Food, Drinks & What's Included
Know what's covered in your cruise fare - and what might cost extra
Know what's covered in your cruise fare - and what might cost extra
Cruise vacations are often described as a great value because so much is included in your fare. But what exactly does that mean? And do you really need to purchase a drink package or specialty dining? Let's break it down!
One of the nice things about cruising is that you don't have to pay separately for every meal or activity. Your cruise fare typically includes several things you'll enjoy throughout your vacation.
Main Dining Room
The main dining room offers sit-down meals for breakfast, lunch on select days, and dinner, depending on the cruise line and schedule. You'll usually find a menu with several choices, and dinner can be a fun part of the cruise experience.
Buffet and Casual Dining
Most cruise ships offer a buffet where you can enjoy a variety of foods throughout the day. Many ships also have casual dining options, such as pizza, burgers, sandwiches, or other quick bites. The specific choices and hours vary by ship.
Entertainment and Activities
Your cruise fare generally includes many onboard activities and entertainment options, such as theater shows, live music, trivia, pool areas, and other scheduled events. What's offered depends on the ship and cruise line.
Your Cabin and Ship Facilities
Your fare includes your cabin for the duration of the cruise, along with access to many of the ship's public areas and facilities. Depending on the ship, these may include pools, hot tubs, fitness facilities, and outdoor recreation areas.
Transportation Between Destinations
One of the unique benefits of cruising is that your ship takes you from one destination to the next while your cabin travels with you. You can unpack once and wake up somewhere new!
This is where it's important to understand what's included in your particular cruise fare. Some experiences and services may come with an additional charge.
Specialty Restaurants
Many ships offer specialty restaurants featuring options such as steakhouses, Italian cuisine, sushi, or other dining experiences. These may have an extra charge, although some cruise fares and promotions include specialty dining.
Alcoholic Drinks and Other Beverages
Beer, wine, cocktails, and certain specialty coffees, bottled waters, or other drinks may cost extra. Some cruise lines include selected beverages in the fare, while others offer beverage packages or promotions. I will help you check exactly which drinks are included before deciding whether a package makes sense.
Gratuities
Daily gratuities or service charges may be included in your fare, prepaid, or added to your onboard account. Policies vary by cruise line and booking.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Internet access often costs extra unless it's included in your fare or a promotion. If you plan to stay connected, compare the available plans and consider how much internet access you'll actually use.
Shore Excursions
Tours and activities in port are generally an additional expense, unless they're included in your particular cruise package. You can often choose between cruise-line excursions and independent tours, depending on the destination and your comfort level with arranging transportation and timing.
Spa Treatments, Shopping, and Other Extras
Spa services, salon appointments, casino play, souvenirs, some fitness classes, and certain onboard activities may cost extra. The details vary from ship to ship.
Not necessarily! A drink package can be convenient, but it isn't automatically the best value for everyone.
Before purchasing one, consider:
How many drinks you realistically expect to have each day
Which beverages are included in the package
Whether your cruise fare already includes a beverage benefit
Whether gratuities or other charges are added to the package price
If you enjoy a few drinks occasionally, paying as you go may cost less. If you prefer having a variety of beverages throughout the day and don't want to think about individual prices, a package may be worth considering.
My advice? Do the math before you buy. Package prices, rules, and included beverages vary, so compare the actual cost and benefits for your sailing.
That depends on what you enjoy! The main dining room and buffet offer plenty of choices on many ships, so you can have a wonderful cruise without ever booking a specialty restaurant.
Specialty dining can be a nice treat if you enjoy trying different cuisines, celebrating a special occasion, or experiencing something beyond the regular dining options. Just remember to check whether the restaurant has an additional charge or is included in your fare.
This is one reason it's worth comparing the details before you book!
One cruise fare might include a beverage package, Wi-Fi, gratuities, onboard credit, or other benefits, while another may have a lower starting price but charge separately for some of those extras.
The lowest advertised fare isn't always the best overall value. What matters is the total cost and what you'll receive for your money.
Inclusions can also vary by cruise line, ship, itinerary, cabin category, promotion, and booking type. Always check the terms of the specific offer before making your decision.
A little planning before you sail can help avoid surprises on your onboard account.
Know what's included. Review your cruise confirmation and the details of your fare.
Set a budget for extras. Think about drinks, excursions, souvenirs, and specialty dining.
Compare packages carefully. Don't pay for benefits you may not use.
Check your onboard account. Many cruise lines let you review your charges through their app or at guest services.
Ask questions before booking. Understanding the inclusions upfront makes it easier to compare cruise options fairly.
One of the best parts of cruising is having so many opportunities to eat, relax, explore, and be entertained without planning every detail of your vacation yourself.
The trick is understanding what's included in your fare and choosing any extras that genuinely add value to your trip.
Every cruise line and sailing is different, and that's where comparing the details can really help. Have questions about what's included on a particular cruise? I'd be happy to help you sort through the options!