All Aboard! A Deep Dive on Cruises!

Thinking about setting sail? A cruise is one of the best ways to unpack once and see the world. But if you’ve ever wondered what’s really included (and what’s not), you’re not alone! Let’s break it down so you can cruise smart, save money, and sip that piña colada with zero surprises.

🚢 What’s Included?

When you book a cruise with trusted lines like Royal Caribbean or Princess Cruises, here’s what your fare typically covers:

✅ Your Cabin: Your floating hotel — whether it’s an inside stateroom or an oceanview suite.

✅ Meals: Dining in the main dining rooms, buffets, and some casual cafés. There’s always pizza somewhere!

✅ Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, movies under the stars (Princess!), and more.

✅ Onboard Activities: Pools, hot tubs, fitness center, trivia, dance classes, and lots of family fun.

✅ Kids’ & Teens’ Clubs: Supervised, age-appropriate fun for the littlest sailors to teens.

✅ Basic Beverages: Water, tea, coffee, and sometimes lemonade or juice at select venues.

⚠️ What’s Not Included?

Here’s where the “hidden” expenses can pop up if you’re not prepared:

❌ Specialty Dining: Upscale steakhouses, sushi bars, chef’s tables — delicious, but they’re extra.

❌ Alcohol & Soda: Most lines don’t include alcoholic drinks or soda. You’ll see a tab fast without a drink package!

❌ Shore Excursions: Island tours, snorkeling, ziplining — all optional, all extra.

❌ Wi-Fi: Internet packages are improving but rarely free — plan ahead if you need to stay connected.

❌ Gratuities: Daily service charges for room stewards and dining staff are standard — budget about $14–$18 per person per day.

❌ Spa Treatments & Fitness Classes: Massages, facials, or specialty workouts like Pilates usually cost extra.

❌ Photos & Souvenirs: Those cute formal night photos? Yep — they’ll cost you if you want them!

💡 Cruise Like a Pro: Money-Saving Tips

✨ 1. Watch for Freebies! Sometimes Royal Caribbean or Princess run promos that include gratuities, drink packages, or Wi-Fi — booking during these sales can save you hundreds!

✨ 2. Bring Your Own Essentials. Pack a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and motion sickness meds — they cost a lot more onboard.

✨ 3. Pick Your Splurges Do you really need the sushi and the steakhouse? Pick one special meal and enjoy all the included options for the rest.

✨ 4. BYOB (Within Limits) Both Royal Caribbean and Princess allow you to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard at embarkation — check their latest policy for your sailing.

✨ 5. Plan Shore Days Wisely Ship excursions are convenient but often pricey — sometimes you can explore ports on your own or book trusted local guides for less.

✨ 6. Book Early — or Really Late The best cabin selection and perks often come when you book early, but last-minute deals can also pop up if you’re flexible.

🌴 Prefer to Keep It Truly All-Inclusive?

If the idea of budgeting for drinks, excursions, and extras feels like too much, don’t worry — you’ve got options! An all-inclusive resort might be your perfect match. With one upfront price covering meals, drinks (yes, cocktails too!), activities, and entertainment, you can kick back and enjoy paradise without pulling out your wallet every five minutes. Sometimes a toes-in-the-sand escape to Mexico or the Caribbean is just what you need to really unwind. If you’d like to explore some fabulous all-inclusive destinations instead, I’d love to help you find your perfect fit! 🍹🌺✨

🌴 Ready to Set Sail?

A cruise can be the most stress-free, value-packed vacation when you know what to expect — and I’m here to help you navigate every step, from the best cabin choice to the smartest shore excursions.

If you’re dreaming of the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe or beyond, let’s chat! Together, we’ll find the perfect sailing for your travel style and budget.

ip from Beyond Adventures Travel:

Pro Tip:

Check your sailing date for themed nights or formal nights before you pack! Many cruisers forget and end up shopping onboard for outfits or accessories at premium prices. A little planning means you can bring your favorite dress, Hawaiian shirt, or pirate hat (yes, sometimes there is a pirate night! 🏴‍☠️) — and spend that extra cash on something you really want, like a shore excursion or a frozen drink with an umbrella. 🍹✨