Cruises can be great values ... if extras don't pile up

In today's tough economy, cruising can offer travelers a good value — lodging, food, entertainment — all for a preset price. But the "not-included" fees and onboard "extras" add up fast on cruise ships.

Soda and cocktails, shore excursions, gratuities, photos, spa treatments, Internet access and more are available at sea — for a charge. Passengers who research and plan in advance can avoid a big bill at the end of their cruise. Some ways to save:

Check with travel agents: Travel agents know the personalities of cruise lines and their fleets and can help vacationers find a cruise that fits their budget; they also can alert travelers to extra charges. Most travel agents can book cruises; there also are cruise-only agencies and travel agents affiliated with the Cruise Lines International Association (find them through www.cruising.org). The CLIA Web site also has links to major cruise lines.

Look for discounts: Most cruise lines offer discounts for seniors, repeat passengers and active or retired military personnel, said Jeffrey Sherota, senior vice president of Cruisesonly.com, a cruise-travel agency. Always ask the cruise line or travel agent.

You'll find discounts at the end or beginning of cruise seasons. For instance, Alaska cruises are cheaper in spring and September, outside the summer rush. Cruises from South Florida get cheaper toward the end of August when the hurricane season goes into full wing.

Some shore activities such as kayaking or city tours may be cheaper if booked independently through port-city tour operators.

Drink cards

Alcoholic beverages (and sodas) cost extra on cruise ships. Most major cruise lines offer a prepaid drink card/account that can help cruisers control beverage spending.

Tips

Gratuities are a major cost not included in the cruise fare.

On all Norwegian Cruise Line ships there's a required, "prepaid service fee," of $10 per adult, $5 per child per day. Carnival also adds a 10 percent gratuity to the bill customers receive at the end of the cruise. (Those who wish to adjust the automatic gratuities, down or up, should talk to the purser's office or guest-relations manager.)

Other cruise lines do not include gratuities on the onboard account but encourage them at the end of the trip.

Many cruise operators will automatically add gratuity to the bar tab. It's 15 percent on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Stay out of touch

Most cruise lines charge heavily for Internet access. Royal Caribbean, for example, charges 55 cents per minute for an Internet connection, but customers can purchase packages such 60 minutes for $28; 90 minutes for $38; and 150 minutes for $55.

Pricing for cellphone usage on board a ship can vary, even if roaming charges and international calls are included in a person's calling plan.

Kristin Jackson of Seattle Times Travel contributed to this report.