Planning guide
What's included in a cruise (and what costs extra)
Fare, dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and excursions — what you really pay for on board.
ExploraGo Team· Updated September 2026
One of the most common surprises for first-time cruisers is the onboard bill. The fare covers more than a hotel does — but a lot is still extra. Here's the honest breakdown so you can budget with no surprises.
What's almost always included
- The cabin and your bed.
- Main dining room, buffet and most casual venues.
- Water, coffee, tea and juice at meals and in many venues.
- Entertainment: theatre shows, live music, some activities.
- Gym access and many sports facilities.
- Kids' clubs on family-friendly lines.
What almost always costs extra
| Extra | Typical note |
|---|---|
| Alcohol, soda, specialty coffee | Drinks packages can help |
| Specialty restaurants | A cover charge or à la carte |
| Wi-Fi / internet | Priced per day or per package |
| Gratuities / service charge | Per person, per day |
| Shore excursions | Booked per person |
| Spa, casino, some classes | Pay as you go |
| Some premium shows or activities | Varies by line |
Drinks: package or pay as you go
- If you drink several alcoholic drinks a day, a package often pays off.
- If you drink little, pay as you go is usually cheaper.
- Check what's already included — some lines include sodas or a drinks package in the fare.
Do the maths on your habits, not the marketing. A drinks package is only good value if you'll actually use it.
Wi-Fi at sea
Satellite internet on ships has improved but is rarely as fast as home. Options:
- Pay per day or buy a whole-cruise package.
- Some lines include basic Wi-Fi in certain fares.
- Use ports for free Wi-Fi and downloads to save your package.
Gratuities
Most lines add automatic gratuities per person, per day, to your account. They can usually be adjusted or removed at guest services, but they're part of the crew's pay — budget for them from the start.
Shore excursions and extras
- Ship excursions are convenient and protected (the ship waits), but pricier.
- Independent tours are often cheaper — see our comparison guide.
- Budget for specialty dining, spa and shopping if those matter to you.
A simple budget method
- Start with the fare (per person).
- Add gratuities (people × days × daily rate).
- Add a drinks estimate (package or pay-as-you-go).
- Add Wi-Fi if you need it.
- Add excursions — the biggest swing factor.
- Keep a small onboard buffer for the unexpected.
Knowing what's included turns a stressful bill into a planned expense.