Hidden Costs of Cruising: How to Save Money and Avoid Unexpected Expenses
Cruising offers a relaxing way to explore the world while enjoying onboard amenities and entertainment, but the upfront fare doesn’t always tell the full story. Many travelers are caught off guard by hidden costs that can quickly add up. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common hidden charges and provide tips to help you save money and stay within your travel budget.
1. Gratuities and Service Fees
Daily gratuities are automatically charged by most cruise lines, ranging between $15 to $20 per person, per day. These fees are shared among crew members, including room stewards and restaurant staff. A family of four could spend an additional $420 on gratuities for a week-long cruise.
How to prepare and save:
Keep an eye out for holiday promotions or sales that offer free or discounted gratuities.
You don’t need to prepay gratuities when booking; you can pay closer to your sailing date or onboard, giving you time to look for discounts.
If you book far in advance, you may catch a promotion closer to your sail date offering free gratuities. In such cases, contact the cruise line to adjust your package.
2. Specialty Dining and Beverage Packages
While main dining rooms and buffets are usually included, specialty restaurants can charge between $20 and $100 per person, adding up quickly if you want a more exclusive dining experience. Beverage packages are also a significant expense, typically costing $50–$100 per person, per day. However, if one adult in the cabin opts for a drink package, all adults must purchase one, even if others don’t plan to drink alcohol.
How to prepare and save:
Do the math: If only one adult in your cabin enjoys drinking, it might be more affordable to pay for drinks individually rather than purchasing two full beverage packages.
Watch for onboard drink specials or look for cruises that offer complimentary drink packages during sales events.
If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages like soda or specialty coffee, consider a soft drinks package instead of full drink packages.
3. Shore Excursions
Cruise lines offer a wide range of excursions, but these often come at a steep price. Standard excursions can cost $50–$150 per person, while more adventurous activities such as scuba diving or zip-lining can exceed $300 per person. For families or groups, the cost can escalate quickly.
How to prepare and save:
Viator and other third-party providers often offer similar tours at lower prices. This can save hundreds of dollars for families or groups traveling together.
If booking independently, remember you are responsible for returning to the ship on time. The ship won’t wait for late arrivals unless the excursion is booked through the cruise line.
In ports with easy access to town, you can explore on your own without booking an excursion, which can be a fun and cost-effective alternative.
Royal Caribbean App
4. Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Wi-Fi on most cruise lines isn’t included in the fare and can cost between $10 and $25 per day. Many cruise lines offer limited internet packages that restrict access to certain apps or slow speeds for streaming, with higher charges for full browsing capabilities.
How to prepare and save:
If your cell phone plan doesn’t include international data, you may face additional roaming charges. Keep your phone on airplane mode when in foreign ports to avoid surprise fees.
We recommend using the Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan that includes unlimited international data - use code: UK9AC6 to get $60 off your plan.
Consider using a 5G hotspot device like the Simo Solis, which allows you and your family to connect to high-speed internet in port without incurring mobile carrier fees. Use code FTSOLIS to get 15% off your hotspot!
Pre-purchase Wi-Fi packages before the cruise to take advantage of discounts and avoid paying more onboard.
5. Port Fees and Taxes
Many cruise advertisements exclude port fees and taxes from the fare, which are added later during booking or invoiced separately. Depending on the length of the cruise and the destinations visited, these charges can add $100–$300 per person to your total.
How to prepare and save:
Carefully review the breakdown of your booking to understand how much of the fare includes taxes and fees.
Be mindful that cruises with more ports of call typically have higher fees, so if you’re on a budget, consider itineraries with fewer stops.
Virgin Voyages Thermal Suite
6. Spa Treatments and Fitness Classes
Spa services on cruise ships can be luxurious but costly, with treatments like massages and facials ranging from $100 to $300 per session. Fitness classes, such as yoga or spin, often carry additional fees, typically $10–$25 per class.
How to prepare and save:
Book spa treatments on port days for discounts, as fewer passengers use the facilities while the ship is docked.
Some cruise lines also offer loyalty program discounts for returning guests or those who achieve a certain membership level.
Look for spa package deals that bundle treatments for a lower price or include access to exclusive wellness areas.
7. Laundry Services and Convenience Items
Onboard laundry services can be expensive, with individual items costing $2–$5 each and full-bag services running $30 to $50. Additionally, onboard shops carry convenience items like sunscreen or over-the-counter medicine, but these can be marked up by 50–100% compared to standard retail prices.
How to prepare and save:
Some ships offer a “fill-the-bag” laundry special towards the end of the cruise, which is often a more affordable way to have your clothes washed.
If you’re visiting a popular port, local shops may sell convenience items at lower prices, though language barriers can make shopping challenging.
Bring a small supply of travel detergent to hand-wash clothes in your cabin and avoid high laundry fees.
8. Medical Services
Cruise ships have onboard medical centers, but consultations and treatments can be costly, with fees ranging from $100 to $200 per visit. In severe cases, emergency evacuation may be required, costing upwards of $50,000.
How to prepare and save:
Purchase travel insurance from a third-party provider rather than the cruise line. It is usually cheaper and provides broader coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and evacuations.
Make sure the insurance policy includes emergency evacuation coverage, especially for itineraries visiting remote destinations.
Pack a small first-aid kit with essential medications to avoid paying marked-up prices onboard for basic items like pain relievers or band-aids.
Conclusion
Cruising offers great value, but being aware of the hidden costs can help you budget more effectively and avoid unpleasant surprises. From gratuities to excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, understanding where your money goes ensures that you won’t be caught off guard. By planning ahead, keeping an eye out for sales and discounts, and bringing essential items from home, you can reduce extra expenses and make the most of your cruise experience.
