Cruises can seem like a great deal when meals, accommodations, and entertainment are included in one price. But some cruise ship charges are easy to overlook until you check your onboard account. A few cocktails, specialty coffees, or room service orders can add up faster than expected, especially when automatic fees are involved. As Royal Caribbean explains in its cruise inclusions guide, not everything onboard is covered by your fare. Here are 12 expenses worth checking before your final bill arrives.
Daily Gratuities That Add Up Automatically
That affordable cruise fare can look a little different once daily gratuities appear on your account. Royal Caribbean currently charges $18.50 per guest per day for standard cabins and $21 for suites when gratuities haven’t been prepaid. For two adults sharing a standard cabin on a seven-night cruise, that’s $259. These charges help compensate crew members, so they’re worth budgeting for rather than treating as an unexpected penalty. Check your reservation before sailing to see whether gratuities are already included or paid in advance.
Automatic Service Charges on Drinks
That $15 cocktail might actually cost $17.70 once an automatic 18% gratuity is added. Royal Caribbean lists an 18% beverage gratuity in its U.S. policy, while Norwegian generally adds 20% to beverage purchases. A few drinks each day can make those percentages noticeable by the end of the week. The charge may also apply when purchasing a drink package, depending on the booking. Before adding another tip, check your receipt to see what’s already included. Rates can differ by cruise line and itinerary.
Room Service Delivery Fees
Ordering breakfast in bed sounds like a lovely vacation perk, but room service isn’t always free. Royal Caribbean offers complimentary continental breakfast, while other room service orders generally carry a $7.95 service charge plus an automatic gratuity. Princess also lists a $5 fee for orders placed by stateroom phone without a qualifying package. Those small charges can accumulate if you order several times. Before reaching for the phone, check the room service menu and compare your options with the ship’s included restaurants.
Specialty Restaurant Service Charges
A special dinner at the ship’s steakhouse or sushi restaurant can be a nice change from the main dining room. Just remember that the advertised cover charge might not be the final price. Norwegian adds a 20% gratuity and specialty service charge to eligible specialty dining purchases, while Royal Caribbean also applies automatic gratuities to specialty dining purchases. A $60 dinner with a 20% charge becomes $72 before additional extras. Compare dining packages with individual reservations, and check whether gratuities are already covered.
Specialty Coffees, Bottled Water, and Soda
A morning latte, an afternoon soda, and a bottle of water with dinner don’t sound particularly extravagant. However, these drinks often cost extra, even when the cruise fare includes basic beverages. Royal Caribbean generally provides brewed coffee, tea, lemonade, and certain juices at no additional charge, while specialty coffees and bottled drinks are typically separate purchases. Over a week, a few daily treats can become a noticeable expense. Consider how much you’ll actually drink before purchasing a beverage package, since packages aren’t automatically cheaper.
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Wi-Fi Packages for Staying Connected
Keeping in touch with family or checking email at sea can come with a price. Many standard cruise fares don’t include full internet access, and Wi-Fi packages may be priced according to the length of the sailing or number of connected devices. Buying access for several family members can make the total surprisingly high. Some cruise packages already include internet benefits, so check before paying separately. If you only need occasional access, consider whether a full-voyage plan is worthwhile, especially since onboard connections can still be inconsistent.
Corkage Fees on Wine You Bring Aboard
Bringing your own wine might seem like a smart way to save money, but drinking it in the ship’s restaurants can trigger another charge. Carnival, for example, lists a $15 corkage fee for each 750-milliliter bottle consumed in its main dining room, specialty restaurants, or bars. Under its policy, permitted wine consumed in your stateroom avoids that particular fee. Alcohol allowances and corkage rules vary between cruise lines, so check the policy before packing. Otherwise, that inexpensive bottle might not be such a bargain.
Automatic Gratuities on Spa Treatments
A massage at sea can be wonderfully relaxing, right up until the final price is higher than expected. Royal Caribbean lists a 20% gratuity on spa and salon purchases, meaning a $200 treatment becomes $240. Norwegian also applies a 20% spa service charge. Staff may recommend additional treatments or skincare products, which can increase the bill further. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little pampering, but ask for the total cost before booking and remember that an additional cash tip may not be necessary.
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Food and Drink Delivery Around the Ship
Some cruise ships let passengers order food and drinks through an app and have them delivered to a lounge chair or another designated location. Princess Cruises offers this through OceanNow, but passengers without qualifying packages generally pay a one-time $14.99 activation fee per person, per voyage. Individual food and drink purchases may cost extra. Princess Plus and Premier packages include the access benefit. If you rarely use delivery services, paying for the convenience might not make sense. Check the fee before activating the feature.
Laundry and Pressing Services
Packing light can save luggage space, but washing clothes onboard may cost more than expected. Many cruise lines charge separately for laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing, with prices depending on the garment and service. Sending out several shirts, dresses, or pairs of pants can add another expense to your account. Some ships offer laundry-bag specials, while certain loyalty programs or cabin categories include benefits. Check those options before handing over your clothes. Packing a few wrinkle-resistant outfits can also help reduce the need for pressing.
Professional Photos and Souvenir Packages
Cruise photographers seem to appear everywhere, from embarkation day to formal dinners and special events. Having your picture taken is generally free, but purchasing prints or digital downloads usually isn’t. Buying several individual photos can become expensive, especially when everyone in the family wants a copy. Some cruise packages include photo credits or selected downloads, so check your benefits before paying. There’s no need to buy every flattering photograph, either. Review your own vacation pictures and choose only the professional shots you genuinely want to keep.
Nursery Care and Paid Children’s Activities
Families may assume that all children’s activities are included in the cruise fare, but that isn’t always the case. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programming is generally complimentary for eligible older children, while its Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, available on select ships, charges approximately $9 to $12 per hour for children ages 6 to 36 months. Several evenings of childcare can add up, particularly if parents want time for specialty dinners or entertainment. Check age restrictions, operating hours, and prices before sailing so you can plan accordingly.
