Louisiana Cruisers, Avoid This Pricey Mistake On Your Next Cruise

If you like surprised then a cruise vacation out of the Port of New Orleans just might be the trip you've been looking for. Sailings from the Big Easy allow guests to experience a life of luxury at a fraction of the cost. And no matter whether you hail from Crowley, Mandeville, Bunkie, or Baton Rouge, you'll probably find a "first-time" experience on every cruise you take. 

Of course, the surprises that we're speaking of are the "cool surprises" like the first time you see the sun rise or set over the ocean. Or maybe you'll be surprised at just how many people love line dancing. Or maybe you'll be surprised that they feature Cajun food on the buffet sometimes, and it's really not that bad. Disney ships excluded.

The bad surprises that happen on a cruise can seem devastating at the time they happen but for the most part, the pain won't last. I know in my experience our biggest disappointments have come when a port of call was canceled or changed, or the weather at our port of call made it too bad to venture out, or maybe you've discovered your stateroom is next to a couple on their honeymoon and they seldom use their bed for sleeping.

But by far the worst surprise of any cruise vacation happens on the day before you disembark. That's usually when guests onboard find out their final charges for their vacation of a lifetime. But there is another surprise that you as a cruise vacationer in these modern times need to be aware of.

You're probably familiar with the Internet packages that are offered onboard many sailing ships. I find them to be rather expensive but when you consider your getting to surf the web while you're in the middle of the ocean, I can see why it costs so much.

The device that goes hand in hand, literally, with your internet usage is your mobile phone. You probably didn't think about adjusting the settings on your phone before you got on board the ship did you? Well, you need to think about that.

Cellular data and roaming charges can add up quickly at sea. Here's why, most cruise ships sail within a few miles of the coast whenever possible. It's a safety thing. But while those ships are hugging the coastline, they are close enough to connect your phone to any cell tower in the vicinity.

Each time that phone connects or "pings" on a tower you could be getting charged. And if your kids don't know any better, it's possible to dial a lonesome boyfriend or girlfriend while at sea and those charges add up fast. So, make sure you have your cell phone settings in order before you board the ship.

You will also be money ahead if you contact your phone service provider and ask them about international plans. Most of the time they can offer a package of voice and data that isn't that outrageous unless you go over it. Then the charges add up quickly.

Please note, that the responsibility for your cell phone, data plan, its usage, and final bill does not belong to the cruise lines. For the person responsible you can find them in your mirror, go take a look. And then look in your wallet because that's where the money is coming from.

All it takes is one $437 phone bill because you "forgot" and you'll never forget to make that adjustment on your phone again.