seen the term ‘port fees and taxes not included’ quite a bit. Most people will overlook this assuming the charges are minimal. However, you may be surprised to find that the port fees can add up quickly. These fees vary based on the time of year you travel, where you port, and how many ports are on the cruise. For example, some ports that rely heavily on tourism for their countries will charge more than others. The fees are always per person. If you are leaving to go on a Hawaiian cruise, the port fees will vary based on which island you are going to, and how many you plan on porting. The average cost is around $120 per person. So a family of 4 would end up paying an additional $500 just in these fees. The cruise deals may not look as appetizing once you factor this in.
Hawaii Cruise Specials and Airfare
Something else to consider is the airfare costs. Unless you live near a port in California or Vancouver, you’re going to have to fly to get to the port. It’s suggested you arrive at the port the day before the cruise is scheduled to leave. This means you need airfare for everyone going and at least 1 night in a hotel. A lot of Hawaii cruise specials won’t include the transportation costs in their special deal prices. You may save more money finding Hawaii cruises that include the airfare. It may cost a little more than the cruise specials you were looking at, but it can end up saving in the long run. If your cruise is originating on the islands in Hawaii, then you’ll need to arrange your own transportation anyhow.
Onboard Expenses
Something else to consider with any Hawaii cruise specials are the added costs you incur onboard. Most cruise lines include meals in their fares. However, if you end up taking a discount Hawaii cruise through a third party company, your meals may not be included. You’ll either have to charge the meals to your onboard account or purchase a separate meal plan. This may not sound like a big deal until you look at the actual costs. If you are paying per meal you can expect to pay between $7-10 for each one, including a beverage. Factor in more if you want to upgrade your meals to something a little more exotic. A family of 4 times 3 meals a day times the average 7 day cruise and you end up with close to $280 just in meals. This doesn’t include snacks and specialty items. You can purchase meal plans for the entire family for less than this. You can also find Hawaii cruise specials that include the meals.
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