Cruise extras explained: tips, drinks and excursions to budget for

A cruise fare usually includes your cabin, most meals and the entertainment on board, which is why cruises can be such good value. But first-time cruisers are often surprised by the bill at the end. Here is what tends to be extra, and how to plan for it.

Tips (gratuities)

Many cruise lines add a daily service charge per person to your onboard account to cover the crew's tips. Some luxury lines include it in the fare. On top of that, a percentage is often added automatically to drinks bought at the bar and to spa treatments.

What to do: check the cruise line's policy before you book, and add the daily charge for every person and every night to your budget, so it isn't a surprise.

Drinks

Water, tea, coffee and some juices are usually included. Alcohol, fizzy drinks, speciality coffee and bottled water are often not. Most lines sell drinks packages, priced per person per day.

What to do: a package only pays off if you'll drink enough each day to beat the pay-as-you-go price. Be honest about it, and remember many lines require everyone in the cabin to buy the same package.

Shore excursions

Excursions booked through the ship are convenient and the ship waits for you if a tour runs late. They can also be noticeably more expensive than exploring on your own or booking a local tour.

What to do: research each port before you go. In some ports you can easily walk or take public transport into town; in others a ship tour is the sensible choice. If you book independently, leave plenty of time to get back on board.

The other extras

• Wi-Fi: usually charged, often per day or per device.
• Speciality restaurants: the main dining room is included, but some restaurants carry a cover charge.
• Port taxes and fees: usually included in the fare in the UK, but check.
• Getting to the port: flights, hotels the night before and parking at the port all add up.
• Travel insurance: make sure your policy includes cruise cover.

How to budget

1. Add the daily tips for everyone in your cabin.
2. Decide on drinks: package or pay as you go.
3. Plan two or three paid excursions and explore the other ports yourself.
4. Set a daily spending limit and check your onboard account part-way through the cruise.

The bottom line

A cruise can still be excellent value once you know what is included. Read the fare's inclusions carefully, budget for the extras, and compare a few cruise lines. See our current cruise deals.