How to Get the Best Cruise Prices

Wondering how much a cruise really costs? The key is knowing about all the extras that cruise lines may charge. We’ll reveal add-ons like shore excursions, beverage packages, gratuities, dining upgrades, room service, spa treatments, childcare, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. This will empower you to confidently ask the right questions -- and choose a cruise without surprise costs that blow your travel budget.

First, some good news

The cruise prices you see advertised should be more transparent than in years past.

You can thank the “Honest Pricing Law,” legislation passed in California that went into effect this summer. It requires that businesses disclose upfront all mandatory costs consumers will be expected to pay. For cruise travelers (regardless of the state in which they reside), this means that a listed cruise price should include all taxes, port fees and other mandatory charges upfront—something that wasn’t consistently the case with all cruise lines until now.

While this may mean the end of jaw-dropping $499 weeklong Caribbean cruise deals, it should save you some vacation sticker shock. Key word: some. That’s because most cruise lines don’t showcase a true “all-inclusive” pricing at point of purchase. (The exception are some luxury and river cruises, which typically bundle most everything into advertised prices.)

Bottom line: Be prepared for a diverse array of upgrades and extras that can add up to higher cruise prices quickly. Below are some that can take cruisegoers by surprise. Knowing about these upfront can help you budget accordingly.

Shore excursions

A perk of cruising: getting to sample a variety of destinations in one trip. The cruise-sponsored activities and tours in each port, however, come with an extra cost. Otherwise known as shore excursions (which can include everything from water activities to land-based tours), they can command $50 to $300 per person.

Tip:

Consider booking land tours independently ahead of your sailing. Research ports of interest and compare tour company options. Going this route can help you avoid huge tour groups and secure better deals on cruise shore excursions.

Drinks

If you plan to just drink water, tea, and coffee on your cruise, then don’t worry about being nickel-and-dimed on beverage consumption. Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and espresso-based drinks are typically outside the scope of a cruise beverage package, however, and cost extra. Ordering them a la carte gets pricey.

Tip:

Consider purchasing one of the upgraded beverage packages offered by the ship.

Gratuities

Otherwise known as “service fees” or “crew appreciation,” this is basically obligatory tipping. It can range from $12 to $25 per person, per day, depending on your stateroom category.

Tip:

Seek out a cruise line that includes these service charges in their base fares or wait for a promotion where service charges are included. Some lines also let you pre-pay gratuities to avoid sticker shock when you see the extra cruise prices after a cruise concludes.

Dining upgrades & room service

Want to sample the ship’s fancy steakhouse restaurant? It will likely cost you. Meals in specialty dining rooms or onboard restaurants are generally outside the scope of the baseline meal plan. Same goes with room service.

Tip:

Stick to the main dining room whenever possible to keep cruise prices down. Research the dining options onboard your specific ship in advance and budget for “splurge” meals.

Spa treatments

If you fancy a facial or a massage while on your vacation, the ship will inevitably feature a spa to pamper you. Just expect to pay extra for those services.

Tip:

Ask about the cruise spa discounts if you book a treatment ahead of your trip, as well as spa deals for embarkation and disembarkation days.

Special entertainment & activities

Don’t assume all diversions onboard your ship will be free. Things like golf simulators, cooking classes, bingo, escape rooms and fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, spinning) can come with surcharges that add to the price of your cruise.

Tip:

Research options aboard your specific ship ahead of time, so you can compare cruise prices and be prepared for the extra costs.

Childcare

Most cruise lines offer supervised Kids Clubs, where kids and teens can enjoy time apart from their grown-ups—for free. However, if have a kiddo younger than 3 or you’re looking for babysitting during Kids Club “off hours,” expect to pay a fee for childcare support.

Tip:

Research your ship’s Kids Club hours ahead of the sailing to gauge “date night” opportunities. If you’re not traveling with trusted family or friends to watch you kiddos, budget for babysitting.

Wi-Fi

Sorry, smartphone addicts. Staying online while at sea will cost you and will, in most cases, raise your cruise price. Internet charges vary: You might be charged by the minute or opt for daily or voyage-long packages.

Tip:

Consider your time at sea an opportunity to truly unplug. Wait until you’re in port to hop online to post, text and email. (You can usually access Wi-Fi via your service provider or at a local café.)

Travel insurance

This proves invaluable if you wind up needing it, but it can be a pricey cost to consider. (Travel insurance averages 5% to 6% of your trip cost, according to a Forbes Advisor study.)

Tip:

Don’t neglect cruise travel insurance, especially if your cruise sails during hurricane season (June-August). Heed this advice and work with a AAA travel agent to find an appropriate policy.