🚢 What’s Included on a Cruise (and What Costs Extra)

Cruises are one of the best values in travel, but they can also be confusing if you’re not sure what’s included in your fare — and what isn’t. Many first-time cruisers are surprised by how much is covered, while others are caught off guard by extra costs that can sneak up at the end of the trip.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s included on most cruises and what you should budget extra for, so there are no surprises when you sail.

🍽️ Dining

✅ Included Dining

Most cruise fares include a wide variety of dining options:

• Main Dining Room meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• Buffet meals throughout the day

• Casual eateries like pizza, burgers, tacos, and cafés

• Room service (sometimes with limited hours, but there are sometimes fees for certain food items)

You can eat very well on a cruise without spending anything extra.

❌ Specialty Dining (Extra Cost)

Most ships also offer upscale restaurants like steakhouses, Italian, sushi, or chef’s table experiences. These typically come with:

• A flat per-person fee, or

• À la carte pricing

💡 Pro Tip: Many cruise lines offer dining packages that reduce the per-meal cost.

A couple of plates filled with buffet food on a table overlooking the ocean

🛏️ Accommodations & Daily Housekeeping

✅ Included

• Your stateroom or suite

• Daily housekeeping

• Turn-down service (on many ships)

• Fresh towels and linens (sometimes shaped into cute animals)

❌ Extra

• Laundry, pressing, or dry cleaning

• Upgraded bedding packages and pillows (on select lines)

🎭 Entertainment & Activities

✅ Included

• Broadway-style shows

• Comedy shows and live music

• Pool decks, water slides, and hot tubs

• Movies, game shows, and themed parties

Most onboard entertainment is included — and there’s a lot of it!

❌ Extra

• Escape rooms

• Virtual reality experiences

• Private classes or workshops

• Any sort of onboard excursion, such as behind-the-scenes ship tours

Performers on a stage doing an acrobatic type act with chairs

🍹 Drinks

✅ Included

• Water, iced tea, lemonade

• Basic coffee and tea

• Juice at breakfast (varies by line)

❌ Extra

• Alcoholic beverages

• Specialty coffees

• Smoothies and bottled drinks

• Sodas (on most cruise lines)

💡 Tip: Drink packages can be a great value for many travelers — but not always. We help you decide!

💆 Spa & Salon

❌ Extra

• Massages, facials, and treatments

• Salon services

• Thermal suites

💡 Pro Tip: Spa discounts are often offered on port days.

A photo of a massage bed with an ocean view on a cruise ship

🏋️ Fitness Center & Classes

✅ Included

• Fully equipped fitness centers (cardio machines, weights, strength equipment)

• Ocean-view workout spaces on many ships

• Self-guided workouts anytime the gym is open

• Complimentary fitness classes on some cruise lines (stretching, yoga, morning fitness)

❌ Extra

• Personal training sessions

• Specialty or advanced fitness classes

• Wellness programs or private instruction

🏝️ Shore Excursions

❌ Extra

• Cruise-line sponsored tours

• Private excursions

• Adventure activities

Some ports offer free exploration, but most excursions cost extra.

💡Pro Tip: Booking through the cruise line offers peace of mind, while private tours can save money.

💰 Gratuities & Service Charges

❌ Usually Extra

Most cruise lines charge daily gratuities per person, per day (typically $16–$20+ per day depending on cabin and line). These are usually:

• Automatically added to your onboard account

• Can be prepaid before sailing

• Occasionally included in promotions

💡 Note: Some lines (like Virgin Voyages and luxury cruises) include gratuities in the fare.

Two housekeepers making up a cruise ship cabin

📶 Wi-Fi & Internet

❌ Extra

Internet packages are almost always an added cost, with pricing based on:

• Per day

• Per device

• Streaming vs basic browsing

🛍️ Shopping & Photos

❌ Extra

• Souvenir shops

• Professional photos

• Art auctions and specialty items

🧒 Kids Clubs & Youth Programs

✅ Included

Most cruise lines include kids and teen clubs at no extra cost — a huge value for families. Late-night babysitting may cost extra on some ships.

A group of teens hanging out in the included kid club on a cruise ship

🧠 How We Help You Budget for Your Cruise

At Let’s Talk Travel, we help you understand:

• What’s included on your cruise line

• Which extras are worth it

• Whether drink or dining packages make sense

• How to avoid surprise charges at the end

Ready to cruise with confidence? Contact us today!