Cruise Add-Ons
What to buy before you sail, and what to leave for the ship.
Request a Cruise Reservation QuoteOnce your cabin is reserved, the line will offer you a menu of extras through its website or app. Some are good value booked early; others are better left until you are on board. Prices and rules vary by line and change often.
The Main Add-Ons
Drinks packages
Daily-priced bundles of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. Rules often require all adults in a cabin to buy the same package.
Wi-Fi
Sold per device or per cabin, by the day or the whole cruise. Included on some lines and in some fares.
Specialty dining
Extra-charge restaurants, sold by the meal or as multi-night packages.
Shore excursions
Ship-sold tours in each port, with the advantage that the ship waits if a tour runs late.
Spa and fitness
Treatments and classes, sometimes discounted on port days.
Transfers and parking
Airport-to-ship transfers and terminal parking, sometimes cheaper pre-booked.
Buy Now or Later?
- Before sailing: popular shore tours, specialty dining on busy nights and anything sold on promotion during pre-cruise sales.
- On board: spa treatments on port days, flexible items you are unsure about, and anything you want to see first.
- Watch for sales: many lines discount packages in their apps in the months before sailing.
- Check refundability: pre-paid add-ons are often refundable up to a set time, but not always.
Shore Excursions: Ship or Independent?
Ship-sold excursions cost more but come with the line’s promise to wait for late-returning tours. Independent tours can be cheaper and smaller, but you are responsible for getting back on time. For tour ideas in many ports, see our sister site Shore Activities.
Keep Track of the Total
Add-ons can double the cost of a cheap fare. Keep a simple list of what you have pre-paid and what you expect to spend on board, and compare it with your budget before final payment. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can help you decide which packages make sense for your group.
Add-On Questions
Is a drinks package worth it?
Only if you would otherwise spend more than its daily price. Most lines require every adult in the cabin to buy the same package, so do the math for everyone.
Do I need to book shore excursions before the cruise?
Popular tours can sell out, so book the ones that matter most in advance. Many lines let you cancel pre-booked ship tours up to a set time before sailing; check the terms.
Wi-Fi at Sea
Internet on ships has improved greatly, with many lines now offering faster connections. Packages are usually priced per device, so decide how many phones, tablets and laptops really need to be online. Some lines include Wi-Fi in certain fares or suite categories. If you only need messages and e-mail, a basic plan may be enough; streaming and video calls need a premium tier.
Plan Your Extras Wisely
Tell us how you like to cruise. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest which add-ons are worth booking early and send free quotes.
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