Cruises may seem all-inclusive at first, but it’s only when we get onboard that we learn about the hidden add-on costs. To avoid last-minute surprises, you should know the answer to the question, “What are the add-on costs for cruise?”
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common add-on costs for cruises, helping you plan ahead, and enjoy your trip without unexpected expenses.
Here are the 10 different things involved on a cruise that will cost you extra onboard.
Shore Excursions
Not all cruises include shore excursions along with the cruise fare. Shore excursions affiliated with the cruise line usually cost more than what the tour operators charge. They usually cost between $35 and $300 per person.
Excursions’ prices vary depending on the length, type of tour chosen, and the shore activities involved. Guided tours are useful if you are not familiar with the port and its language.
How to Save
- Self-guided tours will save you lots of money. To do this, you should research in detail the things to see in the port and how to get around the port on your own.
- Look for local festivals, craft displays, beaches, parks, and art galleries, or browse through shops. These won’t cost you much.
- If you are hiring a car for a private tour or to visit any place, you should first discuss the price charged before you start your car journey.
- For guided tours, consider booking directly with a tour operator or through third-party shore excursion providers, which can help you save more.
Specialty Dining
The cruise fare usually covers meals in the main dining room and buffet, but dining at the specialty restaurants will cost you extra. Specialty restaurants offer fine dining experiences with a themed menu having charges ranging from $15 to $60 (or more) per person.
Specialty restaurants serve food based on a culinary theme—Asian, Brazilian, French, Italian, steakhouse, and sushi. You must pay extra to enjoy these varieties at specialty restaurants.
How to Save
- Avoid specialty dining and opt for the available free dining options.
- If you want to explore specialty dining options without spending too much, look for cruise deals that offer onboard credit or free meals in specialty restaurants.
- Choose dining packages that offer specialty dining at a discounted rate.
- Avoid room service (if it involves a surcharge). Your food will usually be available in other dining venues from where you can collect and take it to your cabin.
Also Read: 12 Important Cruise Tips to Cruise Like a Pro!
Alcoholic Beverages and Other Drinks
Except for a few luxury cruise lines and river cruises, alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fare on most cruise lines. Beverages are one of the items that can increase our add-on costs, especially if we are not conscious of our drink spending. About 18% to 20% of your bill will be for beverages.
How to Save
- Choose discounted daily drink specials or happy hour specials, which you can find in the daily cruise planner.
- Avoid drinking in a souvenir glass; instead, ask for your drink in a regular glass.
- Choose to drink during events that offer free drinks.
- Opt for drink packages that include unlimited drinks. But be keen when you choose a drink package, and you should not end up spending too much on beverages.
- You can carry one or two bottles of wine if permitted by the cruise line but by paying a corkage fee.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
Most onboard activities are free on almost all cruises. Still, special activities such as fitness classes, wine-tasting events, behind-the-scenes tours, and other fun extras and activities will incur additional fees.
How to Save
- You can take part in free activities, live music performances, cooking demos, pool or trivia games & free lectures, read a book, or chat with your travel partner.
- Check whether the fitness classes are included in your cruise fare, as most luxury cruise lines and river cruises offer this.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
You will often have to pay high rates for slow to medium-speed connections. Cruise lines offer various types of packages. Some may be for the entire voyage, while others may be restricted to a particular period, with data limits, or only for specific usage.
How to Save
- Choose the cruise lines that offer Wi-Fi packages as an added benefit.
- Look whether you can get free access to Wi-Fi in port.
Also Read: What to Pack for a Cruise!
Spa and Salon Services
Do you know that a simple spa massage for about 50 minutes will typically cost you between $120 and $180? This rate will be even higher for advanced treatments. So, if you are planning to visit a spa, do not forget about the costs involved.
How to Save
- Choose to visit a spa when there are special discounts, which usually happen on embarkation and port days. Go through your ship’s daily programs to find out about the spa treatment specials.
- Ignore the after-treatment sales pitch.
Laundry Services
The costs for laundry services are very high. Washing and pressing a shirt will cost approximately $3 to $7. So, if your cruise trip lasts for several days, enquire in advance about the laundry services, availability, and pricing to reduce your add-on costs.
How to Save
- Pack extra clothes based on the number of days of your cruise. This will give you the option to wash them once you reach back home.
- Carry a travel-sized detergent and other related cleaning items so that you can wash your clothes in your cabin sink and hang-dry them in the shower.
- Look whether free laundry service is available as a perk on your cruise ship.
Photography
Whenever you are tempted to buy an 8×10 photo from the onboard gallery, keep in mind its average price, which can be more than $20. If you have not bought additional camera supplies, such as extra batteries or memory cards, it will cost you even more.
How to Save
- Try to use your camera and avoid relying on the ship’s photographers.
- Avoid going through the photos in the ship’s gallery, as you might be tempted to buy.
- If you want to buy multiple professional photos, choose cruise ship packages or look for any special offers.
- Carry with you enough batteries and other camera supplies.
Souvenirs
On seeing those beautiful souvenirs or items specific to the place you are visiting, you might not be able to hold yourself back from buying one or a few of them. But all these will add up to your cruise costs.
How to Save
- If you cannot afford the high costs or if you don’t want to spend too much, wait until the end of the cruise, as bargain tables will appear on ships during this time.
- Before purchasing an item, compare its price with that available at stores back home.
Gratuities and Service Charges
Another common add-on cost is tipping, which usually costs between $14 and $20 per person per day. Certain cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities at the time of booking. However, most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities or service charges to your onboard account. Check the cruise line’s tipping policy to avoid surprises.
For most cruise line staff members, gratuities make up a significant portion of their income. So, if you are happy with the service they offer, do not be reluctant to pay the tips they deserve.
How to Save
These tipping charges cover the hard work of housekeeping and dining staff. So, you avoid considering tipping as an area where you can save money.
Bottom Line
Cruise trips will usually add incredible value to your whole vacation, but understanding the potential add-on costs is essential to avoid overspending. These optional expenses mentioned in the article can enhance your overall cruise experience but will quickly increase the add-on costs. With smart planning and a clear budget, you can totally enjoy your cruise while keeping your finances in check.
Commonly Asked Questions
Extras on a cruise include optional costs like specialty dining, beverage packages, shore excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, and premium activities.
Basic meals are included on most cruises, but specialty dining, room service, and premium items typically require an extra charge.
The cruise fare typically includes accommodations, basic dining (buffets, main dining rooms), entertainment (shows, live music), recreational facilities (pools, gyms), and port fees. It may also include operational costs like fuel and crew wages.
To avoid extra spending on a cruise, stick to included meals, activities, and free amenities while avoiding upgrades. What are the extras on a cruise?
Do you pay extra for food on cruises?
What is normally included in the cruise fare?
Extras like specialty dining, alcohol, Wi-Fi, and excursions are usually not included in the fare. How do I not spend extra money on a cruise?
