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Cruises are one of my favorite forms of travel. As soon as you step on board, you are able to let all of your troubles melt away and have food, drinks, and fun at your fingertips. 

Most onboard activities are included in the cost of your cruise fare, but not everything. It’s important to understand what is included in your cruise fare and what you may need to pay extra for, making sure to watch out for any hidden or unexpected costs. 

At the most basic level, a cruise is like an all-inclusive resort. The base cost of the cruise includes room and board, food and water, onboard entertainment and activities, and taxes and fees. However, if you are not aware of things that may cost extra you may end up paying a lot more for your cruise than initially planned. 

Here are some additional costs to watch out for and be aware of: 

1. Beverage Packages

Many cruise lines offer different types of beverage packages that can be purchased for an additional cost. These can range from soda packages, specialty drinks and mocktails, to alcoholic beverages. The cost depends on the type of package you choose and will cost per person, per day. Packages are usually non-transferable and cannot be shared between people, but give you access to any of the fun drinks that you can imagine. 

2. Shore Excursions

It does not cost anything additional to disembark into the different ports you’ll stop at during your cruise. However, the shore excursions and activities will definitely cost you extra, outside of what you paid to go on the cruise. Even if you choose to venture off on your own and not pay for a shore excursion, you should still expect to pay extra for transportation and food for the time you spend away from the ship. 

3. Specialty Dining

There are going to be restaurants that are included in your base fare package and you do not need to pay for anything additional in order to dine there. However, there are also specialty restaurants available that you can pay extra to dine at. These are usually fine dining restaurants, like steak houses, sushi restaurants, or celebrity-endorsed restaurants. Make sure you know which restaurants are included in your base package, or else you may be shocked with a surprise price tag on the menu. 

4. Onboard Arcade

Before you take your kiddos to the arcade and give them free reign to all of the fun games, make sure you know that this is an additional cost. I’ve heard horror stories of families spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the arcade, not realizing that it wasn’t included in what they already paid. 

5. Casino

Hopefully this is an obvious one, but sometimes it’s not. This is basically the adult version of the onboard arcade. Should you choose to gamble during your time onboard, you better be aware that this is with real, actual money and that you will have to pay extra to use the casino. 

6. Room Service

Room service is almost always going to be an extra cost. If you spent all your energy for the day while on your shore excursion and don’t have it in you to leave your room, even for food, then know you are going to pay extra to get it delivered directly to your stateroom. 

7. Premium Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Some onboard activities and entertainment are considered “premium” services, and you are going to have to pay extra. This may include go-karts, escape rooms, private ship tours, and more. If an activity is out in the open and easily accessible to the general public, it’s probably a safe bet that it’s included in your fare price. Make sure you know what’s included and what’s extra before participating in activities. If you’re unsure, just ask!

8. Spa Services

The onboard spa is a hot commodity for a lot of guests looking for rest and relaxation. The available services are usually manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing,  and massages. However, these are definitely not included in the price of the cruise and if you step foot in the spa, plan on paying extra for the services you participate in. 

9. Childcare

Family-friendly cruise lines usually offer a kids/teens club that is already included in the base package for your cruise. However, if you choose to take advantage of around-the-clock childcare outside of the normal operating hours, you are going to pay extra. Want to go on a fancy, kid-free date night? Great, just know it’s going to cost you. 

10. Tips 

The onboard crew members go above and beyond to make sure you have the most enjoyable experience as soon as you embark on your cruise vacation. This starts from the moment you arrive at the port, to boarding the ship, and enjoying your time onboard and ashore. You may want to consider tipping these crew members that make your stay exceptional. Consider carrying cash so you can tip the crew members as you see fit. This is optional, but highly recommended. 

This guide should give you a good idea of what is included and what is extra on your next cruise vacation. Ready to get started? Let us know! We’d love to help you plan your next cruise.