Cruising is a somewhat all-inclusive environment. Of course, you can always choose to add beverages, specialty dining, and wi-fi, or do shopping onboard which will all cost extra. But, you can have an amazing vacation without spending any additional money. 

Let’s talk about what’s included in your cruise fare. Actually, let’s start with calculating the cost of the basic cruise. 

Cruise Fare

Cruise fares are quoted as a base rate depending on the category of cabin you select. For example, an interior cabin might be $750 for a 7-day cruise. That’s a per person rate based on double occupancy, so $1500 for the cabin for two people. If you have a 3rd or 4th person in the cabin, the base rate is usually a bit less expensive for them. In addition to the base rate, you will have taxes, fees, and port charges. Those are usually about $125 to $250 per person depending on the ports (Panama Canal cruises have higher port charges than the Caribbean).

Adding On Extra Services

Is that it? Well, almost. You also have service charge/gratuities to cover. These can be prepaid when you do online check-in. Or, you can choose to remove them and tip the staff who directly affect your trip. However, the staff split the gratuities charged to your account. Cash tips to only those who you one in contact with cheats those in, say, the laundry area or dishwashers. It negatively impacts all the behind the scenes people you don’t see, but who also impact your experience on the cruise. Just think twice before removing your gratuities. We choose to pay the charged gratuities, and then we pay a cash tip at the end of our cruise to the room steward, head waiter, and assistant waiters. Standard gratuities run about $16 per person per day for basic cabins and slightly higher for suites and above. That works out to $102 per person for a 7-day cruise. 

Bottom Line

So, let’s add it up. The base fare was $750. Then $125 for the taxes, fees, and port charges. And finally, $102 for gratuities. That brings our grand total to $977 per person for a 7-day cruise. Keep in mind, this is just an example. Prices will be based on newness of the ship, category of cruise line you’re sailing on (Basic, Premium, or Luxury), itinerary, and season. A good rule of thumb for a budget cruise is to keep this grand total at $100 per person per day. That will most likely involve going during the off-season or going on an older ship.

Land Vacation Costs VS Cruise Costs

How does this compare to a land-based vacation. Unless you’re going totally budget, a hotel is going to run about of $50 per person per day. Meals will run another $45 per person per day in a resort area. Renting a car and gas to get around at your destination will run another $25+ per person per day. Entertainment on the scale of the Broadway shows provided on cruise ships will run about $50+ per person per day. If we add all these expenses up, we’re at $1,170 per person for 7 days. All those things are provided on a cruise for $977 per person for 7-days. Again, remember, these are just examples, but you can see why cruising is such a popular vacation option. 

While there are add-ons which you may pay in addition to your cruise fare, you would be paying those on a land-based vacation as well. Examples of these add-ons would be airfare, drinks, wi-fi (not usually complimentary at resorts or upscale hotels), specialty dining, and excursions or sightseeing. 

Ways to Save

All in, cruising is a very affordable way to vacation, especially for families. Bargains are definitely out there to be found. For instance, my husband and I are taking a two-week cruise next month for $1,400 total. That meets the $100 per day criteria for a budget cruise. The base fare was $400 per person. Taxes, fees, and port charges ran another $300 per person. We couldn’t do a land-based vacation for $100 per day for two people. And to top it off, we got $400 per week in onboard credit!! That’s how to cruise on a budget!

Have you gotten a bargain price on a cruise vacation? Share your great find in the comments below.