The Essentials

Hidden Costs of Taking a Cruise

How much will you really pay to take a cruise? It’s a lot more than just the quoted cabin fare.

First, you’ll have to pay for port fees and, on most cruises, tips to staff — about $18 a day, depending on the length of the cruise.

Most ships offer Wi-Fi but on most ships, it’s not free. Your Wi-Fi package will average about $20 per day.

There are premium restaurant options, and some ships tack on about an $8 fee for room service every time you call.

And don’t forget alcohol: individual drinks can start at $14. Many ships sell drink packages, but they can cost as much as $105 per person…per day.

Cheers! So… budget accordingly.