Cruise vacations promise all-inclusive luxury, but savvy travelers know that “all-inclusive” has its limits. While your cruise ticket covers accommodation, meals, and entertainment, numerous services and experiences require additional payment once you board.
Understanding these extra costs helps you budget appropriately and avoid sticker shock when your final bill arrives. From internet access to specialty dining, these additional expenses can significantly impact your vacation budget if you’re unprepared.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the most common cruise ship extras, their typical costs, and practical tips to help you navigate these expenses smartly. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or looking to optimize your spending, knowing what to expect ensures you can enjoy your vacation without financial surprises.
What Do You Have to Pay Extra For on a Cruise Ship?
In this article, we’ll explore the various services and additional costs you may encounter on a cruise ship, providing valuable insights to help you plan your trip more effectively.
1. Internet and Communication Costs
Staying connected while cruising requires purchasing internet packages, as Wi-Fi access doesn’t come with your ticket. Cruise lines offer various connectivity options, typically ranging from $10-20 per day per device.
These packages often provide different speeds and data allowances. Basic packages work for checking emails and light browsing, while premium options support video calls and streaming. However, satellite internet at sea remains slower and less reliable than land-based connections.
Money-saving tip: If you’re cruising European waters, take advantage of free Wi-Fi available at most ports. You can also use your mobile data when docked, though be cautious about roaming charges. For open-water periods, consider embracing a digital detox—many travelers find the disconnected experience refreshing.
2. Gratuities and Service Charges
Cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill, typically $12-16 per person per day. This amount distributes among various crew members who serve you throughout your voyage, including housekeeping, dining staff, and other service personnel.
These charges usually appear as a line item when booking or get added to your onboard account. You can adjust these amounts at the guest services desk if you prefer to tip differently based on your experience.
The cruise industry uses this system to keep base ticket prices competitive while ensuring crew members receive fair compensation. Most travelers find this approach convenient since it eliminates the need for constant tipping decisions throughout their cruise.
No taxes are deducted from gratuities, as cruise ships uphold this tradition to avoid raising the overall cost of cruising for passengers.
3. Beverage Packages and Drink Costs
While basic beverages like water, coffee, and tea come included, alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages require additional payment. Cruise lines offer several beverage package options to suit different consumption patterns.
Soft Package ($25-33 per day): Includes soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and sometimes beer and wine
Easy Package ($35-40 per day): Covers beer, wine, and light cocktails
Premium Package ($45-55 per day): Features high-end wines, spirits, and craft cocktails
All passengers sharing a cabin must purchase the same package level—you cannot buy individual packages for some guests while others pay per drink. If you plan to consume fewer than 3-4 drinks daily, purchasing individual beverages may prove more economical.
Budget-friendly alternative: Purchase beverages at port stops and bring them aboard (avoiding glass containers, which cruise lines prohibit). Many travelers save significantly by buying canned drinks and wine in port cities.
4. Shore Excursions and Port Activities
Cruise lines offer guided excursions at each port, but these typically cost more than booking similar tours independently. Ship-sponsored excursions range from $50-150+ per person, depending on duration and activities included.
The primary advantage of cruise line excursions lies in guaranteed return timing—if traffic or other delays occur, the ship waits for official excursion groups. Independent travelers risk missing departure if they return late.
Alternative approach: Research local tour operators like GetYourGuide or Viator, which often provide similar experiences at 30-50% lower costs. Local guides at ports frequently offer competitive prices for last-minute bookings. However, always allow extra time for independent return to avoid missing your ship.
5. Specialty Dining Experiences
Beyond the included main dining room and buffet, cruise ships feature specialty restaurants offering unique cuisines and elevated dining experiences. These venues typically charge $40-80 per person for dinner, with prices varying by restaurant type and cruise line.
Italian, Japanese, steakhouse, and seafood restaurants represent common specialty options. Many passengers find these restaurants provide excellent value for special occasions or when seeking quieter, more intimate dining atmospheres.
Some cruise lines offer dining packages that provide discounts when you plan to visit multiple specialty restaurants during your voyage. Consider your dining preferences and cruise length when deciding whether these packages offer value.
6. Spa and Wellness Services
Onboard spas provide extensive treatment menus, but these services come at resort-level pricing. Common treatments include:
- Massages: $80-150 depending on type and duration
- Day spa passes: $70 per person or $105 per couple
- Specialized treatments: $100-200+
Spa packages sometimes offer better value than individual treatments, especially during sea days when facilities are less crowded. Many spas provide promotional rates on port days when fewer passengers use their services.
7. Premium Activities and Entertainment
While most cruise activities come included, certain premium experiences require additional fees. These might include:
- Racing simulators: $10-15 per session
- Specialty fitness classes: $20-40 per class
- Personal training sessions: $75-100 per hour
- Go-kart racing: $15-20 per race
Children’s activities like arcade games and certain supervised programs may also incur charges. Review your cruise line’s activity list before boarding to identify which experiences require payment.
Many activities on board are included in the ticket price, offering a great way to enjoy your cruise without extra expenses. For more details, be sure to check out my separate article, 10 Must-Try Activities on a Cruise Ship, where I explore some of the best free options available during your voyage.
8. Room Service and Dining Convenience
Many cruise lines charge delivery fees for room service, typically $3-8 per order. However, some premium suites include complimentary room service as a benefit.
Creative solution: Visit the buffet and bring food back to your cabin yourself—this works particularly well for breakfast or light meals. Balcony cabin guests sometimes receive complimentary breakfast service, so check your specific cabin benefits.
9. Medical Services and Health Care
Cruise ships maintain medical facilities staffed with qualified professionals, but these services aren’t covered by your cruise fare. Common costs include:
- Doctor consultations: $100-150
- X-rays: $100-150
- Prescription medications: Varies by medication
Travel insurance becomes particularly important for cruise vacations, as medical evacuations from ships at sea can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Purchase comprehensive coverage before departure to protect against unexpected medical expenses.
I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before embarking on any trip. Travel insurance provides essential protection against unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
10. Professional Photography Services
Cruise photographers capture memories throughout your voyage, from formal portraits to candid dining shots. Individual photos typically cost $15-20, while photo packages start around $150.
These packages often include digital copies of all photos taken during your cruise, providing good value for families or groups wanting comprehensive documentation of their vacation. However, personal photography remains unrestricted throughout the ship, so you can capture your own memories without additional cost.
Of course, you can take photos yourself on board, whether it’s capturing memories on the dazzling Swarovski stairs or snapping shots of the stunning ocean views.
11. Laundry and Clothing Care
Onboard laundry services charge by item:
- Shirts: $3-6 per item
- Pants: $5-8 per item
- Dresses: $8-12 per item
- Jackets: $7-10 per item
Budget alternatives: Hand-wash small items in your cabin sink and air-dry overnight. Balcony cabins provide excellent drying space. Some ships offer self-service laundry facilities with washers and dryers available for passenger use at minimal cost.
Smart Budgeting for Your Cruise Vacation
Understanding these additional costs helps you budget effectively for your cruise experience. Consider creating a daily spending allowance that covers the extras you most value while avoiding impulse purchases that might strain your budget.
Many cruise lines offer pre-cruise sales on beverage packages, specialty dining, and internet plans—purchasing these before boarding often provides significant savings compared to onboard prices. Set spending limits and track expenses through your cruise line’s app to stay within budget.
Research your specific ship and itinerary to identify which extras align with your interests and travel style. This preparation ensures you maximize enjoyment while maintaining financial control throughout your vacation.
Featured photo from Pexels.