What is Typically Included in Your Cruise Fare and What is Not

Planning a cruise vacation involves understanding what you get for the price you pay. While cruises can offer excellent value, knowing what’s included in your fare and what comes at an extra cost is crucial for budgeting effectively. This guide will help you navigate the inclusions and exclusions in a typical cruise fare, ensuring you make the most of your oceanic adventure.

What’s Typically Included in Your Cruise Fare

Accommodations

Your cruise fare generally includes your stateroom, whether you choose an interior room, an ocean-view cabin, a balcony room, or a suite. The cost of your room will vary based on its size, location, and amenities.

Meals

Most cruises offer a variety of dining options included in the fare:

Main Dining Rooms: These are typically formal dining areas where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Buffet Restaurants: Casual dining options with a wide range of food choices.
Room Service: Some cruise lines offer complimentary room service, although there might be a small fee for late-night orders.

Entertainment

Cruise ships are known for their extensive entertainment options, most of which are included in the fare:

Live Shows: Broadway-style productions, comedy shows, and live music are common.
Movies: Many ships have movie theaters or poolside screens.
Onboard Activities: Activities like trivia, karaoke, and dance classes are usually free.

Use of Ship Facilities

Your fare typically includes access to various ship facilities:

Pools and Hot Tubs: Most ships have multiple pools and hot tubs available for guest use.
Fitness Centers: Fully equipped gyms and sometimes even fitness classes are included.
Kids’ Clubs: Supervised programs for children and teens.

Basic Beverages

While premium beverages usually cost extra, basic drinks are often included:

Water, Tea, and Coffee: Available throughout the day.
Juices: Typically available at breakfast.

What’s Not Included in Your Cruise Fare

Specialty Dining

While main dining rooms and buffets are included, specialty restaurants often come with an additional charge. These can range from steakhouses to sushi bars and offer a more intimate dining experience.

Alcoholic and Specialty Beverages

Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and sodas are generally not included. Many cruise lines offer beverage packages that can be purchased in advance or onboard.

Shore Excursions

Exploring ports of call is a highlight of any cruise, but these excursions are usually not included in your fare. Whether you book through the cruise line or independently, expect to pay extra for activities like sightseeing tours, snorkeling, or cultural experiences.

Spa and Salon Services

While access to the fitness center is included, spa treatments such as massages, facials, and salon services come at an additional cost.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is often not included and can be quite expensive. Many cruise lines offer various internet packages that can be purchased for the duration of your cruise.

Gratuities

Gratuities for the staff are often not included in the initial fare. Some cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your bill, while others leave it to your discretion. It’s important to budget for these additional costs.

Budgeting for Your Cruise Vacation

Understanding what is and isn’t included in your cruise fare is essential for effective budgeting. Here are some tips to help you manage your expenses:

Plan Ahead

Research your cruise line’s policies and what they include in the fare. Look into package deals for beverages, internet, and dining to see if they offer savings.

Set a Budget for Extras

Allocate a portion of your budget for shore excursions, specialty dining, and other extras. This will help you avoid overspending once you’re on the ship.

Look for Deals

Many cruise lines offer promotions that include perks like free gratuities, onboard credit, or discounted shore excursions. Keep an eye out for these deals when booking your cruise.

Use a Travel Advisor

Cruisesheet can help you find the best deals and provide insights into what each cruise line offers. They can also assist with booking and managing your trip, ensuring you get the most value for your money.

By understanding the inclusions and exclusions of your cruise fare, you can better plan and budget for a memorable and enjoyable vacation. Happy cruising!