How much does a cruise really cost?

The advertised cabin fare is typically 40-60% of the total trip cost. Add gratuities ($16-20/person/day), excursions ($50-200/port/person), drink packages ($60-100/person/day), specialty dining ($30-80/meal), internet ($15-20/day), and travel to/from the port. A 7-night cruise advertised at $1,000/person often costs $2,000-3,000 total per person.

What costs are included in a cruise fare?

Your cabin fare includes accommodation, main dining room meals, buffet, room service (basic), entertainment shows, pools, fitness center, and kids clubs. NOT included: gratuities, specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, casino, internet, and photos.

Cruise Budget Calculator

The cabin price is just the beginning. Estimate your real total cruise cost — excursions, drinks, dining, gratuities, travel, and all the extras.

Trip Details

Number of Guests Cruise Length (nights) Number of Port Days

Cabin & Fees

Cabin fare (total, all guests)The advertised cruise price for your booking

Taxes & port feesUsually $100-200/person on a 7-night cruise

Gratuities / service charges$16-20/person/day (auto-charged on most lines)

Shore Excursions

Excursion budget (total, all guests)$50-200/person/port is typical. Beach days can be $0-30.

Beverages

Drink package or bar tab (total)Deluxe packages run $60-100/person/day. Use our Drink Calculator for precise numbers.

Specialty Dining

Specialty restaurant budget (total)$30-80/person/meal at most specialty venues

Internet & Communication

WiFi package (total)$15-20/day/device. Some lines offer family plans.

Travel To/From Port

Flights (total, all guests)Round-trip airfare to cruise port city

Hotel (pre/post cruise)We recommend arriving the day before sailing

Parking / transfers / Uber

Extras

Spa / salon

Shopping / souvenirs

Casino

Photos / other

Your Cruise Budget Breakdown

Estimated Total $0