What Is Included in a Cruise Fare?

A cruise fare includes your booked accommodation and access to the meals, facilities and entertainment listed for that fare. It does not mean every restaurant, drink or activity aboard is included. Compare the actual reservation, because bundles and ship features differ between lines and even within one fleet.

Start with the included basics

Main dining and casual food venues can provide meals without buying a specialty dining package. Read the menu and venue terms for paid items. Some ships charge for particular dishes or additional orders even in an otherwise included restaurant.

Entertainment and public spaces also vary. A ship may have pools, lounges, sports facilities, shows or children's clubs, but fees, reservations and eligibility rules can apply. Verify the exact ship rather than relying on a fleet advertisement.

Read the fare bundle

Drinks, WiFi, crew gratuities, excursions and specialty dining may be included, optional or separately charged. Virgin, for example, includes WiFi with different allowances by current fare tier; gratuity treatment also depends on when the booking was made. A package name alone does not tell you what is covered.

Ask for the final total for the guests traveling, including required taxes and fees. Then check the extras you would buy. Do not count a benefit twice if it is already in the quote.

Choose extras by use

A drink package is a separate value calculation. Include eligible coffee, water and other drinks you would buy, the service charge and the number of guests required to purchase. See the drink package calculation rather than using a fixed drinking rule.

Room service coverage depends on the ship, menu, time and fare. Check delivery charges and paid items before ordering; neither a free menu item nor a package automatically makes every delivery free.

Separate the cruise from the trip

Transport to the departure port, hotels, parking, insurance and travel documents need their own budget unless expressly included. Build the complete vacation cost before deciding one fare is cheaper.