You’re excited that you’ve found your dream cruise—and all within budget. The ship looks fantastic, and the itinerary is exactly what you want. You punch in your details, excited to finally book your vacation at sea. But wait—what’s this? Port fees, taxes, and gratuities. Wow, the price has just jumped by a few hundred dollars.
Annoyed but still determined, you shrug it off, thinking that, at least once you’re onboard, everything is covered, right? Wrong! WiFi, that’s extra. That fancy steakhouse that gets rave reviews? Extra. And even bottled water comes at a marked-up price. Now, you’re beginning to feel that the “budget-friendly” cruise is a never-ending upcharge.
Cruising looks all-inclusive, but the hidden costs add up fast. Here’s the deal: knowing what to expect means you won’t get blindsided. When you plan for these extra costs, you can enjoy your cruise without that sinking feeling every time you check your onboard account.
I’ve cruised enough—and sifted through hundreds of forum posts—to uncover a whopping 38 hidden fees that catch both first-time and seasoned cruisers off guard. Let’s dive in to help you sail smarter and spend wiser.
The Basics: What’s Covered in Your Cruise Fare?
Your cruise fare covers the basics: a cabin, main dining, select drinks (water, tea, basic coffee), most entertainment, and pools. But don’t assume everything’s included—WiFi, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, and some activities cost extra. The “all-inclusive” promise? One cruiser described cruise fares as more like “mostly included and brace yourself for upcharges.”
Surprising and Often Overlooked Pre-Cruise Costs
Cruise line websites love flashing those too-good-to-be-true prices—“$299 per person!” But here’s the catch: that’s just the starting price. The real cost? Way higher. What really gets cruisers fired up is how many extra fees only show up after you start booking.
Bottom line: Expect the actual cost of the cruise ticket to be at least double the advertised price. Here’s how the sneaky cruise lines do it.
Port fees and taxes
Advertised cruise fares don’t always include port fees, which can add hundreds per person depending on the itinerary. One cruiser ranted online, “Why am I paying extra just to dock?” Unfortunately, you typically cannot avoid them. Even cruises that offer free fares for kids still charge port fees for each passenger.
Checking the breakdown before booking prevents nasty surprises—sometimes they’re hidden in your fare, and sometimes they’re not.
Travel insurance
Cruise lines push pricey insurance at checkout, often $100+ per person. But it’s worth shopping around for travel insurance for better deals—just ensure they cover you for a cruise vacation. Insurance gives you peace of mind in case of a trip cancelation, medical expenses, or lost baggage.
Check out my top tips on snagging the best travel insurance deals for cruisers.
Airfare to the departure port
Cruising from Miami but living in New York? Remember that your cheap cruise deal doesn’t include flights. These can be just as expensive as, or even more than, the cruise ticket itself. One cruiser fumed that the “fantastic cruise deal” cost him $1,000 before boarding.
To lower flight costs to the cruise city, compare various airlines and book flights early to snag the best deals. Also, some cruise lines have deals with airlines and guaranteed arrivals for flight delays or cancellations.
Pre- or post-cruise hotel stays
Seasoned cruisers always recommend a hotel stay before and after your cruise vacation. But can you not cut costs and arrive on embarkation day? Of course, you can. I did once—never again. My early-morning flight got delayed, and I almost missed departure.
Remember, flights get canceled, weather happens, and cruise ships don’t wait. So, view the one-night hotel stay as a small price to pay to avoid a vacation disaster.
Airport or hotel transfers
Getting to and from the cruise port to your accommodation or airport is another additional cost to consider. Cruise lines offer transfers—at prices ranging between $25 and $100 per person. Sometimes, Uber or a local taxi is cheaper, but cruise transfers guarantee you won’t miss the ship.
Port parking
Driving to the port? Get ready for steep daily parking fees, often $15–$30 per day. I read online about one cruiser complaining that a week of parking costs as much as their flight. Save cash by booking off-site lots with shuttles or reserving a hotel with a stay-and-park deal.
OK, I realize they’re not “hidden” fees, but parking or hotel transfer costs are easily forgotten when booking a cruise vacation.
Cruise line booking fees
One of the most annoying hidden costs is when cruise lines add “administrative” or “service fees.” As one traveler complained, “Why am I paying extra just to book online?” Unfortunately, booking fees are unavoidable. But booking through a travel agent can sometimes score you onboard credit or perks to offset the cost.
Check out my article on other reasons to book a cruise through a travel agent.
Specialty cabin upgrades
That budget cabin looks fine—until you see the balcony cabins and suites. They really improve the cruise experience—at a hefty cost. Cabin upgrades cost hundreds of dollars more. On the plus side, you may qualify for extras, including priority boarding, a separate restaurant, bar, pool, and sun deck.
If you’re flexible, last-minute upgrade offers can be a steal.
Expedited boarding packages
Hate waiting in long embarkation lines and want to get on the ship faster? Expect to pay upward of $100 per person for priority boarding. But is it worth it? Maybe not.
Many cruisers recommend checking in online to make embarkation faster. One said they got through security and check-in in five minutes without priority. Another shared that their curb-to-board time was only 20 minutes when sailing out of Miami.
Onboard Dining and Beverages You Didn’t Budget For
You made it onboard, ready to enjoy “all-inclusive” dining—until the upcharges start rolling in. “Wait, that restaurant isn’t included, and I have to pay for soda? And then they have the cheek to slap on an 18% gratuity!” Many first-time cruisers are shocked by the actual cost of food and drinks beyond the buffet. Here’s what to watch for.
Specialty restaurants
All-inclusive dining on a cruise ship only applies to the buffet and Main Dining Room. However, other specialty dining venues charge fancy restaurant prices, ranging between $45 and $160 per person. If you want to splurge, book dining packages during the booking process.
Here’s a top tip: You can often get great deals on specialty restaurants on embarkation day. Learn more about snagging the best deals on embarkation day.
Alcohol and cocktails
A sore point with many cruisers is the extortionate prices of beers, wines, and cocktails on board. And it’s no secret this is where cruise lines make most of their money. Budget $8 to $15 per drink, depending on your tipple. And don’t forget the gratuity of 18%! Traveling as a couple? You both must buy the same beverage package.
Note: Don’t consider sneaking your own booze on board—you’ll get caught and your drinks confiscated.
In this article, learn how to avoid cruise drink package mistakes.
Soda and specialty coffees
Think sodas, lattes, and cappuccinos are included? Nope. Search online, and you’ll quickly find that a Coke costs around $4, while a decent coffee is about $6. That adds up fast! If you love fizzy drinks or fancy coffees, a package might save you money. Otherwise, stick to the free options like basic coffee, tea, juice, and water.
Bottled water
Tap water on cruise ships is free and drinkable. But want bottled water? Expect to pay $2-$3. One cruiser joked ironically, “Seriously? I have to buy water on a ship surrounded by water?!” The best solution is to bring a refillable bottle and fill it up at water stations. Another option is to pre-order a pack of bottled water at a discount.
Room service fees
Room services used to be free on most cruise ships, but now, it’s an additional charge plus gratuity. I’ve noticed that policies differ widely between cruise lines. Some lines offer complimentary breakfast room service, whereas others charge for all room deliveries. Most of the luxury cruise lines include it in the cruise fare.
Wine corkage fees
You can save money on alcohol because some cruise lines let you bring a bottle of wine on board. But to enjoy your own wine in a restaurant, you’re slapped with extra charges. One cruiser ranted, “The corkage fee is crazy! I paid $42 plus gratuity on my last cruise just to drink my own bottle of wine. With the cost of the wine and corkage fee, I’d be just as cheap ordering a bottle in the restaurant.”
Check cruise line policies; some allow bringing up to six bottles of wine, while others restrict it to one bottle per sailing.
Hidden Costs for Onboard Services and Amenities
After racking up extra charges for wining and dining onboard, the spending doesn’t stop there. More onboard services and upcharges can drain your budget faster than the anchor dropping in port.
WiFi packages
Want to stay connected onboard? Be ready to pay between $25 and $85 per day for slow, spotty internet. One cruiser shared, “I thought the internet package was a rip-off. I spent $100 on WiFi just to watch pages loading for what seemed like an eternity.”
My tip is to find WiFi hotspots when going ashore to check up on what’s going on and upload photos to social media.
Laundry services
Onboard laundry doesn’t come cheap, and a small load can add around $40 to your bill. To avoid this cost, bring travel detergent and a clothesline to wash underwear, swimsuits, and tees in the sink.
Spa treatments
That relaxing massage comes with a shocking price tag—$150+ for 50 minutes. One cruiser shared online, “I can get a full spa day at home for the prices cruise ships charge!”
Of course, cruising is all about luxury. But do you want the pampering without the premium? Look for first-day or port-day discounts.
Fitness classes
Yoga, Pilates, and spin classes are ideal for keeping fit and working off all that buffet food. But like most extras on board, they come at a price—expect to pay $15–$30 per session. Free alternatives include using the gym or jogging on deck.
Private retreats
Want to escape the onboard crowds and chaos? If so, adults-only sun decks and VIP lounges sound great—until you see the per-day price tag. But despite the extra costs, the spots tend to fill up fast. So, book early if you want some exclusivity while cruising.
Casino and bingo fees
Spending time in the cruise ship casino can severely eat into your vacation budget. But before thinking about winnings and losses, you’ll need to pay to play, plus services charges, plus gratuities. Remember, onboard casinos are notorious for the low payout rates. Set a budget or enjoy the free entertainment instead.
Entertainment and Activities You Must Pay Extra For
Cruise ships are packed with entertainment, but not everything is free. From special performances to arcade games, these fun extras can add up fast. So, find out what’s worth the splurge before you sail.
Special performances
The good news about cruise ship entertainment is that it’s mostly free. This includes spectacular Broadway-style shows, cabaret, and comedy. However, participating in some game shows or dinner theater evenings may require an extra charge. But generally, there is enough free entertainment every night to keep you occupied.
Arcade and gaming areas
Swipe your cruise card, have fun in the video arcade, and watch your money disappear. Some cruise lines have a pay-per-play system, ranging from $0.25 to $2 per game. Other ships have a daily rate, which is cheaper when booking the cruise.
Workshops and classes
Wine tastings, cooking lessons, craft workshops, and even fencing sound like fun—until you see the $30–$100 price tag. A fellow cruiser told me, “I thought activities were included, not an extra charge for a cocktail class!” Some free options exist but check prices before signing up to avoid surprises.
Escape rooms
Cruise ship escape rooms are another way to rack up charges onboard. One cruiser shared, “My family loves escape rooms, but at $120 for the four of us, we felt there was enough to do onboard to skip it.” Another added, “I’m an escape room specialist, and at $35 a pop, it seemed a reasonable price for me.”
Kids and Family Services Added to the Cruise Cost
Cruising with kids? Get ready for extra charges you didn’t see coming. Some activities are included, but late-night care, special events, and premium experiences cost extra.
Babysitting or late-night kids’ clubs
Daytime kids’ clubs are free, but after-hours care costs $10–$20 per hour. One parent complained, “I thought childcare was included—now I’m paying a babysitting fee at sea!” If you need a night out, check for discounted group sessions or plan activities during free club hours.
Teen lounges or gaming areas
Some teen clubs are free, but not all. Expect extra charges for VR games, escape rooms, or special events. Parents on Cruise Critic say they set spending limits and rules and use check-in times to control spending and keep kids safe.
Character meet-and-greets
Most young kids love Disney cruises because they get to meet and greet their favorite characters. Most sessions are free, but character experiences come at an additional cost—Royal Court Royal Tea and Olaf’s Royal Picnic.
Prepare to Pay More for Shore Excursions and Port Costs
Stepping off the ship doesn’t mean spending stops. Shore excursions, local transportation, and even basic activities can drain your budget fast. So, it’s vital to know costs beforehand so you can budget.
Here’s what catches cruisers off guard and how to save.
Cruise line-organized excursions
Who doesn’t love exploring exotic ports when cruising? Keep in mind that, although convenient, ship-sponsored tours can be overpriced. On a recent tour, I booked a shore excursion independently. However, a fellow cruiser told me they paid three times more for booking the same tour through the cruise line.
While cruise excursions offer reliability, booking directly with local operators can save you big—just watch the return time.
Private excursions
Private tours offer smaller groups and flexibility but expect to pay a premium. One traveler told me, “It was a fabulous experience, but I paid double what I expected!” Book early, compare prices, and always allow extra time to return before all-aboard time.
Activity rentals
Remember to budget for renting equipment—snorkel gear, jet skis, cabanas—to maximize your enjoyment ashore. If you can, bring your own gear to save money or book an excursion that includes gear rental.
Tipping local guides
Shore excursion prices don’t always include tips, and local guides rely on them. One cruiser shared, “I felt awkward when I realized everyone else was tipping, and I didn’t have any small bills with me. So embarrassing!”
Miscellaneous Onboard Fees that Come as a Shock
Just when you thought you’ve got the cruise upcharges worked out, more sneak in. From medical services to gratuities, photo packages, and mini-bars, cruise lines don’t miss a trick when it comes to emptying your wallet.
Gratuities
Pre-paid gratuities are automatically charged at a whopping rate of $15-$20 per person per day—a shock for first-time cruisers. Then, you get 18%-20% slapped onto individual onboard purchases. Unfortunately, there’s not much to do about it.
Can you refuse to pay gratuities onboard? Discover the answer in this article.
Photo packages
One of the biggest cruise ship rip-offs must be the photo packages. Think splashing out $24 on a photograph is a bargain? Probably not! Or what about ten photos for $160? That’s the extortionate price of keepsakes cruise lines charge.
Duty-free shopping
Those “tax-free” deals on alcohol, jewelry, and perfume aren’t always bargains. Several cruisers have commented that they can find the same items cheaper at their local store or online.” Also, you get hit with unexpected fees if you exceed duty-free limits.
Lost key card fees
OK, maybe paying $10-$20 for a cruise card replacement won’t break the bank, but it’s still an extra expense on your final bill. You also have the hassle of getting back on board or risking unauthorized charges if you lose your card.
Top tip: Keep your cruise card in a lanyard so it’s always handy.
Medical services
A simple doctor’s visit onboard can cost $100+, and meds are even pricier. One cruiser shared, “I had to pay over $500 from when I took ill onboard. Thankfully, I had travel insurance.” The best advice? Bring a small first-aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, bandages, and motion sickness medication to avoid hefty charges.
Stateroom mini-bar
That convenient in-room mini-bar comes at a heavy price if you decide to use it. One cruiser fumed, “$10 for a miniature bottle of whiskey is ridiculous. No way was I going to pay that.” I usually ask my cabin steward to empty the mini-bar on embarkation day and store my own drinks or snacks there.
Is Cruising Still Worth It? I Think So!
Despite all the additional costs, cruising is still a great way to travel and see the world. Think of these extra costs as part of the entire cruise experience—not just surprises along the way. Budget wisely, decide what’s worth the splurge, and stick to it. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy all the perks of cruising without the sticker shock.
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