6 Hidden Cruise Costs Most Cruisers Forget

Hi! I’m Shelly and I love everything about cruising! 🐢🛳️ Before you set sail, let’s talk about the price on the screen. It’s a starting point, not the finish line, and your final total can look different once the extras show up. Here are six costs that cruisers often forget, so you can plan with your eyes open.

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Prefer to watch? Here’s the short video on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=qbsYO6vAYTE.

1. Gratuities (the big one)

Gratuities are usually not included in your cruise price. Many cruise lines charge roughly $15 or more per person, per day, added to your onboard account during the trip or paid ahead before you sail if you choose to prepay. Over a week or more, that daily amount can add up to a real number, especially for a whole family. Amounts and rules differ by line and can change, so look up your line’s gratuity policy before you book and add it to your budget.

2. Drink packages

Drink packages are usually priced per person, per day. Many cruise lines also want every adult in a cabin to buy the same package if anyone does. On a long trip, that can add up fast. Before you buy, think about how many drinks you actually have on a normal day, then do the math. Are you the kind of traveler who will be off exploring a port all day? That matters too. Rules and pricing differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms.

3. Wi-Fi, often charged per device

Onboard internet is commonly sold per device, not per cabin. Two phones and a laptop can mean three separate plans. Some travelers skip it and go offline for the week. Others pick one device to use for the things that matter. Plans, speeds and sharing rules vary, so check your line’s terms before you buy.

4. Small extras that add up

Specialty coffee, treats from a café, bottled water and other little extras are often not part of your base fare. Each one feels tiny. Together they can become a real number by the end of the week. A simple habit helps: decide before you sail which extras you truly want, and check your onboard account now and then so nothing sneaks up on you. What’s included changes by line, so check your line’s terms.

5. Getting from the port to town

The ship gets you to the port, but the trip into town is often up to you. Taxis, shuttles and ship-arranged transfers can all cost extra, and some ports are a fair distance from the sights. Before you sail, look up how far the port is from where you want to go, and plan how you’ll get back with time to spare. Being late back to the ship is a stress you don’t need.

6. Cancellation penalties

This is the one that surprises people most. If you cancel after booking, what you might lose usually depends on how close you are to sailing and on the fare type you chose. Deposits and payments may not be fully refundable. Before you book, read the cancellation section of your line’s policy. Many travelers also look at travel insurance to see whether it might help protect their trip in certain situations. Policies differ a lot, so read what each one covers and what it leaves out. You can compare travel insurance plans here to help protect your trip.

A simple way to plan

Add a “hidden costs” line to your cruise budget. Write down gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, small extras, port transport and a little cushion for the unexpected. Then compare cruises using the total you expect to pay, not just the headline price. It takes five minutes and can save you a big surprise.

FAQ

Are gratuities included in the cruise price?

Gratuities are usually not included in your cruise price. Many cruise lines charge roughly $15 or more per person, per day, added to your onboard account during the trip or paid ahead before you sail if you choose to prepay. Amounts and rules differ by line and can change, so look up your line’s gratuity policy before you book.

How are cruise drink packages usually priced?

Drink packages are usually priced per person, per day. Many cruise lines also want every adult in a cabin to buy the same package if anyone does. Rules and pricing differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms.

Is cruise Wi-Fi charged per device?

Onboard internet is commonly sold per device, not per cabin. Two phones and a laptop can mean three separate plans. Plans, speeds and sharing rules vary, so check your line’s terms before you buy.

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Cruise line terms and policies

Cruise rules and cancellation policies differ by line and can change, so check your line’s terms before you book. These are the official pages, listed for reference only. This is not an endorsement of any line.