What’s Actually Included in a Cruise Fare (And What Costs Extra)
- Marge Nellis
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that everything is included.
While cruises can offer incredible value, they are not truly “all-inclusive” in most cases.
Understanding what is included—and what is not—can make a huge difference in your overall vacation budget.
Many first-time cruisers are surprised when their final bill is significantly higher than the advertised cruise price. That’s why knowing where costs come from is essential before you book.
This article pairs perfectly with → The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Vacations because understanding pricing is one of the most important parts of planning the right cruise.
What IS Included in a Cruise Fare
Cruise fares typically include the core elements of your vacation. These are the things you can expect without paying extra.
Your Cabin Accommodation
Your cruise fare always includes your stateroom, whether it’s an interior cabin, oceanview, balcony, or suite.
The type of cabin you choose will significantly impact your overall experience and price.
If you’re still deciding, you’ll want to review → The Best Cruise Cabin Types Explained: Interior vs Oceanview vs Balcony vs Suite.
Main Dining and Casual Food Options
Most cruise lines include a wide range of dining options:
Main dining room meals
Buffet restaurants
Casual dining venues
Snacks and quick bites
You can eat multiple times a day without additional cost in these areas.
However, premium restaurants are usually not included (more on that below).
Entertainment and Shows
Cruise ships are known for their entertainment, and most of it is included:
Broadway-style shows
Live music
Comedy acts
Deck parties
Movie nights
Game shows
On larger ships, especially those featured in → Cruise Review: Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ships — What’s Worth the Hype?, entertainment can rival what you’d find in major cities.
Pools, Fitness Centers, and Activities
You’ll have access to:
Swimming pools and hot tubs
Fitness centers
Sports courts
Walking tracks
Basic onboard activities
Some ships also include rock climbing walls, surf simulators, or mini golf.
Kids and Teen Programs
For families, cruise fares typically include kids’ clubs and teen programs.
These supervised activities allow parents to relax while kids enjoy age-appropriate entertainment.
What Costs EXTRA on a Cruise
This is where many travelers get caught off guard.
Drink Packages and Beverages
Basic drinks like water, coffee, tea, and juice are included.
However, the following usually cost extra:
Alcoholic drinks
Specialty coffee
Bottled water
Soda packages
This is why many travelers ask whether drink packages are worth it. If you’re considering one, read → Cruise Drink Packages Explained: Are They Really Worth It?
Specialty Dining
While main dining is included, specialty restaurants are not.
These can include:
Steakhouse dining
Sushi bars
Chef’s table experiences
Fine dining venues
Prices typically range from $25 to $100+ per person.
Shore Excursions
Excursions are almost always an additional cost.
Whether you’re snorkeling, touring ruins, or exploring cities, these experiences are not included in your base fare.
Choosing how to book them is important. For a full breakdown, see → Cruise Shore
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Internet access is almost never included unless you book a premium package or promotion.
Cruise Wi-Fi can be expensive, especially on longer sailings.
Gratuities (Tips)
Many cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your onboard account.
These typically range from:
$16 to $25 per person per day
Some cruise lines bundle gratuities into upgraded packages, but many do not.
Spa and Wellness Services
Spa treatments, massages, and wellness services are premium experiences and come at an extra cost.
Premium Activities and Experiences
Some onboard activities require additional payment:
Escape rooms
Private cabanas
Behind-the-scenes tours
Wine tastings
Cooking classes
Real Example: How a Cruise Price Adds Up
Let’s say you book a cruise for $999 per person.
Here’s how the total could grow:
Cruise fare: $999
Gratuities: $140
Drink package: $400
Excursions: $300
Specialty dining: $150
Wi-Fi: $100
Total: $2,089 per person
That’s more than double the original fare.
This is why understanding cruise pricing is critical.
Cruise Lines That Include More
Not all cruise lines operate the same way.
Some lines include more upfront:
Luxury cruise lines (often include drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi)
Premium lines like Princess (with Princess Plus)
Some river cruises include almost everything
If you’re comparing cruise styles, this is also worth reading → Cruise Guide: River Cruises vs. Ocean Cruises — Key Differences.
How to Avoid Overspending on a Cruise
Here are some smart strategies:
Book Smart Packages
Look for bundles that include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.
Choose Excursions Carefully
You don’t need to book something in every port.
Set a Daily Budget
Track your onboard spending to avoid surprises.
Skip What You Don’t Need
If you don’t drink much, skip the drink package.
Work With a Travel Advisor
A travel advisor can help you:
Compare real total costs
Find promotions
Avoid hidden fees
Choose the right cruise line
This is where Travel With McNellis provides the most value.
The Truth About Cruise Pricing
Cruises can still be one of the best values in travel—but only if you understand how pricing works.
The base fare covers a lot, but not everything.
Knowing what’s included and what’s extra allows you to plan smarter, avoid surprises, and create a better overall experience.
Plan Smarter, Travel Better
Cruise pricing doesn’t have to be confusing.
When you understand what’s included and where extra costs come from, you can build a cruise experience that fits your budget and expectations.
At Travel With McNellis, we help travelers compare cruise lines, packages, and total costs—not just the advertised price.
If you’re planning your next cruise, we can help you make the smartest decisions from the start.
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