Ahoy! Warmer weather is upon us and with it comes the promise of spring, which of course means Spring Break adventures! Did you know that spring is actually one of the best times to go on a cruise? As long as you book outside of the busy Spring Break weeks, you can often find great deals and avoid the crowds. Have you been cruising before? Mike and I have yet to take the kids, but both of us have set sail before marriage and after and we love it! Before planning your next cruise, make sure you know what’s included and what’s not. I don’t want you to be caught off guard by the real cost of cruising.

discovering the real cost of cruising

One of the things I love about cruising is its all-inclusive nature. Once your cruise is booked you really don’t have to worry much about your food, travel, accommodations, or entertainment. But hold onto your sunhats, because even the best deals have hidden expenses lurking beneath the surface.

the cost of gratuity on a cruise ship

Hopefully, you will have phenomenal service while on your family cruise vacation. Due to the hard work and endless service that is offered on cruise ships, cruise lines often add automatic gratuities to your bill. While these gestures are generally well-deserved, they can sneak up on you. And on your budget! This gratuity fee is calculated on a per passenger per day basis. Generally it ranges from $10 to $15 per person per day. When you’re budgeting for your cruise make sure you consider the gratuities and consider them while you’re calculating the total cost.

| Read: The Pros and Cons of Cruising |

childcare options onboard

One of the perks of cruising with kids is that you have childcare options. All your family-friendly cruise lines will offer some type of included childcare for children of a certain age. The specific ages and benefits of these “kids clubs” will vary by cruise line, and even by ship. Make sure that if childcare is an important aspect of planning for your cruise vacation, that you look up the specifics for the cruises you’re considering. Also, keep in mind that most cruise lines don’t offer complimentary or included childcare for kids under the age of three. However, many do offer paid childcare for those younger sailors and the cost is minimal. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises offer their Royal Babies & Tots program for ages 6-36 months. This is a nursery drop-off program with sessions that have age-appropriate activities and toys.

Find out more about kid and youth programs on some of the most family-friendly cruise lines below:

Youth Programs on Royal Caribbean

Camp Ocean on Carnival

Youth Clubs on Disney Cruise Line

cost of cruising drink packages

If you know me you know I love diet soda. However, my frugal nature takes over on a cruise and I typically go without. Why? Because extra beverages while cruising can come at a cost. While cruise lines do offer drink packages with the promise of unlimited beverages, the cost may not be worth what you get. Wait times for drinks onboard mean you might not be able to refill as often as you’d like. It’s best to evaluate your habits and needs and consider whether paying per drink might be a better option for you. Or just indulge in your beverage of choice when you’re in port, which is usually much less expensive.

the extra fees of specialty dining

Every cruise line and ship within their fleet will have different dining options. It’s important to know that some dining options are included in the price of your cruise, but some are not. Some gourmet experiences or fun eatery options may be an extra fee. Or some will be included for lunch, but not for dinner. Generally speaking, at the very least you can count on the main dining room (usually open for dinner and breakfast on at sea days), the buffet (for every meal), and one other “quick” dining option with limited hours. Make sure that you do your research for your particular cruise ahead of time, and make sure your children know where they can and can’t dine as well. Especially older kids who might have a little more freedom on board.

are shore excursions worth the cost?

Shore excursions are a great way to experience the ports you visit. Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions for all ages and all interests. Do your research and think about which ones your family will enjoy the most. Just like the type of excursion will vary greatly, the costs of them will also differ. You can save money by opting to forego a shore excursion and explore on your own in certain ports. I know a lot of people like to book shore excursions privately rather than through the cruise line to save money. Keep in mind–if you’ve booked through the cruise line you have certain guarantees if bad weather or late arrivals mess up your plans.

stay on budget with the cost of cruising

I’m all for creating epic memories on your family vacations. I’m not a fan of creating an epic bill to go with them. Here are some savvy strategies to keep your cruise more budget-friendly. Bonus? Budget-friendly travel means you can travel more–right?

book early for the best deals

I’m a planner by nature, but I know not everyone is. If you’re in the camp of spontaneous travels, hear me out. Booking your trip in advance often gives you early bird discounts. Flights, hotels, and cruises, will often incentivize their potential guests by telling them they’ll save big if they book their trip now. Keep your eyes open for promotions and purchase when prices are at their most wallet-friendly, or beneficial for your family. For example, if you’re going on a trip with just the husband, your wallet would benefit more from reduced prices or onboard credit than a promotion where kids sail free.

| Read: Tips for Packing for a Cruise |

travel off season when you can

Are your travel dates flexible? Because when you’re able to travel during the off-season you can often save big. Theme parks, cruises, hotels, most of the travel industry charges more during their more popular seasons. Booking your family trip during one of the slower travel times can be a game-changer. Prices tend to dip during shoulder seasons, allowing you to experience the same luxury for less. You may even be able to upgrade your cabin for around the same cost as a smaller interior accommodation.

B.Y.O.B.–bring your own beverages

Although you won’t go thirsty on your cruise vacation, many beverages are not included in the cost of your trip. Each cruise line is different, but most will have tap water, tea, coffee, and juice included for their passengers. Other beverages can be purchased a la carte, or are included in beverage packages which can be purchased ahead of time. Note–Disney Cruise Line does have soda fountains available and as long as you’re not ordering from the bar or room service, soft drinks are included in your cruise price.

While cruise lines do have strict policies on bringing alcohol and beverages aboard, many allow passengers to bring something on embarkation day. For example, most cruises will allow passengers to bring up to 12 cans of soda onboard at the beginning of the cruise. Mare sure you check the rules of your individual cruise line before departure so you’re not caught off guard.

Royal Caribbean Drink Policies

Carnival Drink Policies

Disney Cruise Line Drink Policies

setting sail with confidence about the cost of cruising

Whew, that was a lot of information about the cost of cruising! Bottom line–cruises have changed a lot of over the years, especially since the travel industry upheaval of 2020. However, cruising can still be a really economical way to travel as a family. Plus, it’s a lot of fun too!