When it comes to cruise vacations, the term all-inclusive should come with a big, fat asterisk. Cruise lines are taking a cue from airlines, adding or increasing fees to keep base fares low while still boosting revenue. “In this day of such easy and pervasive price comparisons, it’s important to have the lowest price out there,” says Ed Perkins, an editor with SmarterTravel.com. “If they can’t charge more for their basic product, cruise lines have got to make it some other way.”
Many of the new fees target food -- specifically gourmet items, such as lobster, steak, premium coffees and fancy desserts. Carnival recently beefed up the entrance fee for its steakhouse from $30 to $35 per visit. Royal Caribbean raised the price of entry into its Chops Grille restaurant from $25 to $30.
Once imposed, fees tend to stay. “When the economy starts to recover and fares go up, you won’t see cruise lines dropping these fees,” says Carolyn Spencer Brown, of CruiseCritic.com. The good news for cruisers is that these charges are typically optional. And so far, the fees are limited to big cruise lines, such as Carnival and Celebrity.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But pesky fees make it tougher to budget for your cruise vacation, especially if you’re caught off guard by a new charge or give in to an impulse purchase. And sometimes the fees aren’t transparent, says Brown, citing the example of a waiter handing out flutes of champagne at dinner without letting diners know that they cost $20 each.
Unlike airlines, which must follow fee disclosure rules, cruise lines aren’t regulated as to how they display extra charges. To better estimate what your next cruise will cost, go to Independent Traveler’s budget calculator. It provides a worksheet with boxes for typical cruise fees, including dining surcharges, cocktails and soft drinks.
This article first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. For more help with your personal finances and investments, please subscribe to the magazine. It might be the best investment you ever make.
-
Turkey, Tariffs, and Grocery Taxes: The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner This YearFood Taxes For some who celebrate, Thanksgiving can mean a full table, family, and a sense of gratitude. But in 2025, it also means a focus on the bottom line.
-
Taxes on Investments: How Well Do You Know IRS Capital Gains Tax Rules?Quiz Take our capital gains tax quiz to test your investment taxes knowledge. Learn about loss rules, holding periods, and tax incentives that could impact your savings.
-
The Best (and Worst) Airlines for Flight Delays and CancellationsWhich airlines should you book and which should you avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time?
-
Four Luxury Spa Resorts for Well-Heeled TravelersWe hand-picked these U.S. luxury spa resorts for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the CrowdsBeat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
