Hidden Costs of Cruises: What to Budget for Beyond Your Fare

A cruise holiday is often viewed as one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, with accommodation, transport, main meals and entertainment all included in one upfront price. While this offers excellent value, there are additional costs that sit outside the headline fare and can impact your overall budget if you’re not aware of them.

These extra costs aren’t necessarily unexpected — they’re simply not always obvious at the booking stage. Understanding them in advance allows you to choose the right cruise fare, plan more effectively, and enjoy your holiday without financial surprises.

Below, we break down the most common hidden costs of cruising, with clear explanations of what to expect and how they work.

1. Gratuities and Service Charges

Gratuities, sometimes referred to as service charges, are one of the most common additional costs on a cruise. These daily charges are shared among the crew members who look after your cabin, serve meals and work behind the scenes to ensure your cruise runs smoothly.

Typical gratuity charges include:

• A daily fee charged per person
• Automatic addition to your onboard account
• Varying rates depending on cruise line and cabin type

How gratuities work

• Charged per person, per day
• Applied automatically unless already included in the fare
• Can often be prepaid before sailing

Prepaid or included gratuities provide clarity and convenience, allowing you to enjoy your time onboard without thinking about daily charges accumulating in the background. They also ensure that the wider crew — including those working behind the scenes — are fairly rewarded.

If gratuities are not included in your fare, factoring them into your overall cruise budget from the outset helps avoid surprises at the end of the voyage. While some cruise lines allow adjustments, most guests find it simpler and more transparent to treat gratuities as a standard part of the holiday cost.

2. Drinks and Beverage Packages

Drinks are one of the most common additional cruise costs and can vary significantly depending on your cruise line, itinerary and onboard habits. While standard tea, coffee, water and some juices are usually included in the cruise fare, most alcoholic drinks and premium beverages are charged separately.

Typical chargeable drinks include:

• Alcoholic drinks such as cocktails, wine, spirits and beer
• Bottled water and canned soft drinks
• Barista-style coffees, speciality teas and fresh juices

To manage these costs, many cruise lines offer beverage packages that allow you to pay a fixed daily price for drinks rather than paying per item.

How beverage packages work

• Packages are usually priced per person, per day
• They often cover a set value per drink (for example, up to a certain price limit)
• Most cruise lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same package

Types of beverage packages

• Soft drinks packages (non-alcoholic only)
• Alcohol-free packages including speciality coffees and mocktails
• Alcohol packages covering beer, wine, spirits and cocktails
• Premium packages that may include higher-end brands and bottled water

Are beverage packages worth it?

Whether a drinks package offers good value depends on how much you’re likely to drink. For guests who enjoy a few cocktails, wines with dinner or speciality coffees throughout the day, a package can quickly pay for itself. For others, paying per drink may be more cost-effective.

It’s also worth noting that some cruise fares and promotions include drinks packages as standard. When comparing cruise deals, checking whether drinks are included can significantly change the overall value of the holiday.

3. Speciality Dining Restaurants

While main dining rooms and buffet restaurants are usually included in your cruise fare, many ships also feature speciality dining venues that offer enhanced menus or more intimate dining experiences.

Common speciality dining options include:

• Steakhouses and seafood restaurants
• International cuisine venues such as Italian or Asian dining
• Chef-led tasting menus or fine dining experiences

How speciality dining works

• Restaurants typically charge a cover fee or per-person supplement
• Some venues offer à la carte pricing
• Reservations may be required, especially on busy sailings

Is it worth it?

Speciality dining is often worth considering for guests who enjoy fine dining, unique menus or a more intimate restaurant atmosphere. These venues can be ideal for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quieter dining experience away from the main restaurants.

However, cruise ships are known for the quality and variety of their included dining options, and many guests are perfectly satisfied without paying extra. Whether speciality dining represents good value depends on how central food experiences are to your holiday enjoyment.

4. Shore Excursions

Shore excursions allow you to explore each destination in greater depth, but they can also be one of the most significant additional costs of a cruise.

Typical shore excursion costs include:

• Guided tours and sightseeing experiences
• Transport to attractions outside the port
• Activity-based experiences such as boat trips or cultural tours

How shore excursions work

• Cruise line excursions are organised to fit the ship’s schedule
• Prices vary by destination, duration and activity type
• Popular excursions can sell out in advance

Is it worth it?

Cruise line excursions are often worth the additional cost for guests who value convenience, structure and reassurance. They are designed to fit the ship’s schedule, include transport and guides, and ensure the ship will wait if an excursion is delayed.

Independent exploration can offer greater flexibility and may reduce costs in some destinations, particularly where ports are central and easy to navigate. The best option depends on the destination, your confidence travelling independently, and how much planning you wish to do in advance.

5. Wi-Fi and Internet Access

Internet access at sea is rarely included in the base cruise fare and is often more expensive than on land due to satellite connectivity.

What to expect from onboard Wi-Fi

• Packages may be charged per day or per device
• Different levels of access are often available, from messaging-only to full browsing
• Streaming may be limited or restricted

Is it worth it?

Wi-Fi packages are worth considering if you need regular access for work, keeping in touch with family, or managing travel arrangements. Having connectivity at sea can provide reassurance, particularly on longer itineraries.

For travellers who prefer to disconnect while on holiday, or who only need occasional access, using Wi-Fi in ports or selecting a basic package can be a more cost-effective option.

6. Spa Treatments and Wellness Activities

Cruise ship spas offer a wide range of treatments and wellness services, all designed to enhance your time at sea — but these experiences usually come at an additional cost.

Typical spa and wellness charges include:

• Massages, facials and beauty treatments
• Access to thermal suites or spa facilities
• Fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates or spin

How spa pricing works

• Treatments are priced individually
• Packages or discounts may be offered during port days
• Availability can be limited on sea days

Is it worth it?

Spa treatments and wellness activities can be a worthwhile addition for guests seeking relaxation, pampering or dedicated downtime while at sea. Sea days in particular provide an ideal opportunity to enjoy spa facilities.

That said, these services are firmly optional and can represent a premium spend. Many guests choose to enjoy complimentary onboard facilities instead, while others treat spa experiences as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily activity.

7. Flights, Transfers and Pre- or Post-Cruise Accommodation

Not all cruise fares include travel arrangements to and from the ship, which can add to the overall cost of your holiday.

Additional travel costs may include:

• Flights to and from the embarkation port
• Airport or port transfers
• Hotels before or after your cruise

Is it worth it?

Cruise packages that include flights and transfers can be particularly worthwhile for international itineraries, as they simplify logistics and often include additional protection if travel delays occur.

Booking independently may offer more choice and flexibility, but it requires careful planning to ensure timings align with embarkation and disembarkation. The right option depends on how much involvement you want in organising your travel.

8. Travel Insurance, Visas and Documentation

These essential costs are sometimes overlooked when budgeting for a cruise but are crucial for a smooth and stress-free holiday.

Important considerations include:

• Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and cancellations
• Visas or electronic travel authorisations for certain destinations
• Passport validity requirements

When cruising to international destinations, it’s important to check visa and entry requirements for every port of call, as rules can vary by country and nationality. Some destinations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, require advance travel authorisation even for short visits or pre- and post-cruise stays. Certain regions in Asia, the Middle East and Africa may also require visas, sometimes even if you do not plan to leave the ship.

While many European cruise ports are currently visa-free for UK travellers, new travel authorisation systems are being introduced and requirements can change. As cruise lines may refuse boarding if documentation is incomplete, it’s always advisable to confirm entry requirements well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free cruise holiday.

👉 Check if you might need a Visa Here

Final Thoughts

A cruise holiday offers outstanding value, but understanding what sits outside the headline fare is key to planning with confidence. From drinks packages and gratuities to shore excursions, Wi-Fi and travel documentation, being aware of these potential extra costs allows you to make informed choices and tailor your cruise to suit your travel style.

At Ocean World Travel, our cruise specialists are here to help you navigate these details, compare fares and find cruises that offer the right balance of inclusions and flexibility. With expert guidance and a little forward planning, you can relax and enjoy every moment at sea — confident there won’t be any unexpected surprises at the end of your journey.