The hidden costs of cruising and how to plan for them

Knowing about these hidden costs in advance can help you plan effectively and ensure you get the most out of your cruise. Here’s a guide to help you stay ahead of the game.

Are drink packages worth it?

One of the most common financial surprises for cruise passengers is the cost of drinks. Most mainstream cruise lines do not include alcohol, soda, specialty coffee or bottled water in their base fare. Instead, they offer beverage packages, allowing unlimited consumption of certain drinks for a daily fee. For example:

• Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package: £63–£89 per person per day
• Carnival’s Cheers! Package: from £63 per person per day
• MSC Cruises’ Easy Plus Package: from £49 per 24 hours
• Princess Cruises’ Plus Beverage Package: £50 per day.

With these prices, a week-long cruise can suddenly cost hundreds of pounds more per person; a significant increase, especially for groups. While drink packages offer convenience, they’re not always the most cost-effective option. If you’re a light or moderate drinker, purchasing beverages individually may be cheaper. For non-alcoholic preferences, soda or coffee packages (typically £10–£20 per day) may be a better alternative.

To stay within budget, estimate your anticipated daily drink consumption, check for promotional deals and review your cruise line’s policy on bringing personal beverages onboard.

Specialty dining: Is it worth the splurge?

While most cruises offer complimentary meals in main dining rooms and buffets, speciality restaurants come at an extra cost. High-end venues featuring top chefs and gourmet menus can be a tempting splurge.

Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to pay per meal:

• Royal Caribbean: £35–£80 per person
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Steakhouse Dinner: from £40 per person
• Norwegian Cruise Line: £31–£45 per person
• Disney Cruise Line: £39 per person
• Celebrity Cruises: £23–£100 per person

While speciality dining enhances the cruise experience, the included options are often excellent and cost nothing extra. If you’re eager to try gourmet dining, purchasing a dining package can save money on multiple meals. Alternatively, setting aside £100–£200 per person for a couple of standout meals lets you indulge without overspending. 

You can also look out for promotional offers – some cruise lines provide complimentary speciality dining on occasions like Black Friday deals. Some cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages, include dining at all restaurants in the base fare.

Wi-Fi and internet packages

Staying connected at sea is often an overlooked cost, especially since land-based vacations usually offer free Wi-Fi. Cruise ships rely on satellite internet, making onboard connectivity an expensive luxury.

Here’s a typical breakdown of internet costs per day:

• Royal Caribbean (VOOM Surf & Stream): from £12 per device
• Carnival Cruise Line (Social Plan): from £14 per device
• Norwegian Cruise Line: from £23 per device
• P&O Cruises: from £14 per day

The above prices are for the basic packages that usually only cover things like browsing and social media. If you want to stream music or videos, you’ll need an upgraded package that costs even more. 

To save money, consider using free Wi-Fi at port stops if internet access isn’t a daily necessity. Booking an internet package in advance may also reduce costs. Some cruise lines offer limited free Wi-Fi for loyalty program members or have more affordable pay-per-minute options for light users.

Gratuities and service charges

While a growing number of cruise lines now include gratuities in their base fares, some still don’t. Gratuities can add up to £15 per person per day for cabins and up to £19 for suites.

In addition, some cruise lines add a service charge of 15-20 per cent on onboard purchases like drinks, spa treatments and speciality meals. 

For more information, read our ultimate guide to cruise line gratuities.

Spa treatments

For many, a cruise spa treatment is a must-have indulgence, but it comes at a premium. This is what you can expect to pay for a 50-minute massage:

• Royal Caribbean: from £97
• Carnival Cruise Line: from £81
• Norwegian Cruise Line: from £131
• Disney Cruise Line from £114

Since cruise spa services are significantly pricier than similar treatments on land, consider booking during port days, when demand is lower and discounts of 10–30% may apply.

Laundry

Laundry is another hidden cost, especially on longer cruises. Cruise lines usually charge per item or bag for professional laundry services, which can add up quickly. Here are some examples of prices charged by cruise lines:

• Royal Caribbean: Prices from £27 per bag
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Laundry service starts at £29.95
• Carnival Cruise Line: Self-service laundromats from £3 per load (detergent not included); professional laundry from £12 per bag

For shorter cruises, packing enough clothes to last the entire trip is the easiest way to avoid these costs. For longer voyages, consider bringing a small travel detergent for sink washing or using self-service laundromats where available. Some cruise lines offer mid-cruise laundry discounts, so check for special deals.

How to budget for hidden costs

Cruising is an amazing way to explore the world, but the extras can quickly drain your wallet. Planning ahead and knowing what to expect will help you enjoy your trip without financial surprises.

• Pre-purchase discounts: Many cruise lines offer lower rates on drink, dining, internet and spa packages if booked in advance
• Look for promotions: Black Friday deals, loyalty perks, and onboard credit offers can significantly reduce costs
• Set a spending limit: Allocate a fixed budget for speciality experiences and stick to it
• Use free alternatives: Take advantage of port Wi-Fi, bring your own laundry supplies and enjoy the complimentary dining options
• Check cruise policies: Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring limited amounts of wine, soda or snacks, reducing onboard expenses

Upgrading to a higher-tier cabin or suite can also make a big difference. Larger rooms, private balconies and concierge services add comfort and exclusivity, turning your stateroom into a true retreat. Some suites even come with private lounge access, priority embarkation and personalised service.

Entertainment and activities are another area where splurging pays off. VIP seating for shows, behind-the-scenes ship tours or premium beverage packages can elevate your onboard fun. Some cruises even offer exclusive experiences like wine tastings, mixology classes or private excursions that provide a deeper connection to your destinations.

Ultimately, a cruise is a vacation – why not make it as enjoyable as possible? Investing in extra onboard services ensures that you’re pampered, relaxed and making the most of your time at sea. After all, you deserve it!

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