What's Included in Your Cruise Fare?

As I’m getting ready to finally get back on a cruise ship (YAY), I find myself doing some research and thinking of the very first cruise I booked. Not speaking the language (cruise) made it a bit scary and confusing. That booking experience led me to becoming a travel agent. But that’s not the topic I will embark on today - see what I did there? Today, I want to help you navigate through the world of cruising.

While the cruise lines encourage cruisers to pre-book drink packages, specialty dining, wifi packages and more, cruisers are left wondering… what is included in the cruise fare? The one thing cruisers should remember is, that those "extras" are just that, "extras".

This is something that can be both confusing and overwhelming, specially for those new to the cruising world.

Even with all the “extras”, the fact is, that a cruise vacation is still a great value. Where else can you wake up in a different country on a daily basis in a span of a week or so? No need to pack and unpack at every destination... Sign me up! Aside from the alcoholic beverages, a cruise can be almost, all-inclusive!

Here is a list of what is included in your cruise fare. So you have an idea of what to expect, how to plan and budget accordingly.

What's Included in Your Cruise Fare?

Accommodations:

This is the most basic of what is included! Simply choose what type of cabin works for you. Your options are: interior, ocean view, balcony, or a suite. No matter which cabin you choose, you’ll find the accommodations comfortable and functional. Bonus, your cabin comes with twice a day housekeeping services! No need to make up your bed!

Food options & Dining:

Most of your food is included in your fare. From the Main Dining Room (MDR), to the buffet, to the pizza place as well as the poolside grills, there are plenty of options that are already included in your fare. Psss… And its unlimited! You can have as much or as little as you want! Want to order 2 desserts at the MDR? Just ask! No one goes hungry aboard a cruise!

Tip: A cruise is a great place to try something new! See something on the menu that has peeked your interest? Give it a try! You can always ask for something else. You will find that the wait staff will encourage you to try new things!

Room Service:

This is one of my favorite perks. A lot of the cruise lines include FREE room service. We love having coffee and some breakfast pastries or fruit platters delivered to our cabin every morning! The boys love ordering some snacks or desserts. Coffee in your balcony in the mornings, has to be the best way to start your day!

Also, snacks like fruit, soft served ice cream, popcorn and other snacks, are usually available day and night.

Private Island Beach Day:

Looking for a relaxing beach day? Most cruise lines offer a private island experience on their Caribbean sailings. This usually includes a gorgeous beach, lounge chairs and a beach BBQ lunch. On some sailings MSC and Virgin Voyages host a beach party at night!

Here is a list of some off the private islands:

Royal Caribbean has Labadee, a peninsula of the coast of Haiti with beaches, zipline and more. They also have their newly updated, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

NCL has Stirrup Cay and Harvest Cay.

Disney has the magical Castaway Cay

Princess has Princess Cay

Holland and Carnival use Half Moon Cay

MSC has Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Virgin Voyages has Bimini

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at Coco Cay

Pool areas and lounge chairs:

Pools and pool deck activities are included in your fare. Many cruise lines have both a main pool and an adult pool if you prefer a more quiet setting. Whirlpools and hot tubs may be scattered around the ships as well.

Entertainment:

The cruise lines have gone above and beyond to keep cruisers entertained. Between Broadway shows, Aqua shows ( Royal Caribbean), singing and dancing acts, there is no way to be bored. Some of the cruse lines offer themed parties, as well as game shows which are also included in your cruise fare.

Drinks:

This is the question everyone wants the answer to! With all this beverage package talk and questions that arise often, people want to know what drinks are available to them with their cruise fare. Coffee and teas in the buffet and main dining room. Juice from concentrate and flavored drinks can be found in the buffet, milk at breakfast. Unsweetened tea is usually available as well. Water is always available and it is safe to drink.

Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle and or travel coffee mug.

Kid’s Club:

The kids clubs a great place for the kiddos to hang out and make new friends. The cruise lines offer lots of activities and excellent supervision. These clubs are divided by age groups and offer the appropriate activities. Our kids have made friends from all over the world thanks to these clubs! Bonus, it gives parents some alone time!

Tip: Make sure to tour and sign up up your kiddos on embarkation day. The kid's clubs are popular and spots fill up fast!

Fitness Center:

After eating all that food, maybe wanting to work out is for you. The use of the fitness center as well as the machines is also included!

Sea Day Activities:

During sea days you can find an array of activities around the ship. Pool games, trivia, movies under the stars and lectures in the theater, there is something for everyone.

These are the basic things included in your cruise fare. Things vary between cruise lines. Some may offer free coffee at their cafe ( Royal Caribbean), where others offer free cookies and milk ( Princess), there is literally something for everyone!

What are some of your favorite things included in your cruise?

Do you have any cruise questions? Leave them in the comments! 😊

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