What's included on a cruise (and what isn't)

Always included

Your cruise fare covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room and buffet, and access to most onboard facilities. This typically includes the theatre, gym, hot tubs, pools and entertainment venues. You can attend shows, live music, comedy acts and daytime activities without paying extra.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are part of your booking, along with basic soft drinks, tea and coffee in dining areas. Kids' clubs and family activities are included if you're travelling with children. Your cabin comes with housekeeping, and you can use the lifts, corridors and public spaces freely.

Some cruise lines offer more in their base fare than others, so compare what different operators include before deciding between them.

Usually extra

Speciality restaurants on larger ships often charge per visit. These are venues beyond the main dining room, such as steakhouses, Asian fusion restaurants or fine-dining establishments. You'll pay a cover charge for each meal.

Spa treatments, beauty services and thermal suites are paid extras. Some lines offer day passes for thermal facilities; others charge per treatment. Babysitting (beyond group kids' clubs) and childcare usually costs extra.

Fitness classes like yoga or Pilates may be complimentary or charged depending on the line and class type. Premium seating in the theatre, cabin upgrades, internet access, laundry services and photo packages are all optional paid services. Some lines charge for certain activities like rock climbing walls or water slides.

Drinks packages and gratuities

Alcoholic drinks, premium soft drinks and specialty coffees are rarely included in your cruise fare. Most lines sell drinks packages that cover unlimited beverages for the duration of your trip. These vary in what they include—some cover only beer and house wine, while others add spirits and premium brands.

You can buy drinks individually or choose a package. Gratuities (tips) are usually not included in your fare. Many cruise lines add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account, typically per person per night. You can adjust or remove this before or during your cruise if you wish. Some lines suggest you tip bar staff, dining staff and cabin crew separately in cash, whilst others include gratuities in package prices.

Check what each cruise line's policy is, as practices vary across different operators.

Excursions vs independent port days

When your ship docks at a port, you have two options: book an organised shore excursion through the cruise line, or explore independently.

Excursions are guided tours, activities or transport arranged by the cruise line. They cost extra and are optional. Examples include guided city walks, snorkelling trips, cultural tours or adventure activities. The advantage is that the cruise line ensures you're back in time for departure. If you book independently, you're responsible for timing and transport, but you may find activities cheaper or more tailored to your interests.

Some ports have little to do within walking distance of the ship, making an excursion worthwhile. Others are in city centres where independent exploration works well. Read port guides and reviews before your cruise to decide which approach suits each stop.

How to compare two deals fairly

When looking at two cruise offers, list what's included in each fare. One quote might include drinks and gratuities; another might not. A lower headline price doesn't necessarily mean better value if you'll spend more on extras.

Check whether the cabin grade, itinerary, departure date and length are identical. Compare the cruise line's onboard policies—some include more amenities than others. Look at what speciality dining, beverages and services cost on each line.

Factor in gratuity policies and whether you'll want a drinks package. Consider the ship's age and facilities if that matters to you. Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises operate large modern fleets with varied amenities, whilst smaller lines like Viking River Cruises and Hurtigruten offer different experiences altogether.

Read the terms and conditions carefully. Some lines charge for items others include free. Once you've adjusted both quotes to show the true cost—including drinks, gratuities and any activities you definitely want—you can compare fairly.