What's Actually Included in Your Cruise Fare
Your base cruise fare covers the essentials: your stateroom, meals in the main dining room and buffet, access to pools and most public areas, entertainment like theater shows and live music, and use of the fitness center. That's a genuinely good amount of value bundled into one price, but it's not everything.
What's typically NOT included: specialty dining beyond the main dining room and buffet, alcoholic drinks and often specialty non-alcoholic drinks (soda, premium coffee), gratuities (unless bundled into your specific fare), Wi-Fi, spa services, shore excursions, and casino play. These add-ons are where a lot of cruisers get surprised by a bigger-than-expected onboard bill.
Luxury cruise lines often flip this model, bundling more of these extras into a higher base fare - which is worth factoring in when comparing the 'sticker price' of a mainstream line against a luxury one. Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can walk through exactly what's included for your specific cruise line and fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is food included in a cruise fare?
Yes, meals in the main dining room and buffet are included, though specialty restaurants beyond those venues carry an extra charge.
Are drinks included in a cruise fare?
Not usually - alcoholic drinks and often specialty non-alcoholic drinks like soda or premium coffee cost extra unless you purchase a drink package or your fare specifically bundles it in.
Are gratuities included in the cruise price?
It depends on the cruise line and sometimes the specific fare or promotion - some include gratuities upfront, others add a daily charge once onboard.
Is Wi-Fi included in a cruise fare?
Generally no - Wi-Fi is typically sold as an add-on package, priced by tier and by day or for the whole cruise.
What's included on luxury cruise lines that isn't on mainstream lines?
Many luxury lines bundle gratuities, drinks, and sometimes shore excursions into the base fare, which mainstream lines typically charge separately.
Is entertainment included in a standard cruise fare?
Yes, most live shows, theater performances, and daytime activities are included in the base cruise fare.
Are meals in the main dining room and buffet included?
Yes, dining in the main dining room, buffet, and most casual venues is included in your cruise fare at no extra charge.
Is airfare ever included in a cruise fare?
Not typically - most cruise fares are cruise-only, though some promotions or packages bundle flights in separately.
Are gratuities included in the base cruise fare?
It depends on the cruise line and fare package - some bundle gratuities in automatically, while others add them as a separate daily charge.
Is Wi-Fi ever included in a standard cruise fare?
Some premium all-inclusive fare packages include Wi-Fi, but on a standard base fare, internet access is usually a separate purchase.