One of the things that makes cruising appealing is how much of your vacation is bundled into one price. Your accommodations travel with you, meals are readily available and there is usually plenty to do without spending anything extra once you’re onboard. But if you’ve ever started pricing a cruise, you may have discovered that the fare you first see isn’t necessarily what you’ll ultimately spend.
So what does a cruise fare actually include?
The answer varies somewhat depending on which cruise line you choose, but understanding the basics can make comparing cruises much easier and help you build a more realistic vacation budget.
Your Cabin
Your cruise fare includes your accommodations for the duration of your sailing. Whether you choose an inside cabin, oceanview, balcony or suite, that room becomes your home while the ship carries you from one destination to the next.
That’s one of my favorite things about cruising. You can wake up somewhere new without packing your suitcase, checking out of a hotel and figuring out how to get to the next destination.
The cabin category you choose will affect the price of your cruise, sometimes significantly, but the basic accommodations are part of the fare.
Most of Your Meals
You certainly don’t have to pay extra every time you’re hungry on a cruise ship. Most cruise fares include meals in the ship’s main dining rooms as well as a buffet and other complimentary dining options. Depending on the ship, you may also find included casual restaurants, cafés, poolside grills or quick-service spots.
Where it gets a little more complicated is specialty dining.
Many ships also offer restaurants that charge an additional fee. These might include steakhouses, Italian restaurants, sushi, seafood or other specialty concepts. You can absolutely cruise without ever paying extra for specialty dining. But if trying different restaurants is an important part of your vacation, it’s worth considering those costs when comparing your options.
Entertainment and Activities
A surprising amount of onboard entertainment is included in your cruise fare. Depending on the ship, that may include live music, theater productions, comedy shows, trivia, game shows, deck parties and other scheduled entertainment.
You’ll also generally have access to pools, hot tubs, fitness centers and many of the ship’s public spaces. Some ships have additional attractions or experiences that carry a fee, so it’s always worth checking what’s included on the particular ship you’re considering.
So What’s Usually NOT Included?
This is where first-time cruisers can get caught off guard. While every cruise line structures its fares differently, some common additional expenses can include:
- Alcoholic beverages and some specialty drinks
- Wi-Fi
- Specialty dining
- Shore excursions
- Spa treatments
- Casino play
- Shopping
- Certain onboard activities or experiences
- Gratuities or service charges
- Transportation to and from the cruise port
- Airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotels
You certainly don’t need all of these things to enjoy your cruise. But you also don’t want to book based on the cruise fare alone and discover later that several things you assumed were included aren’t.
What About Drinks?
Basic beverages are typically available without an additional charge, although exactly what’s included varies by cruise line. Alcohol, specialty coffees, bottled water, sodas and other beverages may cost extra depending on the cruise line and fare you’ve selected.
That’s why you’ll see cruise lines offering beverage packages or fares that bundle drinks with other amenities. Whether a drink package is worth paying for is an entirely different conversation, and one we’ll tackle separately.
Don’t Forget Gratuities
Gratuities are another expense that can surprise new cruisers.
Many cruise lines charge a recommended daily gratuity or service charge for each guest. Depending on the cruise line and fare you’ve booked, those gratuities may be added to your onboard account, prepaid before sailing or included as part of a package or promotion.
It’s something I always recommend factoring into your vacation budget rather than treating it as an unexpected expense once you’re onboard.
The Advertised Fare Isn’t the Whole Story
This is probably the most important thing to understand when comparing cruises.
The least expensive cruise fare isn’t necessarily the least expensive vacation.
Suppose one cruise appears to cost less than another. Once you add the drinks you want, Wi-Fi, specialty dining or other extras, the difference between the two may become much smaller. Another fare may look more expensive initially but include several things you would have purchased anyway. That doesn’t automatically make the more expensive fare the better choice either. The better question is:
What will I actually use?
If you rarely drink alcohol, don’t care about Wi-Fi and are perfectly happy eating at the included restaurants, paying for a bundle of extras may make no sense for you. If you know you’ll want those things, however, comparing the total value rather than the starting fare can give you a much better picture of what your vacation will really cost.
Cruise Fare vs. Total Vacation Cost
There’s one more distinction I think is important when planning a cruise. Your cruise fare and your total vacation cost are not the same thing.
You’ll also want to think about expenses such as airfare, a hotel before your cruise, transportation to the port, travel insurance and shore excursions. And depending on the destination, those expenses can be significant.
Building those costs into the plan from the beginning makes it much easier to choose a cruise that comfortably fits your overall travel budget.
Compare What’s Included, Not Just the Price
Cruise pricing can look complicated at first, especially when you’re comparing different cruise lines, ships, promotions and fare packages. You don’t need to memorize every inclusion before you start looking. Instead, when comparing cruises, ask yourself:
What is included in this particular fare, what will I want to add and what will my vacation realistically cost once I do?
That’s a much better way to compare two cruises than simply choosing whichever one has the lowest number on the screen. Because the goal isn’t necessarily to find the cheapest cruise. It’s to find the cruise that gives you the right experience and the best value for the way you want to travel.
Thinking About Your Next Cruise?
You don’t have to sort through every cruise line, itinerary and fare option on your own. I can help you narrow down the choices and find a cruise that fits the way you want to travel.
Voyage with Amy
Expertly Planned. Personally Crafted.