Introduction: Why Cruise Pricing Can Be Confusing
Cruises often look simple at first. You see one cruise fare and assume most of the trip is covered. Some things are included, but many extras can increase the real cost. What makes it even more confusing is that each cruise line operates differently. Some include things while others excelude them completely. Hopefully this can clear up what is included in the cruise fare for first time cruisers.
Quick Answer: What Is Usually Included in a Cruise Fare?
Most cruise fares include your cabin, main dining, buffet meals, basic drinks, entertainment, pools, kids clubs ( with restrictions ), and transportation to your ports. Extras usually include alcohol, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities, spa treatments, casino play, and some activities.
⚓ First-Time Cruiser Series
This article is part of my First-Time Cruiser Questions Answered series. Start with the full guide before diving deeper into cruise cabins.
Read the Full First-Time Cruiser Guide
Your Cruise Cabin
What the Fare Covers
With the exception of a Solo cabin/studio room, cruise line cabins are priced and berthed based on double occupancy. Example you have booked a cruise for a total of $3,200 this includes your taxes, fess, cabin, buffett, main dining room, water and some juices, transportation between destination ports and entertainment while on board.
You also will receive access to the gym/fitness center, access to all public pools, public areas and also your room steward will clean your room daily if you allow them to. The cheapest cruise fare usually is using the cheapest location/category.
What May Cost More
Category and location upgrade will increase your cruise fare. Sometimes very little but it will happen. For example you see a balcony room for $1,100pp and want to jump on that right away. Then you realize the balcony is partially obstructed, or a lifeboard over hangs or your on a low deck. To upgrade your room catefor or deck will increase the cruise fare. Sometimes though this is a very small increase.
Pro Tip:
Always monitor your email inbox if you get cruise line deals. Booking with a promo code can sometimes offer free room or category upgrades!
If you are a solo traveler and wanted to book a normal inside room, you will be charged the full DBL rate. Some Solo rooms are so popular though, you may have to pay a premium. Other things that will cost more or extra are mini-bar items INCLUDING water, room service (depending on cruise line and fare) and laundry service.
Pro Tip:
If you need to do laundry or had a fashion accident, you can utilize the onboard washer and dryers for a fee
Food Included in Most Cruise Fares
Main Dining Room
I feel this is sometimes the most underrated dining option of the ship. Everyone always talks about the specialty dining but the main dining room offer some fantastic dished. From breakfast to dinner you can almost always eat in the MDR for one of your three courses. Now some itineraries, port days and cruise lines may not offer 3 meals a day but most do.
When you think Master Dining Room think international inspired dishes which rotate nightly, grand dining room and decor and stereo-typical cruise dining. You may need to watch your dress code on some ships, but the meals are well worth it.
Pro Tip:
When you board the ship on embarkation day, check the MDR and see if they are offering lunch, skip the buffet and head here. Less crowded and start your vacation without aggravation!
Buffet and Casual Dining
This is where I think cruises shine. The casual dining spots. I know a buffet is not everyone’s cup of tea, and people just flat out hate them. I am a pizza nut and some of the best pizza I have had was on a cruise ship. I have the pizza recipe direct from Carnival Cruise lines, its that good!
Besides pizza though, you will have casual dining at places like Guy’s Burger Joint or Guy’s Pig & Anchor. Both of these are casual eateries on Carnival and free of charge, the latter does offer meal upgrades as well if you wanted to splurge. [ncl_cruises] offers their Irish Pub O’Sheehans, which is open all night and serving food!
All cruise lines have their own spin on these venues, and they are all included in your cruise fare so make sure you check them out and find out for yourself.
Room Service
Room service is tricky. It depends on the line. So are completely free, some offer the food for free but charge a delivery fee and others offer it free but only when you book a certain level of cruise fare. However, most offer free continental breakfast delivered to your room.
Drinks Included in Most Cruise Fares
Basic Drinks
Usually water, basic coffee, tea, lemonade, iced tea and sometimes juice at breakfast.
Drinks That Cost Extra
Soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, alcohol, smoothies, and energy drinks. These will all cost you more money while on the cruise. Drink packages or Bar Tabs will include these in their built in pricing but once again, each cruise line has a drink cost limit so be sure to check that as well.
The drink package debate has been a hot one over the course of a few years. There are influencers out there creating content as to why it is not worth it and than other that are strongly for it. TBH it all comes down to you and your needs. Some folks don’t care and just want to walk off with no bill, others may not drink much and stick to a tab. It really comes down to each person and their preference.
Entertainment Included in the Cruise Fare
Main Shows
Theater shows, comedy, live music, trivia, and deck parties are often included. do not stretch yourself too thin though. There is a lot to do on a ship but give yourself some downtime as it can be overwhelming when trying to schedule all this.
Activities That Cost Extra
Arcades will all be extra and this will include things like the F1 Arcade on select MSC Ships. Escape rooms like you would find on ships like Royal Caribbean will come with a added charge, premium classes, casino, bingo, cooking classes, experiences and some deck activities can come with a added cost.
Kids Clubs and Family Activities
What Families Usually Get
Many family-focused cruise lines include kids clubs by age group. From toddlers to teens, they have something for everyone. Most activities are free for the children including arts and crafts accessories and equipment. We do however tip the staff at the end of the week if my daughter had spent much time with the staff.
What Can Cost Extra
Late-night childcare, nursery services, arcade, and specialty activities. As described above the arcades, prize games, claws, etc are all extra and have the options to pre-purchase “credits” before sailing so check that out. I cannot speak to much on the child care are we personally never used it. We just took family members with us to help when kids were too young,.
Destination Ports
Your Cruise Fare Gets You to the Ports
Transportation is to the destination port only. The ship takes you from point A to Point B. If your ship is too large or can not fit at the port of your destination, the cruise line will provide tenders from ship to shore at no charge. You may also be on a cruise line which offers free ferry service to different parts of an island like Norwegian offers when sailing to Bermuda.
Shore Excursions Are Usually Extra
Unless booking a luxury/elevated cruise, excursions are an extra cost. So if you are looking to UTV in the desert, zip line or snorkeling these will all cost extra. You can pre-purchase these on the ship or use 3rd party sites like Viator or Shore Excursion Group. ( these are affiliate links and I can make a commission on anything you purchase from them. )
Those are both trust 3rd party sites that offer quality excursions and at times cheaper than the cruise line. Look for Guarantee Return to Ship tours to ensure you project yourself.
Transfers to and from the airport are also not covered in your cruise fare. You will need to get yourself to the cruise terminal. You will also need to get yourself back to the airport when your cruise is completed. You can book with the cruise line in their booking engine or use private transfers or public transportation, if available, like Brightline.
Pro Tip:
We all know that cruising in the day of your departure is a huge NO NO! Save the headache and fly in the day before your cruise departure. Airlines and weather can cause delays, if you miss the cruise ship departure it’s on you to catch up to thie ship.
Cruise Fare Comparison Table
What Is Usually Included on a Cruise?
One of the biggest first-time cruiser questions is what your cruise fare actually covers. Most cruises include your cabin, meals, entertainment, and transportation between ports. Some items cost extra, so it helps to know what to expect before you sail.
| Item | Usually Included | Usually Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Yes | Upgrades, suites, and preferred locations |
| Main dining | Yes | Specialty restaurants |
| Buffet | Yes | Premium dining experiences |
| Basic drinks | Yes | Soda, alcohol, bottled water, and specialty coffee |
| Entertainment | Yes | Bingo, casino, and some premium activities |
| Ports | Yes | Shore excursions, transportation, and tours |
| Wi-Fi | Usually no | Internet packages are usually extra |
| Gratuities | Sometimes | Often added separately unless prepaid or included in a promotion |
Cruise inclusions vary by cruise line, ship, promotion, and stateroom category. Before you book, always check what is included in your specific fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aren’t cruise ships All-Inclusive?
No. Some cruise lines (Luxury Lines) will be a true All-Inclusive Experience. However, most others are not All-Inclusive, Your fare covers your room, entertainment, some dining and activities. Drink packages, special dinings and more will cost you extra.
Aren’t tips and gratuities included?
No. Although you can book at times when these are offered as amenities, they are not included in your fare. Make sure you understand the cruise fare you are booking and what is covered. People often think when booking Norwegian Free at Sea their tips are included. This is true for BAR and DINING only.
What if I find a lower fare?
If you find a lower fare, reach out to your TA. What may seem like a good deal does not always add up. You will often see lower advertised prices but it may cost you your onboard credit, free dinings, room upgrades, etc so work with the TA to ensure it is always a “Like for Like” scenario.
Advisor Tip:
Compare the Total Cruise Cost
Do not compare cruise fares by the starting price alone. Compare fare, cabin type, cabin category, ship locations, taxes, fees, gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, and excursions before deciding. When working with a cruise line or another travel advisor you MUST make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some clients will think another website is cheaper until they get to the checkout process and find out taxes/fees or even advisor planning charges are added on.
Keep Reading
⚓ First-Time Cruiser Series
This article is part of my First-Time Cruiser Questions Answered series. Start with the full guide before diving deeper into cruise cabins.
Read the Full First-Time Cruiser Guide
