Cruise Bill Surprises And How to Avoid Them This Year

22. Early Boarding Fees

Excited to start your vacation early? Some cruise lines now offer priority boarding or VIP embarkation packages for a fee. These can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per person and allow early access to the ship, restaurants, pools, and sometimes even your stateroom. How to Avoid It: Unless you’re set on boarding first, skip this fee and arrive at the cruise terminal during off-peak boarding times (typically mid-to-late afternoon) to avoid long lines. Many cruise lines also offer early boarding as a perk for loyalty program members, so check if you qualify before paying extra.