5 Food and Drink Costs That Catch Out Unsuspecting Cruisers

Cruises are great! They suit so many people, and I am not surprised that millions choose to cruise every year.

Even if you are a regular cruiser, there might be certain costs that could catch you out.

In this article, we look at things that you need to look out for that could cost extra.

Mini Bar

The drinks in the mini bar usually cost extra – even if you have bought a drinks package.

If you are travelling on a luxury cruise line, drinks may be included, but look out for the telltale price list either in the fridge itself or on the desk.

I am also wary of cruise lines leaving bottled water in your cabin. I recommend checking with your cabin steward to see if this is included. You don’t want to be unexpectedly charged for drinking a bottle of water every day if you think it’s free!

When I sailed in the cheapest inside cabin onboard the luxury cruise line Azamara, the drinks in the mini bar were included. Our room steward asked what we liked to drink and then kept our fridge topped up with Pepsi Max throughout our cruise. It was wonderful!

Although I had a fantastic cruise, there were a few problems with our cabin. Find out more about that here:

Room Service

Sometimes room service is free, but it isn’t free as standard. It is worth checking beforehand whether there is a charge on your particular cruise line.

Some cruise lines charge a set charge for delivery. Others charge per food item.

Again, even if you have a drinks package, don’t expect drinks that are delivered to your cabin by room service to be included within that drinks package.

It can be a little confusing!

If you sail with MSC, for example, and you have paid a slightly higher “Fantastica” or “Aurea” fare, then room service delivery – and the majority of items on the room service menu – is free of charge.

If you have paid the lower “Bella” fare, there is a standard charge for delivery, which is in the region of $5.

Luxury lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, Emerald and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, always include 24-hour room service as standard.

I was lucky enough to take a cruise on a superyacht, where all drinks – and lots more besides, were included. Find out about that amazing trip here:

Tea and Coffee in Bars and Cafes

If you order tea or coffee in a bar or in the ship’s cafe, you may well get charged for it.

If you have a drinks package, it may include tea and speciality coffee as standard. Again, you really need to read the small print to find out what is included and if extra charges apply.

If the buffet is open, you can always get standard tea and coffee there, so that is always a good money saving option.

If you have tea and coffee making facilities in your room, you can always go back and enjoy a drink in your cabin free of charge.

Often you find in cafes onboard that the cakes or cookies are free, but you have to pay for the drinks.

Bottles of Water

Bottles of water are often not included in your drinks package.

Some cruise ships have water refill stations (Marella and P&O for example) so you can fill up your own bottles.

Bars will give you tap water, free of charge – as will the main dining room.

There is free chilled water in the machines in the buffet, and you can safely drink the water from the taps in the cabin ( It may not taste great though).

I always take a small bottle of concentrated squash along with me when I cruise to add to the cabin’s tap water. It makes it taste far better.

Ice Cream Shops, Chocolate Shops, Cake Shops…

Lots of ships have additional charge shops and cafes.

I just don’t go in these places, unless i have free “onboard credit” to use up!

Extra-charge food items are a great way for cruise lines to make extra money. If cruisers buy the odd ice cream or extra afternoon tea, it helps add to their profits.

Cruise lines are always very keen to promote these extra charge options, but there is no need for you to visit them, or spend extra money at all.

This is how P&O cruises advertise their additional charge ice cream shop:

Find scoopfuls of holiday happiness at this family-friendly gelateria. Snowflake Luxury Gelato blends the best of British and Italian cultures in a range of artisan flavours. A traditional cone with your choice of toppings? A gelato afternoon tea, cookie or sundae? With so many treats, you’re sure to be back for more.

Ripples Gelateria, P&O Arvia

There is so much included food that there is no need to buy extra. The cruise line will try and tempt you to part with extra cash for additional cost items, but there is no need to.

Before You Go

Find out more about what may cost extra when you cruise here:

Onboard Expenses – What Costs Extra On A Cruise? Gratuities, Wi-Fi And More…

Find out some clever way to cut your onboard expenses before you cruise in the article below:

Cutting Onboard Expenses, BEFORE You Cruise. (Drinks, Speciality Meals, Excursions and More)