The Total Cost of a Cruise
Before, on board and after: every part of the bill in one place.
Get an All-In Cruise QuoteThe Total Cost of a Cruise, Line by Line
The total cost of a cruise is the fare plus everything that attaches to it before, during and after the voyage. Here is every component, so nothing surprises you at the end.
Before You Sail
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cruise fare | Per person, usually based on two sharing; varies by cabin, date and fare type |
| Taxes, fees and port expenses | Shown separately in most U.S. quotes and added at booking |
| Travel insurance | Optional but wise; usually bought soon after the deposit |
| Flights | To the port city; Cruise Airfare covers timing |
| Hotel the night before | Recommended for anyone flying in |
| Transfers or parking | Airport, hotel and port; Free Cruise Parking covers port parking |
| Pre-booked extras | Packages, excursions and dining reserved before sailing |
On Board
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gratuities | Added daily on most a la carte lines; included or prepaid on others |
| Drinks | Beyond the basics, unless your fare includes them |
| Specialty dining | Extra on many lines; included on luxury and some premium lines |
| Wi-Fi | Sold in packages on many lines; included on others |
| Spa, photos, shopping, casino | Personal choices |
In Port and After
Shore excursions can be a large part of the total on a port-intensive itinerary, such as a Mediterranean or Northern Europe cruise with a port almost every day; Shore Activities and our regional port sites explain what is on offer in each port. Add meals and transport ashore if you explore independently, and the journey home, including any post-cruise hotel night.
Adding It Up
Once you have every line, divide the total by the number of nights and by the number of travelers. That gives you a figure you can compare with any other cruise, or with a land vacation. Our cost-per-day page shows the method step by step.
Per Person, Per Cabin, Per Day
Cruise fares are usually quoted per person, based on two people sharing a cabin, while many onboard charges, such as gratuities, are per guest per day and some packages are sold per cabin or per device. Before adding things up, convert everything to the same unit. The simplest is the total for the whole cabin for the whole voyage; from there, divide by guests and nights.
Remember the timing as well as the amount. The fare is paid in stages before you sail, flights and hotels when you book them, and onboard charges at the end of the cruise. A total-cost list that shows when each item is paid makes the whole trip easier to budget.
Total Cost Questions
Are port fees included in the cruise fare?
In U.S. quotes, taxes, fees and port expenses are usually shown as a separate line and added to the fare at booking.
Are cruise prices per person or per cabin?
Usually per person, based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travelers often pay a supplement, and third and fourth guests are priced separately.
See the Total Before You Book
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote the fare with taxes and fees and list the extras to expect on your line. Free.
Get a Total-Cost Quote