How much does it cost?

Cruising is overall an excellent value - frequently 20-30% less than a comparable vacation on land. That said, cruises are priced differently than other types of travel. This article explains what the advertised prices really mean and what is -- and isn't -- included. (For details on how to get the best price for what you want, see best price.)

The ticket price

The price you see on an advertised fare is not exactly what you will pay for the ticket. Be aware of the following:

• Double occupancy: When you see advertised fares these are typically per person, based on double occupancy. That means they expect you to have two people in the cabin. If you cruise alone you generally have to pay the full price of the cabin (i.e., x2). If you cruise with a third person or even fourth person in the cabin (usually kids on a fold-out couch our rolling bed), you only add a little more than if you had just two.
• Taxes / fees: This amount is usually not more than 5%, but may not be included in the advertised price.
• Fuel surcharge: Many cruise lines are now charging an additional $5 to $12 per person, per day to cover the increased cost of fuel.

What's included

One of the charms of cruising is that many of your costs are included in your ticket price

• Accommodations. Virtually all cabins come with a King sized bed that can be converted to two twin beds; many also have space for a third person on a couch or pull-down bed; a few have room for a fourth. Size and grandeur varies depending on what category you choose. Even so, most cruise line accommodations are comfortable if relatively compact. All staterooms will have a shower, some will have a bathtub.
• Meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included, as is room service. Most cruise lines will also provide special dining events like high tea and midnight buffets.
• Entertainment. Production shows, commedians, dancing in the nightclubs are all included.
• Most onboard facilities. You can always use the pool, sauna, hot tubs, tennis and basketball courts free of charge. Some facilities, such as the bowling lanes on NCL, may have a nominal fee.

What's not included

In general, cruises also involve a number of additional ways to spend money...

• Tipping / Gratuities. In general, budget in $10-$15 per person, per day for gratuities for your waiters, cabin stewards, etc. You won't need to leave this on the dinner table each night; it's usually handled on the last night of the cruise. Indeed, many cruises now automate the process so you don't have to worry about bringing large amounts of cash onboard.
• Bar drinks. Alcohol, soda and specialty coffees (lattes, frappes, etc.) are not included. Prices are comparable to those on land. (If you're used to New York or Los Angeles prices, you may be pleasantly surprised.)
• Excursions. You can always get off at the ports and look around on your own. However, many people like to join organized excursions for tours or outdoor activities like snorkeling or parasailing. These can be booked through the cruise line or through third-party vendors.
• The Spa / Beauty Salon. If you like, you can have a massage, haircut, or personal training session onboard. Prices are similar to high-end spas in major cities.
• "Specialty" Dining. While food in the main dining room(s) is always included, many ships now offer alternative dining venues for an additional charge. For example, many Carnival ships now offer diner at their Supper Clubs for $30 per person. The experience is more intimate, and the menu was designed by Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc. NCL's larger ships have numerous restaurants and charge for most of them.

Exceptions

The above holds true for all the major cruise North American lines - Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, Holland America Line, Celebrity, etc. However, there are some cruise lines that do things a little differently.

Luxury and specialty lines sometimes include more. For example...

• Regent, Silversea, Seabourn include soft drinks and "standard" alcoholic beverages (i.e., cognac, but not the Louis XIII cognac)
• Crystal: Includes soft drinks in its pricing
• American Safari Cruises: Includes excursions
• Oceania includes specialty dining, but restricts guests to one visit to each of two speciality restaurants restaurant per cruise (two for guests in suites)

And, at the other end of the spectrum, easyCruise charges for everything including food.