Plan your journey: Helpful guides
What is included in a cruise?
A cruise fare combines several parts of a holiday, usually including accommodation, transport between ports, meals and entertainment. However, inclusions vary widely between cruise lines, fare types and ships.
Understanding what is included in a cruise—and what you may have to pay extra for—makes it easier to compare value and prepare a realistic budget.
Your accommodation and transport
Your cabin is included for the duration of the cruise, along with regular servicing. The fare also covers the ship’s journey between the ports listed in the itinerary.
Flights, transfers, hotels and transport to the cruise terminal are not usually included unless they form part of a package. Port calls can change for weather, safety or operational reasons, so an itinerary is not a guarantee that every destination will be visited.
Are meals included in a cruise price?
Main dining rooms, buffets and selected casual venues are commonly included. The available restaurants and opening hours depend on the ship.
Specialty dining, premium dishes, room service and certain snacks may attract a charge. Luxury and upper-premium fares may include more dining venues. If food is an important part of your holiday, compare the included options rather than simply counting the total number of restaurants onboard.
Advise the cruise line of allergies or dietary requirements before travel and discuss them with dining staff onboard.
Entertainment and activities
Many shows, live music, pools, fitness facilities, trivia and children’s programs are commonly included. Some ships also include lectures, demonstrations or sports activities.
Premium attractions, arcade games, classes, bingo, casino play, spa services and personal training may cost extra. Even on activity-rich ships, you can enjoy the cruise without purchasing every add-on.
Do cruise fares include drinks?
Basic water, tea, coffee and selected drinks may be included in certain venues. Soft drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water and alcohol are often extra unless your fare or package includes them.
Drinks packages have conditions, exclusions and sometimes purchase requirements for other guests in the same cabin. Calculate whether a package suits your normal consumption rather than assuming it automatically saves money.
Are tips and gratuities included?
Gratuity policies vary. They may be included in the advertised fare, added as a daily service charge or handled according to the cruise line’s guidance. Additional service charges can apply to drinks, dining and spa purchases.
Ask for the policy that applies to your specific booking and market. Do not rely on advice written for another country or fare type.
What else costs extra on a cruise?
Common additional expenses can include shore excursions, Wi-Fi, shopping, photos, laundry, medical treatment, spa services and travel insurance. Visas and destination entry charges may also apply.
Some cruise lines include many of these items in premium or all-inclusive fares. A higher fare may represent better value if it covers services you would otherwise purchase separately.
Compare the complete holiday cost
When comparing cruises, list the experiences you realistically expect to buy. Add packages, gratuities, excursions, transport and insurance to the headline fare.
A CLIA specialist travel agent can explain inclusions and identify differences between fare options. The best value is not always the lowest starting price—it is the fare that includes the things you care about without charging you for benefits you will not use.
