What's Included in a Cruise Fare? A Complete Breakdown
One of the most confusing aspects of cruise pricing is figuring out exactly what your fare covers. The advertised price is almost never the full cost of your vacation — but the total value is often exceptional when you understand what's actually bundled in.
What's Always Included in a Cruise Fare
**Your Cabin:** Whether it's an interior room or a balcony suite, your accommodation is fully included.
**Main Dining Restaurants:** The main dining room (typically with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service) is fully included. Many ships also include buffet dining and casual dining venues.
**Entertainment:** Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, cinema, and most onboard activities are included.
**Pools and Recreation:** Pool decks, waterslides (on most ships), hot tubs, basketball courts, mini golf, and jogging tracks are typically included.
**Fitness Center:** The gym is included. Fitness classes (yoga, spinning) often cost extra.
**Kids' Clubs:** Most age-segmented children's programs are included during regular hours.
What Typically Costs Extra
**Beverages:** Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees (Starbucks on some ships), and bottled water are usually extra. Non-alcoholic beverages at meals are often included.
**Specialty Restaurants:** Italian, steakhouse, hibachi, and other specialty dining venues typically charge $20–$60 per person.
**Gratuities:** Typically $16–$20 per person per day, added automatically to your onboard account. Some fares include these.
**Shore Excursions:** Cruise-sponsored tours range from $50–$200+ per person per port.
**Wi-Fi:** Ranges from $15–$30 per day. Many cruise lines offer multi-day packages.
**Spa Services:** Massages, facials, and salon services are additional.
**Casino:** Gambling costs what you bring to the tables.
Beverage Packages: Worth It?
Many cruise lines offer unlimited beverage packages ranging from $60–$100+ per person per day. These are worth it if you plan to drink 5+ alcoholic beverages daily. Do the math for your specific sailing before purchasing — sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesn't.
Alternatively, many lines allow you to bring a limited amount of wine or beer aboard at embarkation.
All-Inclusive Cruise Lines
Some luxury cruise lines (Viking, Azamara, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas) include beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, and specialty dining in their fares. These lines cost more upfront but the total value often exceeds mass-market sailings once you factor in extras.
Do cruise fares include port fees and taxes?
Government fees and taxes are required and will appear in the fare breakdown. Port fees are usually included in the advertised price. Always confirm the total cost before booking.
Are gratuities mandatory?
Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. You can request to adjust them at guest services, though it's standard practice to pay them.
Do kids sail free on cruise ships?
Many cruise lines run promotions where kids sail at a reduced rate or free as the 3rd/4th passenger in a cabin. These deals vary by sailing and season.
What about room service — is it included?
Basic room service is included on most ships (often with a delivery fee of $3–$9.95). Late-night room service or premium items may cost extra.