Money-Saving
How Much Money Should You Bring on a Cruise?
How much money should you bring on a cruise? We break down onboard spending, gratuities, excursions and cash for ports so you can budget your first cruise accurately.
Cruise fares look all-inclusive, but a surprising amount can be spent onboard if you’re not prepared. Here’s a realistic budget so there are no nasty surprises on your final statement.
How onboard spending works
Almost everything is charged to a cashless account linked to your card. We explain how it works and how to keep an eye on the running total.
The big extras to budget for
Gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, spa, Wi-Fi and shore excursions are the main add-ons. We give ballpark figures for each.
How much cash to carry
You’ll want some cash for tipping in port, taxis and small vendors who don’t take cards. We suggest a sensible amount per port.
