CruiseInsiderFirst-time cruisers · 4 min read
Tipping and extra costs on board
Service charges, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and the extras that surprise first-timers.
The fare covers your cabin, main dining and most entertainment. A lot else is extra.
Common extra costs
- Daily service charges (gratuities), charged per person per night
- Drinks, specialty coffee and bottled water
- Specialty restaurants
- Wi-Fi packages
- Shore excursions and transfers
Use our budget calculator to estimate the real total before you book.
Free guide
The First-Time Cruiser Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
- Cabin types and how to choose the best one
- Hidden costs nobody tells you about
- Drink packages: when they're worth it
- Tipping and onboard charges
- What to pack in your cruise suitcase
- The most common beginner mistakes
- Pre-embarkation checklist
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