Budget for a cruise without guesswork or stress. This guide breaks down every cost, how to plan and track them, and where to save or splurge—so your vacation stays on budget and fun.
Budget for a Cruise: Quick Overview
- Identify all cost buckets: base fare, taxes/fees, transport to port, pre/post stays, onboard spending, excursions, insurance, tips, Wi‑Fi, and souvenirs.
- Set a total budget, then assign caps to each category.
- Use a sinking fund and payment timeline to spread costs.
- Track spending live onboard to avoid surprises.
- Grab the included Google Sheets budget planner structure and checklist (instructions below) to manage everything in one place.
What Makes Up the Total Cost of a Cruise?
Cruises advertise the base fare, but the full cost includes:
- Base fare: your cabin price, often per person, double occupancy.
- Port fees and taxes: mandatory charges added at checkout although many cruise line will include these in the base fare. Check before you book!
- Gratuities: automatic tips per person per day (varies by line).
- Transportation: flights, gas, parking, transfers or rideshares.
- Lodging: pre/post-cruise hotel nights (recommended if flying in).
- Onboard spending: drinks, speciality dining, spa, casino, photos, Wi‑Fi, onboard shops, laundry.
- Shore excursions: ship-run tours or independent operators.
- Travel insurance: medical, cancellation/interruption coverage.
- Miscellaneous: passports/visas, gear, souvenirs, currency exchange.
Set Your Total Budget (And Make It Realistic)
- Define your ceiling: What’s the maximum you want to spend door-to-door?
- Work backward: Allocate percentages to each category (sample below).
- Choose priorities: If food and private excursions matter most, reserve more for those and trim elsewhere.
- Add a buffer: 10–15% contingency protects you from surprises.
Sample Budget Allocation (For a 7-Night Cruise)
- Base fare + taxes/fees: 45–55%
- Transportation (flight/parking/transfers): 15–25%
- Onboard spending (drinks, dining, activities): 10–15%
- Shore excursions: 10–15%
- Travel insurance: 2–4%
- Gratuities: 3–5%
- Wi‑Fi and communications: 1–3%
- Souvenirs and photos: 2–4%
- Buffer: 5–10%
Tip: The shorter the cruise or the closer the port, the more you can shrink transportation and boost onboard or excursion budgets.
Choosing Itinerary, Ship, and Cabin With Budget in Mind
- Time of year: Shoulder seasons (e.g., late spring, fall) often cost less than holidays or summer.
- Ship class: Newer mega-ships can cost more; older ships can be great value.
- Cabin type: Interior is cheapest, balcony adds comfort/views, suites offer perks but jump in price.
- Itinerary length: Longer cruises can lower per-night rates but increase total spend.
- Departure port: Driving to a port can save big versus flying.
Transportation Costs: Flights, Parking, and Transfers
- Flights: Book 2–5 months ahead for domestic, 4–8 for international; watch fare alerts.
- Fly in a day early: Reduces risk and can save on last-minute rebooking chaos.
- Airport-to-port transfers: Compare cruise line shuttles vs. rideshares vs. third-party.
- Driving: Budget fuel, tolls, and port parking (often $15–30/day).
- Luggage and seat fees: Add them to your flight cost.
Onboard Spending: Drinks, Dining, and More
- Drink packages: Worth it only if your daily consumption exceeds the per-day package price (including gratuities).
- Speciality dining: Choose one or two “experience” meals; book early for deals.
- Wi‑Fi: Buy pre-cruise for discounts, or use free port Wi‑Fi days to cut costs.
- Spa and activities: Look for port-day discounts when the ship is emptier.
- Casino and photos: Set a hard cap (and stick to it).
Shore Excursions: Ship vs. Independent
- Ship excursions: More expensive but vetted, with “ship won’t leave without you” peace of mind.
- Independent tours: Often cheaper, smaller groups; check reviews and timing guarantees.
- DIY days: Research walkable highlights; use public transit or hop-on buses to keep costs low.
- Mix and match: Splurge in one marquee port, go DIY in others.
Travel Insurance: Smart Risk Management
- What to cover: Medical (including evacuation), trip cancellation/interruption, baggage, delays.
- Policy sources: Cruise line vs. independent insurer (often broader coverage).
- Budget estimate: 2–8% of trip cost depending on age, destination, and coverage.
Tips, Gratuities, and Service Charges
- Automatic gratuities: Typically 1420 per person per day; verify the line’s current rate.
- Service charges: Some dining or spa services add 18–20% automatically.
- Cash tips: Keep small bills for porters, local guides, and exceptional service.
Hidden and Easy-to-Miss Costs
- Currency exchange fees, foreign transaction fees: Use a no-FX-fee card. We recommend the Wise Travel card as one of the best for internation travel.
- Laundry or pressing: Pack wrinkle-release spray or use self-serve laundromats if available.
- Medical visits onboard: Your regular health insurance may not apply at sea.
- Photo packages: Plan before boarding—buy none, one, or cap your spend.
Budgeting Methods That Work
- Sinking fund: Save a set amount weekly/monthly into a dedicated account until sail date.
- 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs (fare, fees), 30% wants (dining, spa), 20% savings/buffer.
- Envelope method (digital or cash): Assign category caps; stop when an envelope is empty.
- Prepay where possible: Lock in rates and reduce onboard temptation.
Live Tracking Onboard
- Use the cruise app or TV account to check your balance daily.
- Put a daily cap on your onboard spend and review before bed.
- Bring a prepaid gift card or cash for nonrefundable extras to avoid running up your credit card.
Example Cost Breakdown (Illustrative, 2 Adults, 7 Nights)
- Base fare + taxes/fees: $1,800
- Gratuities: $280
- Flights: $700
- Transfers/parking: $120
- Pre-cruise hotel: $180
- Drink package (1 adult only): $420
- Speciality dining: $120. The varies by ship and some will include in the base fare.
- Wi‑Fi: $105
- Shore excursions: $400
- Insurance: $120
- Souvenirs/photos: $150
- Buffer: $200
- 4,595
Adjust up/down by cabin type, itinerary, and travel distance.
Ways to Save Without Feeling Deprived
- Book early-sale promos or last-minute deals (if flexible).
- Watch price drops and request re-fares before final payment.
- Choose interior cabins and spend savings on excursions.
- Bring refillable water bottles; enjoy included dining vs. speciality.
- Plan port days independently using trusted review sources.
Where to Splurge (If It Matters to You)
- Balcony for scenic itineraries (Alaska, fjords).
- One special dining experience.
- A private tour in a bucket-list port.
- Photo with the whole family on formal night—just one, pre-budgeted.
Payment Timeline (Simple Plan)
- Reservation: Deposit + start sinking fund auto-transfers.
- 120–90 days: Book flights and hotel; buy insurance.
- 60–30 days: Final payment; pre-purchase Wi‑Fi, dining, or packages if discounted.
- 14–7 days: Confirm transfers, documents, and excursion tickets.
- Sailing week: Withdraw cash for tips and small purchases; set daily onboard caps.
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring taxes, fees, and gratuities in the initial price.
- Waiting to buy insurance (coverage often best when purchased shortly after deposit).
- Overbuying drink packages “just in case.”
- Not checking your onboard account until the last night.
- Forgetting parking or luggage fees.
Pre-Cruise Budget Checklist (Mini)
- Confirm total trip budget and category caps.
- Reserve cabin class and itinerary aligned with budget.
- Price flights vs. driving; book pre-cruise hotel if flying.
- Decide on drink/Wi‑Fi packages (pre-purchase if discounted).
- Choose excursions (ship vs. independent) and book early.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Set up a sinking fund and daily onboard caps.
- Prepare tip cash and a small emergency buffer.
Take a look at our other cruise planning guides here
