How much spending do you need for a cruise?

Beyond the Brochure: Budgeting for Your Dream Cruise

So you’ve booked your dream cruise and are counting down the days until you set sail. The fare is paid, the itinerary is printed, and the excitement is palpable. But before you start picturing yourself lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, there’s one crucial aspect of cruise planning that often gets overlooked: onboard spending.

While the initial cruise fare covers your accommodation, meals in main dining rooms, and some onboard entertainment, a significant portion of your cruise experience involves additional costs. Seasoned cruisers know that budgeting for these extras is essential for a truly enjoyable and stress-free vacation.

So, how much should you set aside? A good rule of thumb is to allocate between £50 and £100 per person, per day, for onboard expenses. While frugal travelers can certainly manage on the lower end of this spectrum, aiming for at least £50 provides a comfortable buffer for enjoying the many amenities and experiences a cruise ship has to offer.

Let’s break down what this budget covers:

• Specialty Dining: While main dining rooms offer complimentary meals, indulging in a specialty restaurant can elevate your culinary experience. These meals typically range from £20 to £50 per person.

• Drinks: Unless you’re on an all-inclusive cruise, beverages like alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water will add to your bill. Consider purchasing a drinks package if you anticipate consuming several drinks daily, as this can often offer better value than paying individually.

• Shore Excursions: Exploring ports of call is a highlight of cruising, but shore excursions can be pricey. Prices vary widely depending on the activity and destination, so research options in advance and factor them into your budget.

• Gratuities: Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, typically around £10-£15 per person, per day. This covers services provided by dining staff, cabin stewards, and other crew members.

• Wi-Fi: Staying connected at sea comes at a cost. Wi-Fi packages are available, but prices can vary depending on the cruise line and data allowance.

• Souvenirs and Shopping: From duty-free shopping to unique souvenirs, resisting the temptation to spend can be challenging. Allocate a portion of your budget for these impulse purchases.

• Spa Treatments and Activities: Pampering yourself with a spa treatment or participating in onboard activities like wine tasting or cooking classes will also incur additional costs.

For a typical week-long cruise, this translates to an extra budget of £350 to £700 per person. While it’s possible to manage on less, having this financial cushion allows for greater flexibility and spontaneity, ensuring you can fully embrace all the delights your cruise has to offer without constantly worrying about the bill.

Planning your onboard spending is just as important as choosing your itinerary and packing your bags. By setting a realistic budget and tracking your expenses, you can relax, indulge, and create unforgettable memories without any financial surprises at the end of your voyage.