How Much Does a Cruise Really Cost? A First-Time Cruiser’s Budget Guide
You found a cruise for $1,500—great! But does that mean your entire vacation is going to cost $1,500?
Probably not.
One of the biggest surprises for first-time cruisers is learning that the advertised cruise fare is only one part of the vacation budget. Depending on the cruise line and the type of vacation you want, you may also need to budget for transportation, gratuities, drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and other extras.
The good news? A cruise can still be an excellent vacation value, especially when you know what to expect before you book.
Here’s what you should include when figuring out the real cost of your first cruise.
1. Your Cruise Fare
Your cruise fare will usually be the biggest portion of your vacation budget.
The price depends on several factors, including:
Cruise line
Ship
Sailing date
Length of the cruise
Destination
Stateroom category
Number and ages of guests
Current promotions
Interior staterooms are typically the least expensive, followed by ocean-view rooms, balconies, and suites.
One important thing to remember: the cheapest cruise isn't necessarily the best value.
A slightly more expensive sailing may include more amenities, visit ports you're more interested in, offer a better ship for your family, or require less expensive airfare.
2. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses
When comparing cruise prices, make sure you know whether taxes and fees are included in the price you're looking at.
These costs can vary significantly depending on the itinerary.
When I prepare a cruise quote, I want my clients to understand what they're actually paying—not fall in love with a price only to discover additional mandatory charges later.
3. Gratuities
Gratuities are another expense first-time cruisers sometimes forget to include.
Most mainstream cruise lines charge daily gratuities that are distributed among crew members who help make your vacation possible.
Depending on the cruise line and stateroom category, gratuities can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost of a family cruise.
You may have the option to prepay them before sailing, which can make budgeting easier.
4. Getting to the Cruise Port
Unless you live within driving distance of your departure port, transportation can become a major part of your vacation budget.
You may need to consider:
Airfare
Checked baggage
Airport parking
Transportation from the airport
Rental cars
Gas and parking if you're driving
I also generally recommend arriving near your cruise port at least one day before your cruise when you're flying.
Flights get delayed and canceled. Your ship isn't going to wait because your flight was late.
That means you'll also want to budget for a pre-cruise hotel.
5. Drinks
Basic beverages are included on many cruise lines, but alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, sodas and other beverages may cost extra depending on the cruise line.
You might decide to purchase a beverage package—or you might find that paying individually makes more sense.
Don't automatically assume you need a drink package.
Consider how much you'll realistically drink each day and compare that with the package price and its terms.
6. Specialty Dining
One of my favorite things about cruising is that you can have a great vacation without paying extra for every meal.
Cruise fares typically include multiple dining options such as the main dining room, buffet and other complimentary venues, although exactly what's included varies by ship.
Specialty restaurants are optional.
You might decide to spend extra for a steakhouse, sushi restaurant or another special experience, but you absolutely don't have to eat at specialty restaurants every night to enjoy the food on your cruise.
7. Shore Excursions
This is one area where your budget can change dramatically.
You can spend very little in a port by walking around, visiting a beach or exploring independently—or you can spend hundreds of dollars per person on an excursion.
Popular experiences may include:
Snorkeling
Ziplining
Whale watching
Island tours
Beach clubs
ATV tours
Wildlife experiences
Glacier excursions
Historical tours
For a family, several excursions can quickly add a significant amount to the vacation total.
You also aren't necessarily limited to excursions sold by the cruise line. Reputable independent excursion companies may offer additional options.
Always research cancellation policies, transportation and return-to-ship guarantees or procedures before booking independently.
8. Wi-Fi
Want to stay connected at sea?
Wi-Fi may be an additional expense.
Some travelers disconnect completely. Others need internet access for work, social media or staying in touch with family.
Packages and promotions vary by cruise line, so this is something worth checking before sailing.
9. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is another expense I recommend considering when budgeting for a cruise.
A cruise vacation can involve thousands of dollars in prepaid expenses.
Depending on the policy, travel insurance may provide coverage for situations such as trip cancellation or interruption, certain medical expenses, travel delays and lost baggage.
Coverage varies significantly between policies, so always review the actual policy terms, exclusions and coverage limits before purchasing.
10. Spending Money
Finally, give yourself some room in the budget for fun.
You may want money for:
Souvenirs
Shopping in port
Casino spending
Spa treatments
Photos
Arcade games
Specialty desserts or coffee
Additional activities
Tips
Meals before and after the cruise
You don't need to spend a fortune onboard, but it's nice to have some money set aside so every little purchase doesn't become a stressful decision.
So, How Much Should You Actually Budget?
Let's say a family finds a cruise for $3,000.
Their total vacation might look more like this:
Cruise fare: $3,000
Gratuities: $450
Pre-cruise hotel: $200
Transportation/parking: $200
Excursions: $600
Drinks/Wi-Fi/extras: $400
Travel insurance: $250
Spending money: $300
Estimated Total: $5,400
This is only an example. One family could spend considerably less, while another could spend thousands more.
That's why I don't believe there is one universal answer to the question, "How much does a cruise cost?"
The better question is:
"How much will the cruise vacation I want actually cost?"
You Don't Have to Buy Everything
Here's something first-time cruisers should know: most of the extras are optional.
You don't have to purchase a drink package.
You don't have to eat at specialty restaurants.
You don't have to buy Wi-Fi.
You don't have to book an expensive excursion in every port.
You can eat included food, enjoy included entertainment, relax by the pool and explore ports inexpensively while still having an amazing vacation.
That's one reason cruising can work for so many different budgets.
Why Working With a Cruise Specialist Can Help
One of the things I love about being a cruise specialist is helping clients look beyond the advertised price.
I can help you compare ships and cruise lines, choose a stateroom, understand what's included, look at different options and build a vacation that makes sense for your family and your budget.
I also monitor my clients' cruise pricing for eligible price drops because I'd much rather see that money stay in your vacation budget!
The goal isn't simply to find you the cheapest cruise.
It's to help you find the right cruise at the best value for you.
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you're planning your very first cruise or your tenth, I'd love to help make the process easier.
⚓ Seabound by Brandy LLC
🌊 Cruise Specialist
💻 www.seaboundbybrandyllc.com
📧 seaboundbybrandy@gmail.com
Request your free cruise quote and let's start planning your next vacation at sea!
Cruise pricing, promotions, inclusions, gratuities and other costs vary by cruise line, ship, sailing and booking. Example prices in this article are for budgeting purposes only and are not a current cruise offer.
