How Much Does a Cruise Actually Cost?
The advertised fare is just the start. Real per-line numbers for gratuities, drinks, excursions, and every add-on.
Read guideCruise Costs & Money
What does a cruise really cost? Per-line drink package math, tipping policies, what's bundled vs. extra, and the hidden charges that surprise first-time cruisers.
Fares & what's included
Finding Cheap Deals
Where to actually look for cruise deals — and what counts as a real bargain.
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What's Included in Your Cruise Fare
Are cruise ships all inclusive? Here's exactly what's included in your cruise fare, what costs extra, and how to budget for the true total cost of your cruise.
Read guideDrink packages
Best Drink Packages, Ranked
Per-day pricing and break-even math for every major line's drink package.
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Drink Packages by Line
Side-by-side: prices, included drinks, and break-even math for every major line.
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Is the Drink Package Worth It?
We do the math on cruise drink packages from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and more — break-even points, what's included, and when to skip the package entirely.
Read guideGratuities & tipping
Common questions
- Are gratuities mandatory?
- Are cruise prices per person?
- Can you remove gratuities?
- Do prices drop near sailing?
- Does the fare include food?
- Daily gratuity amount
- Cruise vs all-inclusive cost
- Should you prepay gratuities?
- Lines that include drinks
- What's included in a cruise
- When drink packages are cheapest
- Where gratuities go