How Many Fees Cruise Line Charges Revealed Here

Cruise lines can charge over 20 different types of fees, from booking and service charges to gratuities and port expenses, often catching travelers off guard. Understanding these hidden costs upfront can save hundreds and help you choose the most transparent, value-driven cruise experience.

Key Takeaways

• Gratuities add up: Budget $15–$20 daily per person for hidden service fees.
• Dining upgrades cost: Specialty restaurants often charge $20–$50 extra per meal.
• Wi-Fi isn’t free: Expect $15–$30 daily for internet access on most lines.
• Shore excursions markup: Book independently to save 30–50% vs. cruise pricing.
• Drink packages pay off: Calculate if unlimited drinks suit your consumption habits.
• Port fees surprise: These mandatory charges can exceed $200 per person.
• Loyalty programs help: Earn perks like free upgrades or waived fees over time.

The Hidden World of Cruise Line Fees: What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’ve spent months saving for your dream cruise vacation. You finally book that Caribbean getaway with a reputable cruise line, picturing sunsets, poolside cocktails, and endless buffets. Then, as you unpack your suitcase in your cabin, you open your email to see a bill that’s nearly double what you expected. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Many cruisers are shocked to discover that the advertised price is just the tip of the iceberg. Cruise lines have mastered the art of “hidden” or “add-on” fees, and understanding how many fees cruise lines charge is crucial to avoiding sticker shock. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing what to expect can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. In this post, we’ll peel back the curtain on cruise line fees, from the obvious to the sneaky, and help you plan smarter for your next voyage.

1. Base Fare: What You Think You’re Paying For (And What You’re Not)

What the Base Fare Actually Covers

The base fare is the price you see when you first search for a cruise. It typically includes:

• Your cabin (interior, oceanview, balcony, or suite)
• Three meals a day at the main dining room and buffet
• Basic entertainment (shows, live music, comedy)
• Access to pools, fitness centers, and some onboard activities

But here’s the catch: many things you assume are included aren’t. For example, on most major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, the base fare doesn’t cover:

• Drinks (alcoholic, specialty coffee, bottled water)
• Specialty dining (steakhouses, Italian, sushi)
• Spa treatments and fitness classes
• Excursions and shore tours
• Gratuities (more on this later)

Example: The “All-Inclusive” Misconception

Take a 7-night Caribbean cruise advertised at $899 per person. Sounds great, right? But if you add a drink package ($60/day), gratuities ($15/day), a couple of specialty dinners ($50 each), and an excursion ($120), your real cost jumps to $2,100+ per person—more than double the base price.

Tip: Always check the “what’s included” section on the cruise line’s website. Look for phrases like “additional charges may apply” or “not included in the fare.” If it’s vague, call customer service for clarity.

2. Mandatory Fees: The Ones You Can’t Avoid (But Can Plan For)

Gratuities (Service Charges)

Most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your account. These are called “service charges” and are meant to be shared among crew members. Rates vary by line and cabin class:

• Carnival: $14.50–$16.50 per person, per day
• Royal Caribbean: $15.50–$18.50 per person, per day
• Norwegian: $15.00–$20.00 per person, per day

For a family of four on a 7-night cruise, this could mean $420–$560 extra. Some lines let you pre-pay gratuities at a discounted rate, which can save you money. Others allow you to adjust the amount onboard, but you’ll need to visit guest services—and many people don’t bother.

Tip: If you’re budget-conscious, consider a cruise line with lower gratuity rates (like Carnival) or one that includes gratuities in the base fare (like Viking or Azamara).

Port Fees and Government Taxes

These are non-negotiable fees added to your final bill. They cover docking, port security, and local taxes. For a 7-night cruise, expect to pay:

• $150–$300 per person
• Higher for Alaska or European cruises (up to $500+)

These fees are usually listed in the “additional charges” section during booking. While unavoidable, they’re predictable—so factor them into your budget early.

Wi-Fi Packages

Unless you’re on a luxury line, Wi-Fi is rarely free. Most mainstream cruise lines charge:

• $15–$25 per day for basic social media and email
• $25–$40 per day for streaming and video calls

Some lines offer “unlimited” packages, but they often have speed caps. For a 7-day cruise, a family of four could spend $500+ on connectivity.

Tip: If you only need Wi-Fi for emergencies, consider a 1-hour “social media” pass ($5–$10) and use free Wi-Fi in port towns.

3. Optional Fees: The Upsells That Add Up Fast

Drink Packages

This is where cruise lines make a lot of money. Drink packages let you pay a flat rate for unlimited beverages, but they’re often overpriced for casual drinkers.

• Basic soda/tea/coffee: $10–$15/day
• Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cocktails): $50–$80/day
• Premium packages (top-shelf liquor, wine by the glass): $80–$120/day

For example, Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” costs $70/day. If you drink 5 cocktails a day at $14 each, it’s worth it. But if you only have 1–2 drinks, you’re losing money.

Tip: Calculate your average daily consumption before buying. Many lines offer “drink cards” with a set number of drinks (e.g., 10 cocktails for $100), which can be a better deal.

Specialty Dining

Want a romantic steak dinner or fresh sushi? Mainstream lines charge $30–$60 per person for specialty restaurants. On a 7-night cruise, eating out twice could cost $240+ for a couple.

Some lines (like Princess) include one specialty dinner in the base fare for suites or higher-tier bookings. Others (like Carnival) offer “dining packages” (e.g., 3 dinners for $99).

Tip: Skip the steakhouse and try the buffet’s “premium” nights (like lobster or prime rib)—it’s often just as good and included in your fare.

Spa and Fitness

Spa treatments (massages, facials) range from $100–$300 per session. Fitness classes (yoga, spin, Pilates) cost $15–$40 each. Even the sauna or steam room might have a fee.

Tip: Book spa treatments early—many lines offer 10–20% discounts for pre-cruise purchases. For fitness, check if your cruise offers free group classes (like morning stretching).

Excursions and Shore Tours

Onboard excursions (snorkeling, city tours, zip-lining) cost $50–$300 per person. But you don’t have to book through the cruise line! Independent operators in port towns often offer the same tours for 30–50% less.

Tip: Research ports ahead of time and book directly with local companies. Just confirm pickup times and locations to avoid missing your ship!

4. Sneaky Fees: The Ones You Might Not See Coming

Onboard Spending (OBC) Restrictions

Many cruisers receive “onboard credit” (OBC) as a booking incentive. But here’s the catch: OBC often can’t be used for gratuities, port fees, or Wi-Fi. It’s usually limited to spa, dining, and gift shop purchases.

Example: You get $100 OBC but need to pay $200 in gratuities. You can only use $100 of the OBC, leaving you to pay the other $100 in cash.

Tip: Read the fine print on OBC offers. Some lines (like Celebrity) let you use OBC for gratuities—ask about this when booking.

Photography Packages

Professional photographers are everywhere on cruises. They take candid shots and formal portraits, then charge $20–$50 per photo. A “photo package” (e.g., 10 prints for $200) might seem like a deal—but most people only want 1–2 photos.

Tip: Skip the package and buy individual photos. Or, bring a good camera and take your own!

Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Want to wash your clothes? It’ll cost you. Self-service laundry (washers/dryers) is $3–$5 per load. Dry cleaning a shirt? $10–$20. Some lines offer free laundry for suite guests.

Tip: Pack enough clothes to last the trip. Or, hand-wash in your cabin sink (just hang dry).

Kids’ Clubs and Babysitting

Most lines offer free kids’ clubs during the day, but evening babysitting costs $10–$20 per hour. Some lines charge extra for “premium” activities (like cooking classes).

Tip: Check the kids’ club schedule in advance. If you need evening childcare, book early—spots fill fast.

5. Luxury vs. Budget Lines: How Fees Differ

Budget Lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian)

Lower base fares, but more à la carte fees. Expect to pay extra for:

• Drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, spa, excursions
• Higher gratuities (15–20% of base fare)

Best for: Families, first-time cruisers, or those who want lots of onboard activities.

Luxury Lines (Viking, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas)

Higher base fares, but most fees are included. Typical inclusions:

• Alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities
• Spa and fitness access (sometimes)

Best for: Couples, retirees, or travelers who want a “worry-free” experience.

All-Inclusive Lines (Celebrity, Princess, Holland America)

Mid-range pricing with more inclusions. For example:

• Celebrity: Includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and one specialty dinner on most sailings
• Princess: Offers free soda and ice cream, plus discounted drink packages

Best for: Travelers who want a balance of value and comfort.

6. How to Minimize Fees and Save Money

Book Smart

• Choose all-inclusive packages: If you plan to drink, dine out, or take excursions, a “perks package” (like Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise Planner”) might save money.
• Travel during shoulder seasons: Fewer crowds mean better deals on upgrades and onboard spending.
• Use a travel agent: They often have access to discounts and can negotiate fees for you.

Onboard Hacks

• Skip the drink package: Buy drinks à la carte and use free water stations.
• Eat at the buffet: It’s included, and the quality is often better than you think.
• Use free activities: Attend trivia, dance classes, or poolside games instead of paid entertainment.
• Bring your own snacks: Most lines allow non-perishable food in your cabin.

After the Cruise

• Review your final bill: Check for duplicate charges or unauthorized purchases.
• Dispute unfair fees: If you’re charged for something you didn’t use, contact guest services before leaving the ship.

Data Table: Average Fees on Popular Cruise Lines (7-Night Cruise)

Cruise Line	Base Fare (per person)	Gratuities (per person)	Port Fees (per person)	Wi-Fi (per person)	Drink Package (per person)	Total Estimated Cost (per person)
Carnival	$899	$105	$200	$150	$490	$1,844
Royal Caribbean	$1,200	$126	$250	$200	$490	$2,266
Norwegian	$1,100	$140	$220	$180	$490	$2,130
Viking (Luxury)	$4,500	$0 (included)	$300	$0 (included)	$0 (included)	$4,800

Note: Costs are estimates and vary by sailing date, cabin category, and promotions.

Final Thoughts: The Truth About Cruise Line Fees

Let’s be honest: cruise lines aren’t hiding fees to trick you. They’re a business, and these add-ons help them offer lower base fares while still turning a profit. The key is knowing what you’re getting into. By understanding how many fees cruise lines charge—and which ones you can control—you’ll avoid surprises and enjoy your vacation stress-free.

Remember, a cruise doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart planning, a little research, and a few savvy onboard choices, you can have an amazing trip without feeling nickel-and-dimed. So go ahead, pack your bags, and set sail—just keep this guide handy to keep those fees in check!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fees do cruise lines charge on average?

Cruise lines typically charge 5–10 mandatory and optional fees, including port charges, gratuities, and onboard service fees. Additional costs like excursions, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi can increase this number significantly.

What are the most common hidden fees cruise lines add?

Beyond base fares, cruise lines often charge hidden fees for gratuities (auto-added to bills), Wi-Fi, soda packages, and specialty dining. Always review your final invoice to spot unexpected how many fees cruise line extras.

Are port fees and taxes included in the initial cruise price?

Most cruise lines list port fees and taxes as separate line items, added during checkout. These mandatory fees vary by itinerary and can range from $100 to $500+ per person.

How many fees cruise lines charge for kids or extra guests?

Many lines offer free or reduced fares for third/fourth guests, but fees like gratuities, port charges, and taxes still apply. Always ask about per-person how many fees cruise line policies for group bookings.

Do all cruise lines charge the same number of mandatory fees?

No—luxury lines often bundle fees (e.g., gratuities, drinks) into upfront prices, while budget lines itemize them later. Compare total costs, not just advertised fares.

Can I avoid extra fees on a cruise?

You can minimize fees by choosing all-inclusive packages, declining optional upgrades, and bringing your own water/snacks. However, port fees, taxes, and basic gratuities are unavoidable.