How Much Does a Cruise Cost and What’s Included?

Cruising is a favorite for millions of travelers because it’s one of the easiest ways to see several destinations in a single week. Figuring out exactly how much a cruise costs is the first step for families and couples planning a vacation on the water. 

Understanding exactly what your base ticket covers versus which extra fees to expect helps you build a realistic budget for a stress-free vacation. In this guide, we aim to show you all the costs of a cruise so you can have that peace of mind.

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Cruise costs range widely, but a standard seven-day trip could cost from $400 to over $5,000 per person. We broke these average costs down into three distinct price points to help you match your expectations with your wallet:

If you want to keep your expenses low, sticking to the mainstream lines often works best for budget-friendly cruising.

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Base cruise deals cover your essential needs while onboard. Your upfront payment gets you a room, daily meals and basic entertainment, all for free, without having to pull out your wallet again. Special experiences like guided shore excursions, alcoholic drinks and spa treatments cost extra money. 

The standard fare automatically includes the following basics:

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Going on a voyage involves additional costs beyond your initial fare. Local governments and port authorities charge mandatory taxes and docking fees based on the specific countries you visit. Most mainstream ships also automatically apply daily gratuities to your room account to reward the hardworking crew members behind the scenes, though luxury and all-inclusive lines build this into your upfront fare. 

For example, Royal Caribbean automatically applies a daily gratuity to your onboard account, which currently ranges from $18 to $21 per person, per day. 

Tip: You can often prepay these fees before boarding to lock in current rates and keep your onboard spending focused on fun stuff instead of logistics.

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While your ticket covers your room and basic meals, several additional costs can arise during the voyage. Planning for these extras early helps you pre-plan what you want to add on to your trip and budget accordingly. 

Every ship has different cruise considerations for what costs extra, so checking the actual rates before you sail can help you build the best picture of the costs.

Average cost: $50 to $120+ per person, per day

Note: This average applies to Mainstream and Premium lines. Luxury lines generally include premium beverages in their upfront fare and Disney Cruise Line does not offer an unlimited alcohol package. 

Standard fares include only tap water and basic coffee and tea from the buffet. Buying a drink package gives you unlimited soda, specialty coffee and most alcoholic drinks. Most plans include beer, wine and cocktails at a set price per glass. 

Many ships cap the daily total at fifteen alcoholic drinks, even with the most expensive plan. These upgrades usually exclude expensive bottles of wine or snacks found in your cabin mini-bar.

Average cost: $45 to $950+ per person per port

Note: Prices vary by region and activity level. Luxury lines include unlimited shore excursions in their upfront fare.

Your base ticket covers the physical transport between ports along your itinerary. Exploring the local destinations through guided land tours will require an additional purchase. Booking these shore excursions directly through the cruise line means the ship will wait if your group runs late. Independent local operators often sell similar experiences at a lower price point but lack that return guarantee. 

Average cost: $15 to $100 per person

Note: Prices vary widely by restaurant and cruise line. Many Luxury lines include all specialty dining in their upfront fare. 

While your cruise fare covers plenty of food at the buffet and the main dining room, specialty dining refers to the ship's themed, upscale restaurants. These spots typically feature higher-end menus, such as gourmet steakhouses or fresh sushi bars and offer a more intimate setting with fewer crowds. You usually pay a flat fee per person, though some ships use a per-item price list.

Most cover fees include your starter, main course and dessert, but extra charges still pop up for things like premium cocktails or top-shelf wine. A big benefit here is the level of service and the specific foodie experience that you can’t quite get in the larger, busier dining halls. 

Average cost: $24 to $45.99 per device, per day

Most ships don’t include Wi-Fi in the ticket price unless you book a high-end suite. However, some premium ships bundle basic connectivity into the upfront ticket price as a standard amenity. Buying a standard internet package gives you enough data to check emails and post vacation photos online. Upgrading to the highest tier gives you fast enough speeds to stream movies and make video calls. You will still need to buy separate plans for each phone unless you want to take turns logging in.

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When you first look at a river vs. an ocean cruise, the price difference can be shocking. River cruises often have much higher base fares, frequently ranging between $2,000 to $5,000+ per person. 

While that may seem expensive, these trips are usually “semi-inclusive.” The price you pay upfront covers items like daily shore excursions and wine or beer with lunch and dinner. That lack of bill shock is one of the top reasons river cruises are awesome.

In contrast, most ocean cruises use an “à la carte” pricing model. You might find a very cheap ticket for $500, but that only covers your cabin and basic meals. 

Once you are on the ship, you must pay extra for almost everything else, including soft drinks, Wi-Fi and every tour you take on land. When you add all those extras up, the final bill for an ocean cruise often gets much closer to the all-in price of a river cruise.

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Average prices for a week at sea typically range from $700 to $1,500 per person for standard cabins. Your final cost depends heavily on which cruising itineraries you choose since a Caribbean loop often costs less than a European voyage. The same applies to cruise packages, as a basic one will be far cheaper than a premium package with all the add-ons and suites. 

Depending on the cruise line and time of the trip, a budget of $2,000 could comfortably cover a standard vacation at sea for two people. That amount easily pays for an interior or ocean-view cabin on a mainstream ship sailing to the Caribbean or Mexico for a week. 

You will even have money left over to purchase a moderate drink package or book a couple of exciting shore excursions. However, you’ll need more than that if you want to go on the luxury lines or extensive around-the-world cruises that are at sea for months.

September and January are the cheapest months to cruise because demand drops after major holidays and school breaks. Booking during these shoulder seasons can save you hundreds of dollars compared to peak summer months. 

Pricing also tends to fluctuate by region and local weather patterns during that time of year. An Alaska cruise often costs much less in May or September when the weather is cooler and crowds are thinner. 

Cruises often come out ahead in value because transportation and multiple meals are part of the base fare. Land resorts usually require separate payments for each taxi ride or for each dinner at a different location. While there are pros and cons to cruises compared to land resorts, most people find that the convenience of visiting several cities without packing twice saves both time and money. Total costs are usually more predictable on a ship than on a land-based vacation.

Expect to pay between $60 to $100 per day for a standard beverage upgrade. Daily costs vary significantly between different lines and the specific types of liquids included. Choosing all-inclusive cruises can sometimes remove this headache by bundling drink costs into the initial ticket price. 

Figuring out exactly how much a cruise costs gives you the confidence to start planning your actual vacation. You can browse through many popular cruise destinations to see real prices and itineraries for your favorite regions. 

Once you nail down a budget, your next big step is to choose a cruise line that aligns with your travel style. Planning a vacation on the water feels much easier when you have an expert guiding your choices. 

Our AAA Travel Agents can answer your specific questions and track down the best value for your budget. When you feel ready to pack your bags, you can securely book a cruise directly through our portal to lock in your spot.