What’s included in the cruise price and what is paid separately?

What is usually included in the base price

The standard cruise price almost always includes accommodation in the selected cabin, meals in the main restaurants and buffet on board, access to pools, the gym, and most evening shows and entertainment. In many companies, the base fare also includes children’s clubs. This is the foundation on which the rest of the offers are built, and it is exactly this that is usually listed in the starting price you see when searching for a cruise.

Fare packages: from basic to premium

Each cruise company offers several fare levels, and the names differ from line to line. The simplest option usually includes only accommodation and meals, while higher tiers gradually add drinks, Wi-Fi, discounts on excursions or spa services, and sometimes enhanced service in the cabin. Before booking, it’s worth reading carefully what exactly is included in the chosen fare on the specific company’s website, because the same package name on different lines may mean a different set of services.

Drinks

Water, tea, and coffee in the main restaurants are usually included in the base price. Alcohol, freshly squeezed juices, soft drinks, and drinks in bars are mostly paid separately unless you purchase a special drinks package. Such a package makes sense if you plan to order drinks regularly beyond the basic set, and it doesn’t make sense if you only drink a little: then it’s cheaper to pay for each drink separately.

Excursions at ports

Excursions at ports of call are almost always paid separately from the main cruise price, regardless of the fare. You can buy them through the cruise company in advance or onboard, or arrange them independently on shore. The first option is simpler and guarantees you return to the ship on time; the second option is often cheaper, but it requires more independent planning. The price of an organized excursion from the company is usually higher than the independent option, but it includes a guarantee: if the group is delayed on the way, the liner will wait, which won’t happen with an independent shore outing.

Tips and service charge

Most cruise companies automatically add a service charge, often referred to as tips, to each passenger’s onboard account for each day of the trip. The amount and the calculation order can always be found in the terms of the specific company before booking. If needed, the amount can be adjusted onboard by contacting guest services.

Onboard account currency

On almost all liners operating in Europe, the onboard account is kept in US dollars or euros, and it is in this currency that the card is charged at the end of the trip. For a Ukrainian traveler, this means you should check with your bank in advance the conversion conditions and the fee for payments in foreign currency. A small amount of cash in euros also won’t hurt: it will be needed in ports where cards aren’t accepted everywhere.

Other paid services on board

Wi-Fi beyond the base package, spa and hair salon services, the casino, photos taken by the ship’s photographers, premium restaurants outside the main menu, and some entertainment such as bowling or attractions on the newest liners are paid separately.

How not to overpay

Before booking, honestly assess your habits: if you don’t drink alcohol, the drinks package most likely won’t pay off. If you plan to go online actively, calculate the cost of the internet package in advance. And always read the full description of the fare, not just its name: the name rarely tells the whole story.