What is Included in a Cruise? And, What’s Not Included?

Recently, I was chatting with someone who’s never been on a cruise, and they asked, “What’s included in a cruise ship vacation?” I was initially surprised by the question—doesn’t everyone know what a cruise includes? But then, I realized it’s a valid question for those new to cruising.

If you’re planning your first cruise or just curious, it’s important to understand what your cruise fare covers. In this article, I’ll break down what typically comes with your cruise fare—accommodations, food, and entertainment—and highlight what is not included in a cruise ship vacation.

What is a Cruise?

A cruise is essentially a floating resort, complete with restaurants, shops, casinos, pools, and entertainment. It’s not just about sailing on the open seas—although that’s a highlight. The ship also docks at various destinations where you can explore.

What is Included on a Cruise?

Accommodations | Cabin

The cruise fare covers your stay in one of the ship’s cabins. This fare includes the room and onboard facilities. Still, it does not cover airfare, ground transportation, most beverages (including soft and alcoholic drinks, though some cruises may include these), or shore excursions.

Cabin Types and What They Include

• Inside Cabins: These are the most budget-friendly options, compact with no windows or balconies. They’re perfect for those who plan to spend most of their time enjoying the ship’s amenities.
• Oceanview Cabins: Slightly larger than inside cabins, these feature a window to let in natural light. Located on the lower decks, they offer a glimpse of the ocean and destinations.
• Balcony Cabins: A favorite choice for many cruisers, these cabins provide a private balcony, usually furnished with a couple of chairs and a small table. These are ideal for those who appreciate private outdoor space to enjoy the sea breeze.
• Suites: For those looking for a luxurious experience, suites offer substantial space, often including separate living areas, larger bathrooms, and extended balconies. Some suites also offer exclusive perks like butler service, access to private lounges, and dedicated restaurants.

Dining | Food

Meals are a big part of the cruise experience, and you’ll be pleased to know that most dining options are included in your cruise fare. Here’s what you can expect:

Dining Options

• The Buffet: Open from morning till night, the buffet offers a range of dishes from basic American to international cuisines. It’s perfect for those who like variety or are looking for a quick meal. Watch for themed nights, like Mexican or Italian, which add a fun twist to the dining experience.
• The Main Dining Room: For a more elegant meal, the main dining room serves a rotating menu of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. The atmosphere and service here mimic high-end restaurants, making each dinner feel special.
• Other Complimentary Dining Options: Depending on the cruise line and cruise ship, other dining venues on the ship might be included in your fare. These could include cafes, grills, or even pubs that offer complimentary snacks or meals.
• 24-Hour Room Service: While the food ordered from room service is included in your cruise fare, most cruise lines will charge a delivery surcharge. This means you can enjoy a variety of menu items any time of the day, right to your cabin, with just a small additional cost for convenience.

Your cruise fare covers regular coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and fountain juices, allowing you to enjoy these basic refreshments throughout your journey without extra charges unless stated otherwise. Some cruise lines may also include soft drinks as part of the package.

Entertainment | Activities

Cruising is more than just traveling between destinations—it’s like having a mini-city at sea, packed with things to do for everyone. When you book your cruise, many of the entertainment options are already included in the price, which is great because you can enjoy yourself without worrying about extra costs.

Daytime Activities

You can spend your days chilling on the deck soaking up the sun or taking a dip in the pool—perfect for those hot days in the Caribbean. Fancy some fun? There’s always something happening, whether it’s trivia, bingo, arts and crafts, or even dance and cooking classes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hit up the sports courts, tackle a rope course, try mini-golf, or zip down a waterslide?

Evening Entertainment

When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop. The ship transforms into a nighttime hotspot. You can catch a Broadway-style show like Beetlejuice on the Norwegian Viva, play games in the casino, dance, or enjoy a movie or bowling. There’s always plenty to keep you entertained until bedtime.

Planning Your Fun

It’s good to check out what each ship offers because it can vary. Once you’re on board, you might want to book some activities in advance, especially the popular ones. Every night, you’ll get a rundown of the next day’s schedule to see what’s free and might cost a little extra.

It’s All About What You Want

Remember, it’s your vacation, so you can do as much or as little as you like. The crew is there to ensure you’re having a good time, but if you only want to relax quietly on your balcony, that’s fine, too. Whatever you choose to do, cruising gives you the freedom to make your vacation exactly what you want it to be.

Kids Clubs

Did you know that your cruise fare includes access to kids’ clubs? That’s right! Many new cruisers are often surprised that most ships offer designated areas where children can play and be supervised, allowing parents to enjoy some well-deserved adult time.

• Age-Specific Activities: Kids clubs are organized by age group, ensuring that activities are age-appropriate and engaging for everyone, from toddlers to teens. Each club tailors its programs to suit its attendees’ interests and energy levels, from arts and crafts for the little ones to more sophisticated games and competitions for older kids.
• Registration Tips: Space in these clubs can be limited, so it’s a good idea to sign up your children as soon as you board the ship. This way, you can ensure they won’t miss out on any fun.
• Additional Costs to Consider: While kid’s clubs are included during regular hours, remember that there might be an extra charge if you need childcare services outside these times, like during late evenings if you plan to catch a dinner show or spend a night out on the ship.

The Gym

Keeping fit while on vacation? Absolutely! The gym is included in your cruise fare, so you can maintain your workout routine or even start a new one while you’re away from home. And here’s the best part: while jogging on the treadmill or lifting weights, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning ocean views imaginable.

Transportation and Port Fees

Technically, your cruise fare includes transportation from one amazing destination to another, allowing you to hop between stops effortlessly. Think of the cruise ship as your moving hotel, transporting you from one exciting destination to another without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Just relax and let the captain steer the ship.

Port fees are also part of your overall cost. These fees cover the charges levied by each port we visit, and they are essential for the services and infrastructure that make our time in port possible.

Not Included in the Cruise Fare

Even though your cruise fare doesn’t cover everything, that doesn’t mean your trip will be anything short of fantastic. The basics included in your fare are substantial. Still, if you’re the type who likes to sprinkle a little extra luxury into your vacation, there are plenty of options for you to personalize your experience.

Cruise Gratuities

Cruise gratuities are not included in your initial cruise fare and are typically added to your onboard account, though you can pay them before your cruise. When I book a cruise, I always have them add the gratuities to the reservation, so I’m not surprised later on.

Occasionally, you might find promotions that include gratuities, but this is rare. Higher-end cruise lines sometimes incorporate gratuities into the fare when you book.

We also like to tip extra for exceptional service during our cruise. The crew works tirelessly without any days off, and we appreciate their hard work.

Specialty Restaurants

Many cruise lines offer specialty restaurants where you can enjoy a more intimate and upscale dining experience for an additional charge. These dining spots range from sushi bars to teppanyaki grills, offering a potentially higher quality meal than you might find in the main dining areas. The difference in food quality can vary, but it’s usually a treat worth considering.

Watch for promotions that might include a night or two at these specialty restaurants when you book your cruise. This can be a great way to enjoy a luxury dining experience without the full extra cost.

So, while certain luxuries incur additional costs, the included amenities are usually more than enough to make your cruise enjoyable and satisfying. You decide what extras are worth it for your vacation.

Drinks NOT Included

While basics like iced tea, regular coffee, and juices at the buffet are typically included on your cruise, you’ll find that most other drinks are not. You’ll need to pay extra for things like soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, mocktails, and alcoholic beverages.

Drink Packages and Promotions: For soda lovers, a daily package typically costs between $8 and $10 plus gratuities and offers unlimited refills. For alcohol, evaluate whether an all-you-can-drink beverage package is cost-effective based on your drinking habits, as alcoholic drinks start at around $8+ each. Keep an eye out for cruise promotions that may include drink packages when you book.

Wi-Fi

Suppose you want to stay connected to the internet or text messages while on your cruise; you must purchase a Wi-Fi package. The majority of the cruise lines offer Wi-Fi at an extra cost. There are usually different levels of Wi-Fi service available, with varying speeds. Generally, the faster the speed, the higher the package cost.

Special Activities and Shows

While many activities and entertainment options on cruise ships are included in your fare, some special activities and shows charge an extra fee. These include exciting options like go-karts, ice skating, zip lining, and laser tag.

Some dinner shows, especially those that include a dinner, such as Le Petite Chef on Celebrity or Runaway Railway on Royal Caribbean, also require an additional payment. These experiences are usually worth the extra cost for the unique entertainment and meals they provide.

Gym Classes

While the gym is usually included in your cruise fare, some classes have an additional charge. Onboard, you can find a variety of fitness classes like spinning, yoga, and personal training sessions. These classes are perfect for keeping up with your workout routine or trying something new at sea. If you’re interested in any of these classes, check the schedule and sign up early, as spots can fill up quickly!

Spa Services

The spa isn’t included in your cruise fare, but it’s worth checking out for fantastic treatments. Many take advantage of sea days to indulge in massages, facials, and other relaxing services.

Some ships offer access to a thermal spa in addition to individual treatments. This area typically includes saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, providing a quiet space to unwind. Access to the thermal spa usually comes at an extra cost, but it can be a wonderful way to enhance your cruise experience.

Keep an eye out for special discounts on treatments and thermal spa access, often offered on certain days.

Casino

The casino on cruise ships offers plenty of excitement. It’s free to enter and watch the action, but playing the games will cost you. The casino usually features everything from poker and blackjack to slots and roulette.

While some might say you can’t win big on a cruise ship, we’ve seen a few jackpots hit during our cruises. So, who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and take home a win!

Onboard Purchases

Cruise ships always have shops on board, offering a variety of items from souvenirs to jewelry. While you can find many things to buy during your cruise, keep in mind that prices are often marked up compared to what you might pay at port.

It’s usually better to wait until you’re in port to make purchases. However, if you find something you love and can’t live without, go ahead and treat yourself. Purchases made on the ship will be charged to your cruise account. You can settle this account with cash or charge it to your credit card.

Shore Excursions

On mainstream cruise lines, shore excursions are optional and cost extra. You can book these through the cruise line or independently. We often choose to book our own excursions because they are more affordable and allow us to explore the port at our own pace. Alternatively, you can explore each port independently without booking excursions.

For those sailing on luxury cruise lines, shore excursions are sometimes included in your fare. If they are, sign up for them when you board the ship.

Airfare and Hotel

Unless you book an air/sea package with a cruise agent, airfare is not included in your cruise fare. It’s your responsibility to arrange transportation to the departure port on embarkation day, so the cost of your flight or any other transportation is additional. This is an important part of preparing for your cruise.

We always recommend flying into the port city the day before your cruise ship departure to avoid any flight delays that could cause you to miss embarkation. In this case, you’ll also need to book a hotel for the night, as this is not included either.

Sometimes, if the departure port city is a destination we’d love to explore, we’ll arrive a few days earlier. This allows us to enjoy the city before our cruise begins. The choice is yours.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• How to Get Ready for a Cruise
• Cruise Hacks to Save Money
• Cruise Essentials List: What to Pack