Everything That’s Included When You Book a Cruise (And What Costs Extra)

Everything Included in a Cruise (And What Costs Extra)

There is something wonderfully convenient about a cruise vacation. You check into your cabin once, unpack your luggage, and then wake up somewhere new the next morning. Your hotel travels with you, meals are readily available, entertainment is happening throughout the day, and there is usually something to do whether you’re in the mood to explore or simply sit by the pool.

But if you’re booking your first cruise, there is one thing you quickly learn: the cruise fare doesn’t necessarily cover everything you might want to do onboard.

That doesn’t mean cruising is expensive. In fact, cruises can offer excellent value because accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation between destinations are bundled together. The trick is understanding what’s already included and knowing which extras can quietly increase your final bill.

For Filipino travelers, this is especially important when the cruise itself is only one part of the vacation. If you’re flying from Manila to Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, or another cruise departure city, you’ll also need to think about airfare, hotels, airport transfers, travel insurance, and spending money.

So, what exactly are you paying for when you book a cruise?

Here’s a closer look at what’s included in a cruise fare, what costs extra, and how to budget for the experience without taking away from the fun.

What Is Usually Included in a Cruise Fare?

The exact inclusions vary from one cruise line to another, and even different fare types on the same ship can come with different perks.

Still, most standard cruise fares cover the basics you’ll need for the trip.

Your Cabin

Let’s start with the obvious one: your room.

Your cruise fare includes your cabin for the duration of the voyage. Whether you’ve booked an interior cabin, ocean-view room, balcony stateroom, or suite, you have a place to sleep, relax, shower, and store your luggage throughout the trip.

Most cabins come with a bed, private bathroom, towels, storage space, television, and basic amenities. Housekeeping is also generally included.

The biggest decision is really the type of cabin you want.

An interior cabin is usually the cheapest and can make a lot of sense if you’re the kind of traveler who treats the room mainly as a place to sleep. An ocean-view cabin gives you a window, while a balcony gives you your own outdoor space—a feature I find particularly nice on sea days when you simply want to sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the ocean.

Suites naturally cost more and can come with additional perks, so they’re worth considering if you’re looking for a more luxurious cruise experience.

Meals at the Main Restaurants

One of my favorite things about cruising is that you don’t have to think about where your next meal is coming from.

Your cruise fare usually includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the main dining room and buffet. Many ships also have casual restaurants where you can grab something to eat without paying extra.

Depending on the ship, included food may range from pizza and burgers to salads, sandwiches, desserts, pastries, fruit, and ice cream.

And don’t underestimate how much food is available.

It’s entirely possible to spend an entire cruise enjoying good meals without ever stepping into a specialty restaurant.

The main dining room can also be part of the fun. Dinner is often more than simply grabbing a meal—it’s an opportunity to slow down, try something different, and enjoy the cruise atmosphere.

Basic Drinks

You won’t normally have to pay every time you want a glass of water or a cup of regular coffee.

Most cruises include basic drinks such as water, tea, regular coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and selected juices.

This is where reading the fine print becomes important, though.

That beautiful cappuccino from the specialty café? Probably extra.

A bottle of water from the bar? It may be extra.

A cocktail by the pool? Definitely check before ordering.

For Filipino travelers, this is worth remembering because we’re often used to grabbing bottled water, soft drinks, or coffee throughout the day without thinking much about it. On a cruise, those little purchases can add up surprisingly quickly.

Entertainment

This is one area where cruises really shine.

Once you’ve boarded, you’ll probably realize there is far more going on than you expected.

Depending on the ship, your cruise fare can include live music, production shows, comedy, dancing, trivia, karaoke, movies, game shows, pool activities, themed parties, and other events.

On larger ships, you may actually find yourself wondering how you’re going to fit everything into one day.

My advice? Don’t try.

Pick the things that genuinely interest you and leave some time to simply wander around the ship. Some of the best cruise moments happen when you’re not rushing from one scheduled activity to another.

Swimming Pools and Other Ship Facilities

Your standard swimming pools and many public areas are included in your cruise fare.

You can usually use the main pool, whirlpools, children’s pool, sun decks, and other common facilities without paying an additional fee.

Depending on the ship, you may also have access to sports courts, walking tracks, mini-golf, water slides, climbing walls, and other recreational facilities.

Some premium attractions or exclusive areas may have an additional charge, so check before assuming everything is complimentary.

The Fitness Center

If you’re worried about completely abandoning your fitness routine during a cruise, there’s good news.

Most ships have a gym that passengers can use without paying an extra fee.

You’ll usually find treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, weights, and other basic equipment.

Some classes are also included, although personal training and certain specialty fitness sessions may cost extra.

Personally, even if you don’t spend much time in the gym, walking around a large cruise ship can already give you plenty of steps.

Kids’ and Teen Programs

Cruising can be particularly convenient for families because many ships have dedicated children’s and teen programs.

Depending on the cruise line, kids can participate in games, crafts, movies, sports, competitions, parties, and supervised activities.

Teenagers often have their own spaces where they can meet other young passengers and hang out away from their parents.

Just check the rules for younger children because nursery services, babysitting, and late-night programs may have additional charges.

What Costs Extra on a Cruise?

This is where things get interesting.

The cruise fare gives you the foundation of your vacation, but cruise lines also offer plenty of ways to upgrade the experience.

And honestly, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

You don’t have to buy everything.

The important thing is knowing what’s optional so you can decide where you actually want to spend your money.

Alcoholic Drinks

Beer, wine, cocktails, champagne, and spirits are generally not included in a standard cruise fare.

You can pay for drinks individually or purchase a beverage package, depending on the cruise line.

If you’re considering a drink package, do the math first.

Don’t buy one simply because it sounds convenient. Think about how much you normally drink on vacation and whether you’ll actually get enough value from the package.

Also check the cruise line’s rules. Some require passengers sharing a cabin to purchase the same package.

Soda, Bottled Water, and Premium Drinks

Even if basic beverages are included, other drinks may not be.

You could be charged for:

• Soft drinks
• Bottled water
• Energy drinks
• Smoothies
• Premium juices
• Specialty teas
• Premium hot chocolate

If you’re trying to keep your cruise budget under control, this is one of the easiest areas to watch.

Specialty Coffee

Coffee lovers, take note.

Your regular coffee may be included, but the specialty coffee shop is another story.

If you like starting your morning with a latte, cappuccino, espresso, or elaborate iced coffee, budget for it.

One coffee isn’t going to ruin your vacation budget, of course. But one every morning for a week, plus an afternoon coffee here and there, can become a noticeable expense.

Specialty Restaurants

Most ships now have restaurants that sit outside the complimentary dining options.

You might find a steakhouse, sushi restaurant, Italian restaurant, seafood venue, teppanyaki, or even a restaurant associated with a well-known chef.

These can be excellent, particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

But they’re not necessary.

If you already enjoy the main dining room and buffet, you can have a fantastic cruise without spending extra on specialty dining.

I usually think of these restaurants as an opportunity rather than something you need to budget for automatically.

Shore Excursions

This is where your cruise budget can really change.

The ship may take you to a new destination, but exploring that destination is usually up to you.

Shore excursions can include city tours, island trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, food tours, cultural experiences, beach visits, wildlife encounters, and adventure activities.

Prices vary widely.

Some travelers prefer booking through the cruise line because of the convenience and the added reassurance that the excursion operator is working with the ship’s schedule.

Others prefer exploring independently, which can be cheaper and more flexible.

If you choose the latter, just keep a very close eye on the all-aboard time.

The ship will not necessarily wait for you if you arrive late.

A Tip for Filipino Travelers

If you’re taking a cruise around Southeast Asia, don’t automatically book an organized tour at every port.

Some destinations are easy to explore independently, particularly if the port is close to the city center.

Research each stop before sailing and decide where you really need a tour.

Save your excursion budget for the destinations where the experience is genuinely worth paying for.

Wi-Fi and Internet

This is one of those expenses that surprises first-time cruisers.

Many cruise fares don’t include Wi-Fi.

If you want to post photos, video-call family back home, work remotely, check email, or stream entertainment, you’ll probably need an internet package.

Packages vary according to speed, duration, and the number of devices allowed.

And if you’re a Filipino traveler, there’s another important thing to remember: don’t casually leave your mobile data roaming while the ship is at sea.

Ships can connect to maritime cellular networks, and roaming charges can be extremely expensive.

If you don’t need cellular service, airplane mode is often your safest option while onboard.

Spa Treatments

Cruise ship spas can be incredibly tempting.

After a long day in port, the idea of a massage sounds wonderful.

But those treatments aren’t generally included.

Massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services, personal training, and other treatments usually come with additional charges.

Some ships also have thermal suites or hydrotherapy facilities that require a separate pass.

If your cruise budget is tight, this is an easy expense to skip.

Casino

The casino is another completely optional expense.

Slot machines, table games, poker, and other gambling activities aren’t included in your fare.

If you enjoy gambling, set a budget before you start.

Being on vacation can make it surprisingly easy to lose track of how much you’re spending.

Gratuities and Service Charges

Cruise gratuities can be confusing because the rules aren’t the same everywhere.

Depending on the cruise line and fare, gratuities may be included, prepaid, or automatically added to your onboard account.

Some promotions advertise fares with gratuities included, while others don’t.

Always check before booking so you know what you’ll actually be paying.

Also remember that certain purchases, such as drinks, specialty dining, and spa treatments, can have their own service charges or gratuities.

Professional Photos

Cruise photographers are everywhere, particularly on formal nights and when you arrive at ports.

They’ll often take photos of you and your travel companions and make them available for purchase later.

You don’t have to buy them.

But if you’re celebrating something special or simply want a nice professional vacation photo, this can be a fun souvenir.

Shopping

Cruise ships can have surprisingly good shopping areas, including stores selling jewelry, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, souvenirs, and other products.

None of these are included in the cruise fare.

The same applies to purchases you make at port destinations.

If you’re a souvenir collector, set aside a separate shopping budget rather than dipping into the money you’ve allocated for excursions and food.

Laundry

Laundry isn’t normally included on mainstream cruises.

You may have the option of paying for laundry, pressing, or dry cleaning, while some ships also have self-service laundry rooms.

For shorter cruises, you can probably pack enough clothing to avoid doing laundry altogether.

For longer cruises, however, this becomes something worth planning for.

Medical Services

Cruise ships generally have medical facilities and medical staff, but consultations and treatments cost extra.

This is one reason I wouldn’t recommend traveling on an international cruise without appropriate travel insurance.

Medical expenses can be significant, particularly when you’re far from home.

Airport Transfers and Transportation

Your cruise fare doesn’t automatically mean your transportation to the ship is covered.

If you’re flying from Manila to join a cruise in Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, or another international port, you’ll need to think about how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel and then to the cruise terminal.

You may need to pay for:

• Airport transfers
• Taxis
• Ride-hailing services
• Private cars
• Hotel transfers
• Parking

These expenses may seem minor when you’re planning the cruise, but they can add up.

Flights and Pre-Cruise Hotels

Unless you’ve purchased a package that specifically includes airfare, your flights are normally separate from the cruise fare.

For Filipino travelers, this is particularly important.

A cruise departing from Singapore might look affordable when you see the cruise price, but your actual vacation cost also includes your Manila-Singapore flights, accommodation, transportation, and everything else you spend before boarding.

Why I Recommend Arriving Early

If you’re flying internationally to catch a cruise, consider arriving at least one day before embarkation.

It may feel unnecessary to pay for an extra hotel night, especially when you’re eager to get onboard.

But imagine your flight from Manila gets delayed and you miss embarkation.

The ship isn’t going to wait.

That one hotel night can therefore be a very worthwhile insurance policy against travel delays.

Is a Cruise Really All-Inclusive?

Not exactly.

I think it’s more useful to think of a cruise as a bundled vacation.

Your cruise fare bundles together your accommodation, transportation between ports, meals at designated restaurants, entertainment, and access to many ship facilities.

Then there are optional extras that allow you to customize the experience.

One passenger might spend very little beyond the cruise fare.

Another might spend hundreds or even thousands more on drinks, excursions, specialty dining, shopping, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and other upgrades.

Neither approach is wrong.

That’s actually one of the things I enjoy about cruising. You can make the vacation as simple or as indulgent as you want.

How Much Extra Money Should You Budget for a Cruise?

There isn’t a single amount that works for everyone.

Instead, build your cruise budget around how you actually travel.

Start with the unavoidable expenses:

Cruise fare + taxes and fees + flights + hotel + transportation + travel insurance

Then think about the things you genuinely want:

Excursions + Wi-Fi + drinks + specialty dining + spa

Finally, leave some room for discretionary spending:

Shopping + souvenirs + photos + casino + unexpected purchases

This approach gives you a much more realistic idea of what your vacation will cost.

How Filipino Travelers Can Save Money on a Cruise

Choose Your Cabin Carefully

If you don’t care about having a window or balcony, an interior cabin can save a significant amount.

If the view matters to you and you expect to spend quiet mornings or evenings in your room, a balcony may be worth paying for.

There’s no universally “best” cabin—only the one that makes sense for how you travel.

Compare the Final Fare

Don’t compare cruises based only on the headline price.

One cruise may include Wi-Fi and gratuities, while another charges for both.

Always compare the final cost and the inclusions.

Don’t Feel Obliged to Book Every Excursion

You don’t need an organized tour at every port.

Research your destinations before sailing and decide where an excursion adds genuine value.

Take Advantage of Complimentary Dining

You can eat extremely well on many cruises without visiting specialty restaurants.

Think of premium dining as something you choose for the experience, not something you need to make the cruise enjoyable.

Enjoy the Free Entertainment

Some passengers spend money simply because they feel they need to keep buying activities.

You don’t.

Go to the shows. Join trivia. Listen to live music. Swim. Walk around the ship. Watch the sunset.

Some of the best cruise memories don’t cost anything beyond the fare you already paid.

What Is Included in a Cruise? A Quick Guide

Cruise Expense	Usually Included?
Cabin	Yes
Housekeeping	Yes
Main dining	Yes
Buffet	Yes
Basic snacks	Usually
Basic coffee and tea	Usually
Selected non-alcoholic drinks	Usually
Entertainment	Usually
Main swimming pools	Yes
Fitness center	Usually
Kids’ clubs	Usually
Specialty restaurants	Usually extra
Alcohol	Usually extra
Soda	Often extra
Specialty coffee	Usually extra
Wi-Fi	Often extra
Shore excursions	Extra
Spa treatments	Extra
Casino	Extra
Photos	Extra
Shopping	Extra
Laundry	Usually extra
Medical services	Extra
Flights	Usually extra
Airport transfers	Usually extra
Pre-cruise hotel	Usually extra
Gratuities	Depends on cruise line and fare

The Bottom Line

A cruise can be a surprisingly good-value vacation when you know how to use what’s already included.

Your cabin, meals, entertainment, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and many onboard activities can keep you busy without constantly reaching for your wallet.

The trick is understanding the difference between what’s included in the cruise fare and what costs extra.

For Filipino travelers, I recommend looking at the cruise as one part of the overall trip.

Start with the cruise fare, then add your flights from Manila, pre-cruise hotel, transportation, travel insurance, gratuities, excursions, and the extras you genuinely want.

Don’t be afraid to skip the things you don’t need.

You don’t have to buy a drink package. You don’t have to eat at the specialty restaurants. You don’t have to book an excursion at every port. And you certainly don’t have to spend every day shopping.

Sometimes the best cruise day is simply waking up, grabbing a coffee, enjoying breakfast, watching the ocean from the deck, joining a few activities, having dinner, and catching a show in the evening.

And that’s already a pretty great vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Costs

Is food included when you book a cruise?

Yes. Most cruise fares include meals at the main dining room, buffet, and selected casual restaurants. Specialty restaurants and some premium food items usually cost extra.

Are drinks included on a cruise?

Basic beverages such as water, regular coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and selected juices are often included. Alcohol, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and premium drinks may cost extra.

Is Wi-Fi free on cruise ships?

Not always. Many cruise lines charge separately for Wi-Fi, although some fares and promotions include internet access.

Are shore excursions included?

Generally, no. Excursions such as city tours, snorkeling, island trips, food tours, and adventure activities are normally additional expenses.

Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?

It depends on the cruise line and fare. Gratuities may be included, prepaid, or automatically added to your onboard account.

Are cruise ship shows free?

Most regular entertainment and production shows are included in the cruise fare. Some premium experiences may carry additional fees.

Is room service included?

This varies by cruise line. Some room-service options may be complimentary, while others have delivery fees or individual menu charges.

Do Filipinos need to pay separately for flights?

Usually, yes. Unless your cruise package specifically includes airfare, flights from the Philippines to the embarkation port are separate.

Should I arrive before my cruise departure date?

For international cruises, arriving at least one day early is a smart idea. It gives you a buffer in case your flight is delayed or your luggage is misplaced.

Is travel insurance worth getting for a cruise?

Yes. Travel insurance can provide important protection for international cruises, particularly for medical emergencies, trip delays, cancellations, interruptions, and missed connections.

Can I enjoy a cruise without spending much onboard?

Absolutely. Stick to the complimentary dining, basic drinks, entertainment, pools, fitness facilities, and included activities, and you can have a great cruise without a huge onboard bill.

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Also Read: 

• 15 Ways to Save Hundreds on Your Next Cruise
• The Ultimate First-Time Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cruise for Your Next Trip
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