Thinking about booking a cruise but not sure whatâs actually included in the price? You’re not alone. One of the best parts of cruising is how much value you get for the fareâbut there are still some things youâll want to budget for.
Letâs break it down based on my real experiences aboard Royal Caribbean, Princess, and MSC Cruises.
đ˝ď¸ Whatâs Included in a Cruise Fare?
The good news? Almost everything. Meals, snacks, shows, room service (in many cases), and most onboard activities are already part of your fare. Whether you’re craving a steak dinner or a late-night pizza, you can enjoy it without worrying about the bill.
For me, the biggest luxury was ordering any dessert I wantedâwithout thinking twice about the price. It truly felt like all-inclusive freedom.
đš Drink Packages â Worth It?
This is where things get personal. Drink packages arenât free, but can be worth it depending on your drinking habits.
On my Royal Caribbean cruise, I skipped the alcohol package. Why? It only makes sense if you drink at least 6â7 alcoholic beverages per day, and I didnât. Instead, I bought the soda package and carried around my refillable tumbler, which worked perfectly for me.
However, I did buy the full drink package on Princess Cruises. Why? Because drinks could be delivered anywhere on the shipâeven to my lounge chair or roomâ24/7. That convenience was a game changer.
đ Tip: Buy drink packages before boarding to get discounts.
đ Wi-Fi â Is It Really Necessary?
Letâs be honestâgoing completely offline can be relaxing, but I personally found cruise Wi-Fi essential. Iâve used internet on Royal Caribbean and Princess and had no issues watching YouTube or using messaging apps.
But with MSC Cruises, the basic package wasnât enough for streaming. If youâre someone who wants to watch YouTube or TikTok, be prepared to pay for the upgraded plan.
Keep in mind: one internet package = one device at a time. So plan accordingly.
đ° Whatâs Not Included?
- Wi-Fi â Optional, and comes with a fee
- Gratuities â Usually added daily; you can prepay before boarding
- Excursions â Not included, but worth budgeting for
- Alcohol/Specialty Drinks â Not part of the base fare
I highly recommend prepaying gratuities. Once onboard, you wonât have to think about tipping at every meal or serviceâitâs already handled.
đ Excursions: Book with the Ship or Not?
Cruise-sponsored excursions are safe and guarantee that youâll return to the ship on time. That peace of mind is priceless.
That said, local excursions booked on your own are often cheaper and more personalizedâbut riskier. Iâll write a full post about my experiences soon!
⨠Final Thoughts
If youâre new to cruising, just know that your fare covers more than you might expect. Think of it as a floating resortâmeals, entertainment, and daily fun included.
But Wi-Fi, excursions, and drink packages? Those are personal choices. Consider your habits and make the best call for your budget and lifestyle.
đŁ Want more cruise tips?
Check out my popular post: đłď¸ 11 First-Time Cruise Tips You Shouldnât Miss!