What is included in the cruise fare?
A clear breakdown of what your base fare covers, what is almost always paid separately and how to compare offers to know what you will really spend.
A cruise fare often looks very attractive: accommodation, food and entertainment for a price per night that is hard to match on land. But not everything is included, and understanding the difference between what the base price covers and what is charged separately is the key to budgeting without surprises.
This guide covers what is normally part of the fare, the extras to keep in mind, the differences between mainstream, premium and luxury lines, and how to compare offers. Policies vary, so verify what your specific fare includes before booking.
What the base fare normally covers
On most cruises, the price you see when comparing includes the following:
- The cabin for every night of the trip, with daily cleaning.
- Meals in the main restaurants and the buffet, often with wide hours.
- Basic drinks, such as tap water, tea, regular coffee and some juices at meals.
- Entertainment: evening shows, live music, movies and scheduled activities.
- Use of common facilities, such as pools, hot tubs, the gym and sports decks.
- Activity programs for children and teens on many cruise lines.
- Transport between ports, one of the big advantages: you move around without packing and unpacking.
What is almost always paid separately
This is usually where the gap between the advertised price and the real spend appears. Budget for these items:
| Item | How it is charged | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuities and service charges | Per person per day, on the onboard account | Calculate them before booking |
| Alcoholic drinks and sodas | Per drink or with a package | Work out if the package pays off |
| Specialty restaurants | Per-person or per-bill charge | Book only the ones you care about most |
| Shore excursions | Per person per excursion | Compare with independent alternatives |
| Wi-Fi | Per day or package | Download content before boarding |
| Spa and treatments | Per service | Ask about deals on sea days |
| Casino, shops and photography | Depending on what you use | Set a spending limit |
Taxes and port fees
Some offers show a price without taxes and fees, which are added afterwards. Always check whether the price you see is the total or just the base, because the difference can be hundreds per person.
Differences between types of cruise line
What the fare includes changes a lot with the cruise line category. This table summarizes the general differences:
| Category | Usually included | Usually paid separately |
|---|---|---|
| Mainstream | Cabin, main meals, entertainment, facilities | Drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, excursions |
| Premium | The above, with more service and some basic drinks | Part of the drinks, excursions and specialty dining |
| Luxury and all-inclusive | Drinks, gratuities, often excursions, Wi-Fi and specialty dining | Few extras: spa, shopping and some excursions |
How to compare offers
Two cruises with similar prices can be very different if one includes things the other charges separately. To compare sensibly:
- Note what each fare includes: drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, excursions and specialty restaurants.
- Calculate the cost of what is not included and that you know you will use.
- Add taxes, fees and gratuities to get the total price per person.
- Compare the total, not the base fare, among the options you are considering.
- Ask which promotions are active, such as onboard credit or free packages.
Packages and promotions: when they pay off
Many cruise lines offer drink, Wi-Fi or excursion packages, sometimes with discounts if you buy them before boarding. They pay off if you will really use them:
Two extras worth calculating before you book: drink packages and shore excursions.
- Drink package: estimate how many drinks you would have per day and compare it with the package price.
- Wi-Fi package: useful if you need constant connection, but consider whether connecting in port is enough.
- Specialty dining package: usually works out if you will dine at several specialty restaurants.
- Onboard credit: it is money to spend on services, but check what it can be applied to.
Common mistakes when reading the fare
- Assuming all drinks are included.
- Not counting gratuities or service charges.
- Forgetting the cost of flights and hotels before and after the trip.
- Comparing prices without seeing what each fare includes.
- Not reviewing change and cancellation conditions.
Checklist before booking
- Confirm what the fare includes: meals, drinks, entertainment and activities.
- Ask whether taxes and fees are included in the price.
- Calculate gratuities for the number of passengers and nights.
- Decide which extras you want and what they cost.
- Review the cancellation conditions.
- Buy travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is food included on a cruise?
Yes, meals in the main restaurants and the buffet are normally included. Specialty restaurants usually carry an extra charge.
Are drinks included?
Basic drinks such as water, tea and regular coffee usually are. Alcoholic drinks, sodas and specialty coffees are usually paid separately, except on all-inclusive lines.
Are gratuities included in the price?
On most mainstream lines they are not: they are charged per person per day. On some luxury lines they are included.
Are excursions included?
Normally not, except on some luxury or river cruise lines. They are usually booked and paid separately.
Which is better, a cheap fare or one that includes more?
It depends on your usage. Compare the total price with what you will really consume: a higher fare that includes drinks and gratuities can be cheaper than a basic one with many extras.
Written by
Kate Anderson
Itinerary planning and family cruise specialist
Kate plans sea itineraries for families, couples and groups. She writes about choosing a cabin, organizing a budget and cruising with children without the stress.
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