Understanding Cruise Pricing: What’s Included and What’s Extra

You’ve found a cruise fare that seems too good to be true. £499 for seven nights? Ocean views? Onboard entertainment? It sounds like a steal. But before you grab your sunhat and start dreaming of piña coladas at sea, it’s worth asking: what’s really included in a cruise — and what isn’t?

Cruising offers incredible value, but it’s not always “all-inclusive” in the way some assume. From gratuities and excursions to drinks and speciality dining, cruise pricing can be a mix of bundled value and à la carte extras.

This guide will walk you through what you can typically expect from your base fare — and where you might encounter surprise expenses. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to budget, plan, and cruise with confidence — and without unwanted surprises on your final bill.

What’s included in your cruise fare?

Cruise lines have their own variations, but most major cruise operators include a similar baseline of services in your fare. These inclusions form the foundation of a great cruise experience — and in many cases, offer exceptional value when compared to land-based holidays.

1. Accommodation

Your stateroom (cabin) is included in the fare, whether you choose:

• Inside cabin (no window)
• Oceanview cabin (with a window or porthole)
• Balcony cabin (private veranda)
• Suite (with expanded amenities)

Cabin cleaning and turndown service are typically provided twice daily, and bedding, towels, and toiletries are restocked as needed.

2. Standard dining

Most cruises include access to a variety of dining venues at no extra cost, including:

• Main dining room (MDR): Sit-down meals with waiter service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Buffet restaurant: Open for all meals with wide selection and casual atmosphere
• Poolside grills or snack stations: Pizza, burgers, ice cream and other quick bites

Even on value cruises, you’ll often enjoy multi-course meals with generous portions included in the fare.

3. Onboard entertainment

Cruise ships pride themselves on providing a range of complimentary entertainment, such as:

• Broadway-style shows and musical revues
• Live music and dance performances
• Comedy nights and game shows
• Movie screenings (indoor and poolside)
• Guest lectures or destination presentations

You’ll never be short of things to do — and most of it won’t cost you a penny more.

4. Pools, fitness centres and public spaces

Most cruise lines give you full access to:

• Pools and whirlpools
• Sun decks and lounges
• Gyms and workout areas
• Running tracks or sports courts
• Libraries and card rooms

Spas and wellness classes, however, usually carry an added charge — more on that in a moment.

5. Kids’ clubs and family activities

If you’re cruising with children, this is a major inclusion. Most family-friendly cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival) offer:

• Supervised kids’ clubs by age group
• Teen lounges and social activities
• Family-friendly game shows and contests
• Character meet-and-greets on select ships

These services are typically included from morning through evening, giving parents some breathing room while kids enjoy dedicated programming.

If you’re planning a family voyage, you may want to consider tips for cruising with kids to understand how onboard costs can vary depending on age and activities.

What’s not included in your base fare?

Here’s where things get interesting — and where cruise newbies sometimes face surprise charges.

While the basics are well covered, many of the extras that enhance your cruise are chargeable.

1. Alcoholic drinks and some soft beverages

• Alcoholic drinks are almost never included unless you’ve booked a specific beverage package or a luxury cruise line.
• Soft drinks and bottled water may also incur extra costs, though juices and coffee are generally included at meals.
• Speciality coffees and smoothies are typically available for a fee at cafes and kiosks.

Tip: Many cruise lines offer drinks packages that can be pre-purchased or added onboard.

2. Speciality dining

In addition to the included dining venues, most modern ships offer extra-cost dining experiences:

• Steakhouse or French bistro
• Sushi or teppanyaki
• Chef’s table or wine-pairing dinners
• Celebrity-branded restaurants

These are entirely optional but can add variety and indulgence to your cruise — at an average of £20–£60 per person per meal.

3. Shore excursions

Cruise pricing does not include excursions at your ports of call. While you’re free to explore on your own, many guests opt for ship-arranged tours, which offer convenience, security, and a guaranteed return to the ship.

Prices vary greatly:

• Walking tours: £25–£50
• Snorkelling or boat tours: £60–£100+
• Cultural or historical excursions: £40–£80
• Exclusive adventures (helicopter rides, private yacht tours): £150–£500+

Booking through the cruise line offers peace of mind, but savvy travellers may find better value arranging excursions independently. For guidance on both options, our comparison on DIY vs cruise line excursions weighs up the pros and cons.

4. Gratuities and service charges

Automatic gratuities — sometimes called “service charges” — are either added to your cruise fare in advance or charged daily to your onboard account.

Expect:

• £10–£18 per person, per day depending on cabin type and cruise line
• Additional gratuities for spa treatments or bar service (often 15–20%)

Some cruise lines offer “gratuities included” promotions, which can be valuable if you’re sailing as a family or on a longer voyage.

5. Wi-Fi and internet access

Internet is almost always an extra cost — and pricing can vary dramatically.

Typical rates include:

• Basic messaging plans: £5–£10 per day
• Full Wi-Fi access: £10–£25 per day
• Premium streaming packages: £20–£30+ per day

Ships with Starlink or other advanced connectivity offer better speed, but expect the signal to dip during certain stretches of sea days or remote destinations.

6. Spa treatments and wellness classes

The onboard spa may tempt you with:

• Massages, facials, or acupuncture
• Hair styling and salon services
• Teeth whitening or medi-spa treatments
• Thermal suites or spa passes

These services are extra and often come with luxury pricing. Some ships offer daily specials or port-day discounts — a good opportunity for savings.

7. Onboard shopping and photos

Cruise ships feature boutiques selling:

• Jewellery and watches
• Branded merchandise
• Duty-free alcohol or cosmetics
• Essentials like sunscreen or swimwear

Photographers roam the ship snapping portraits — and while having your picture taken is free, printed or digital copies will cost (£10–£25 per photo).

8. Fitness classes and enrichment seminars

While gyms are included, extras often include:

• Yoga, Pilates, or spin classes
• Personal training
• Wine tastings, art auctions, and cooking classes
• Behind-the-scenes ship tours

Some may be free, others carry small fees — usually £10–£30 per session or event.

Budgeting tips: How to avoid sticker shock

Cruises can be exceptional value — but knowing what’s extra helps avoid budget blowouts.

Here are ways to stay in control:

• Pre-pay gratuities before sailing
• Buy drink or internet packages in advance (often discounted pre-cruise)
• Set a daily spend limit via your onboard account
• Book excursions independently where safe and practical
• Use onboard credit wisely — ask your agent if any is included in your fare

Many lines offer promotions bundling key extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips. Compare cruise offers carefully — the cheapest fare isn’t always the best value.

Which cruise lines include more?

Here’s a quick snapshot of what different types of cruise lines include:

Mainstream (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC):

• Accommodation, meals, entertainment
• Gratuities and extras are charged separately

Premium (Celebrity, Princess, Holland America):

• Same base inclusions, but more frequent promotions bundling extras like drinks and tips

Luxury (Silversea, Seabourn, Regent):

• Almost everything included: excursions, drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, fine dining — but at a higher base fare

Choosing a cruise line isn’t just about price — it’s about what’s already factored into that price.

Conclusion: Know what you’re paying for, and cruise smarter

Cruise holidays can be both luxurious and affordable, but understanding what’s included in your fare versus what’s extra can mean the difference between a relaxing getaway and a surprise-laden invoice.

From gratuities and drinks to Wi-Fi and excursions, savvy cruisers know that pricing isn’t just about the initial deal — it’s about the true cost of comfort, convenience, and those memorable experiences along the way.

So before you book, plan smart. Compare inclusions, read the fine print, and budget for extras based on what matters most to you. That way, you can set sail with confidence — and enjoy every moment, knowing there’ll be no nasty surprises when your final bill arrives.