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What Are My Onboard Expenses?

What Are My Onboard Expenses? A Guide to Cruise Costs Across Major Cruise Lines

Cruising offers an all-in-one vacation experience, but understanding onboard expenses is key to avoiding surprises. While your base fare includes many essentials, additional costs vary across cruise lines. Here’s a detailed look at typical onboard expenses to help you plan your budget.

Mega Cruise ship docked in Nassau, Bahamas.

1. Beverage Packages and Alcohol

  • Included: Basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee, and sometimes juice are generally free.
  • Extra Costs: Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and soda are typically not included. Beverage packages can range from $50-$100 per person per day.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Carnival Cruise Line: Offers Cheers! beverage package for around $60 per day, covering cocktails, wine, beer, and speciality coffee.
  • Royal Caribbean: Deluxe Beverage Package costs $63-$89 per day, with unlimited premium drinks.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Free at Sea promotions often include a beverage package, but gratuities apply.

Champagne

 

2. Specialty Dining

  • Included: Main dining rooms and buffet options are complimentary.
  • Extra Costs: Specialty restaurants like steakhouses or sushi bars charge a fee, ranging from $15-$75 per person.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Princess Cruises: Offers gourmet options like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria at approximately $29 per person.
  • Celebrity Cruises: Fine Cut Steakhouse charges around $55 per person for an upscale dining experience.
  • MSC Cruises: Unique experiences like a Chef’s Table can cost $100 or more.

Ocean Views while enjoying an included Dining room breakfast Buffet.

3. Shore Excursions

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Holland America Line: Offers “EXC Tours,” including cultural and culinary excursions, starting at $60.
  • Royal Caribbean: Excursions like zip-lining or snorkelling cost between $75-$150.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers speciality tours like glacier trekking, priced over $200.

Shopping ashore in St. Maarten.

4. Gratuities

  • Included: Rarely included in your fare.
  • Extra Costs: Automatic gratuities range from $14-$20 per guest, per day. Some lines allow adjustments.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Carnival: $16 per person, per day for suites; $14 for standard cabins.
  • Disney Cruise Line: $14.50 per person, per day.
  • Royal Caribbean: $16.99 per person, per day for suites; $14.99 for standard rooms.

Dollar bills for tipping on a cruise

 

5. Wi-Fi and Internet 

  • Included: Limited or no free Wi-Fi on most lines.
  • Extra Costs: Packages range from $10 to $30 per day, depending on speed and usage.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Royal Caribbean: Voom Internet costs about $20 per day for a single device.
  • Carnival: Basic social media plans start at $10 per day.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Free Wi-Fi promotions typically offer 150 minutes or limited MBs.

 

6. Spa and Wellness Onboard

  • Included: Access to gym facilities and sometimes saunas.
  • Extra Costs: Spa treatments like massages, facials, and acupuncture range from $50-$300.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Celebrity Cruises: The Persian Garden thermal suite is available for a day pass at $25-$50.
  • Princess Cruises: Lotus Spa treatments start at $69.
  • Viking Ocean Cruises: Offers free spa access but charges for specialized treatments.

Spa treatments onboard ships

7. Entertainment and Activities, new onboard expenses apply

  • Included: Most shows, live music, and pool access are complimentary.
  • Extra Costs: Specialty activities like escape rooms, cooking classes, or VIP seating at shows may incur fees.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Disney Cruise Line: Offers Broadway-quality shows for free but charges for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique services.
  • Royal Caribbean: FlowRider and rock climbing walls are free, but iFly Skydiving simulators cost around $30.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Laser tag and VR gaming zones charge $9-$15 per session.

The Dance Connection dance school students performing a show in a theatre onboard cruise ship Adventure of the Seas

8. Laundry and Personal Services Expenses

  • Included: Self-service laundry may be available but often costs extra.
  • Extra Costs: Full laundry services range from $2-$5 per item.

Cruise Line Highlights:

  • Princess Cruises: Offers unlimited laundry for suite guests.
  • Holland America Line: Laundry packages cost around $7 per day.
  • Celebrity Cruises: Offers pressing services starting at $10 per item.

Tips to Save on Onboard Expenses

  1. Book Packages Early: Pre-purchasing beverage, dining, and Wi-Fi packages can save up to 30%.
  2. Watch for Promotions: Many lines bundle free Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities during sales.
  3. Set a Budget: Track spending with onboard account apps.
  4. BYO Snacks: Non-perishable items are often allowed onboard.

MSC Seaside - plan your excursions, book your restaurant before you cruise.

Conclusion:
While cruising offers excellent value, being aware of onboard expenses helps you cruise smarter and stay within budget. Research your cruise line’s specific offerings and plan ahead to maximize your experience while avoiding financial surprises.

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