Cruise Explorer: If you think you can't afford a luxury cruise, think again

Don't assume you can't afford a luxury cruise.

Sometimes a non-inclusive cruise ends up costing thousands of dollars in extra expenses, pushing your total bill closer to all-inclusive prices. Cheap fares lure passengers aboard but the price of drinks, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and specialty dining can quickly add up.

In recent years, some cruise lines have introduced unexpected fees, such as P&O's cheeky surcharge for eggs benedict at breakfast. Alcohol packages have skyrocketed to more than $110 per day. Royal Caribbean's dynamic pricing means a deluxe drinks package can hit almost $200, adding $2000 to a 10-night cruise ($4000 per couple, because it must be purchased by both adults sharing a cabin). Most excursions are priced from $50 to $250 each.

If you want to treat the family to a special dinner, that's another $82 a head at Jamie Oliver's restaurant on Royal Caribbean, $72 at Carnival Cruise Line's Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, and $62 at Princess Cruises' Crown Grill.

The most luxurious lines - Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas Cruises - are beyond most budgets, but deals under $10,000 (per person) for a week are possible. Not every guest onboard is wealthy; some people splash their life savings on a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence.

Premium brands such as Viking, Cunard, Azamara and Oceania Cruises are slightly more affordable, and the latter three have low-cost inside cabins (without windows). These ships are larger, the cabins smaller, and basic fares offer more inclusions than mainstream lines. Also consider Princess, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, which have optional upgraded fares that include some extras.

As an example, NCL's Free at Sea fare for an 11-day cruise from Sydney to New Zealand is priced from $8907 per person twin share ($809 per day), while a similar 14-day itinerary on Oceania Regatta starts at $19,660 ppts ($1404 per day).

When comparing costs, make sure it's the same category of accommodation (inside/interior, outside/oceanview, balcony or suite).

The cheapest time to cruise is off-peak and shoulder seasons. In Europe, try April and October or Windstar Cruises' winter sailings in the Mediterranean from January to March. For Alaska, look at May, September and October. Locally, aim for winter and skip the school holidays.

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Be the first to hear about discounts by joining the Facebook groups or email lists of cruise lines and travel agents (via their websites). Spending a couple of hours doing the maths may be painful but it's worth it in the long run.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur