What's included in the price of a cruise?

3 min. readlast update: 06.14.2025

A cruise fare includes a lot of value, especially when compared to land-based vacations. While many extras can be added for a fee, the base price of a cruise typically covers your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation between ports. Here's a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the price of a cruise:


🚢 1. Accommodations

  • Your stateroom or cabin for the entire duration of the cruise.

  • Daily housekeeping service by your room steward.

  • Private bathroom, bed linens, towels, toiletries, and basic amenities.


🍽️ 2. Dining (Included Venues)

  • Meals in the main dining room, buffet, and casual eateries.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day.

  • Complimentary options include:

    • Pizza, burgers, sandwiches

    • Ice cream, pastries, and salad bars

  • Basic drinks such as:

    • Water, iced tea, lemonade

    • Coffee and hot tea (in dining areas)


🎭 3. Entertainment

  • Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, and themed parties.

  • Access to theaters, lounges, and nightclubs (age permitting).

  • Movies under the stars, game shows, and trivia contests.


🏊 4. Onboard Activities

  • Pools and hot tubs

  • Fitness center access

  • Mini golf, basketball, ping-pong (varies by ship)

  • Waterslides, splash zones (on family-friendly ships)

  • Outdoor jogging track

Some ships even include rock climbing walls, zip lines, and ice skating rinks—at no extra charge.


🧒 5. Kids and Teen Clubs

  • Supervised, age-appropriate programming for kids and teens.

  • Group games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and more—typically free.


🌊 6. Transportation Between Ports

  • The cruise ship itself transports you from port to port—your floating hotel and transportation combined.

  • No need to worry about flights, trains, or buses between destinations.


🛏️ 7. Taxes and Port Fees (Often Included)

  • These are typically included in your final fare total when you book through the cruise line or travel agent (though listed separately).

  • Covers customs and dock fees in various ports of call.


In Summary: What’s Included in Your Cruise Fare

Category Included? Notes
Cabin/Accommodations ✅ Yes Housekeeping included
Main Dining & Buffet Meals ✅ Yes Specialty dining extra
Basic Drinks (water, tea, coffee) ✅ Yes Alcohol and sodas extra
Live Entertainment ✅ Yes Shows, music, comedy
Pools & Fitness Center ✅ Yes Select activities only
Kids' Programs ✅ Yes Daytime and early evening
Port-to-port travel ✅ Yes Transportation built in

Cruise fares are designed to provide great value, especially with meals, lodging, entertainment, and transportation bundled into one price. 

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