Hidden Costs on Cruise Ships: What's Really Included in Your Fare? (Complete 2025 Guide)

Hidden Costs on Cruise Ships:

VACATION BUDGET TIPS

3/6/20253 min read

That amazing $399 seven-day cruise deal might not be the bargain you think it is. While cruise vacations can offer excellent value, understanding the true cost of cruising helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise expenses. Let's dive deep into what's included, what's not, and how to plan for those sneaky hidden charges.

Standard Inclusions

Your basic cruise fare typically covers:

Cabin accommodation
Main dining room meals
Buffet dining
Basic beverages (water, tea, coffee, lemonade)
Entertainment shows
Access to pools and fitness center
Kids club activities (ages 3-17)
Room service (some lines)

Luxury Line Inclusions

Higher-end cruise lines often include:

Alcoholic beverages
Specialty dining
Gratuities
Shore excursions
Wi-Fi
Airfare
Pre-cruise hotel stays

Essential Additional Costs

Gratuities (Service Charges)

Daily rates per person (2025):

Port Taxes and Fees

Understanding the extras:

Government fees
Port charges
Security surcharges
Customs fees

Average port fees by region (per person):

Caribbean: $100-200
Mediterranean: $150-250
Alaska: $200-300
Asia: $175-275

Onboard Expenses

Beverage Packages

Analyzing drink package value:

Standard Drink Package Prices (2025):

Carnival Cheers!: $59.95/day
Royal Caribbean Deluxe: $89/day
Norwegian Premium: $109/day
Celebrity Premium: $89/day
Princess Premium: $84.99/day

Break-even analysis:

Average cocktail price: $13-15
Beer price: $8-10
Wine by glass: $12-15
Specialty coffee: $5-7
Soda: $3-4

To break even, you typically need:

5-8 alcoholic drinks daily
Or combination of specialty coffees, sodas, and alcohol

Specialty Dining

Average costs per person:

Steakhouses:

Carnival: $42
Royal Caribbean: $54
Norwegian: $60
Celebrity: $65

Other Specialty Venues:

Italian restaurants: $25-35
Asian fusion: $30-50
Sushi: $25-40
French cuisine: $35-55

Dining packages often offer savings:

3-restaurant package: $99-149
5-restaurant package: $149-199
Unlimited packages: $199-299

Shore Excursions

Average costs by type:

Bus tours: $50-100
Snorkeling: $75-125
Scuba diving: $150-200
Private tours: $200-500+
Adventure activities: $150-300

Money-saving alternatives:

Independent exploration
Local tour operators
Group bookings
Pre-booking discounts

Internet Packages

Wifi pricing varies significantly:

Basic (social media only): $10-15/day
Standard (email, web): $15-20/day
Premium (streaming): $20-25/day

Package discounts:

Pre-cruise booking: 10-20% off
Full cruise packages: 20-30% off
Loyalty member discounts: 10-25% off

Spa Services

Typical pricing:

Massage: $120-200
Facials: $125-175
Salon services: $50-150
Thermal suite access: $40/day

Tips for savings:

Port day specials
Package deals
First-day promotions
Spa room bookings

Hidden Charges to Watch

Room Service Fees

Delivery charges: $7.95-9.95
Late-night surcharges
À la carte pricing
Special occasion meals

Photos and Art

Professional photos: $20-30 each
Photo packages: $100-400
Art auction deposits
Framing services

Activities and Classes

Often carrying extra fees:

Fitness classes: $12-20
Wine tasting: $25-85
Cooking classes: $35-75
Behind-the-scenes tours: $55-95

Medical Center

Potential costs:

Basic consultation: $150
Medications: Varied
Motion sickness treatments
After-hours charges

Loyalty Program Benefits

Cost Savings by Tier

Example: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor

Gold: 5% off beverage packages
Platinum: Above plus internet discounts
Diamond: Added specialty dining discounts
Diamond Plus: Suite upgrades when available

Best Value Programs

Comparing benefits:

Norwegian Latitudes
Celebrity Captain's Club
Princess Captain's Circle
Carnival VIFP

Port Expenses

Transportation

Getting to/from ports:

Cruise line transfers: $30-50 per person
Taxis: $20-40 average
Ride-share services: $15-35
Private transfers: $50-100

Shopping and Souvenirs

Hidden costs:

Port shopping programs
"Guaranteed" stores
Shipping charges
Customs duties

Pre/Post Cruise Expenses

Hotels

Considerations:

Pre-cruise stays
Post-cruise extensions
Airport hotels
Package deals

Travel Insurance

Average costs:

Basic coverage: 4-6% of trip cost
Comprehensive: 7-10% of trip cost
Cancel for any reason: Additional 50%

Money-Saving Strategies

Booking Tips

Book during wave season (January-March)
Use online travel agencies
Monitor price drops
Book next cruise onboard

Onboard Savings

Attend first-day promotions
Book future cruises
Use onboard credits strategically
Watch daily specials

Package Evaluation

When to buy packages:

Drink packages: Heavy consumers
Internet: Business needs
Specialty dining: Foodies
Spa: Multiple treatments planned

Hidden Value Opportunities

Complimentary Alternatives

Free options often overlooked:

Main dining room lunch
Sport deck activities
Production shows
Trivia and games

Loyalty Perks

Maximum value from status:

Laundry services
Priority boarding
Exclusive events
Concierge access

Budgeting Tools

Cost Calculator

Factor in:

Base fare
Required fees
Optional expenses
Port costs
Pre/post cruise expenses

Tracking Expenses

Methods:

Onboard account app
Daily statement review
Expense tracking apps
Budget worksheets

The Bottom Line

True cost analysis for a 7-day Caribbean cruise (per person):

Budget ($2,000-3,000):
- Inside cabin
- Basic inclusions
- Limited extras
Moderate ($3,000-4,500):
- Balcony cabin
- Some packages
- Selected activities
Luxury ($4,500+):
- Suite accommodation
- All-inclusive packages
- Multiple excursions