Even though cruises are all-inclusive, don’t assume that everything is actually free. Many foods and drinks are not covered in your cruise fare, and you’ll end up paying extra for these items. It’s a good idea to check before you order!
Specialty Coffee
On a cruise, regular brewed coffee is complimentary, but specialty coffee comes at an extra cost. Specialty coffees, which include espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and Americanos—similar to what you might find at Starbucks—typically range from $3 to $6 per cup. So, if you only drink espresso-based coffee, be prepared to spend a little extra.
Food in a Specialty Restaurant
Not all restaurants are free on a cruise. Typically, the free restaurants are the main dining room and the buffet. If you’re in the mood for something special, you can treat yourself to dinner at a specialty restaurant, but they have a cover charge, or you can order a la carte. The cover charges usually range from $45 to $65 per person.
The specialty restaurants are more upscale and have different themes, ranging from steakhouses to hibachi restaurants. Some have menus that feature creations from celebrity chefs. The food tends to be of higher quality, and the service is often exceptional.
Upcharge Foods
Not all the food in the main dining room is complimentary; some items come with an additional charge, indicated by an asterisk on the menu. These upcharge items range from $5 to $15 extra and typically include premium dishes like steak. Pay attention to any asterisk on the menu before placing your order!
Wine
Wine is not free on cruises. You will need to pay extra to order a bottle of wine or a glass of wine. Most cruise lines do allow each passenger to bring one bottle of wine on board for free on embarkation day, which you can enjoy in your cabin. However, if you decide to take your wine to the main dining room, be prepared to pay a corkage fee ranging from $35 to $45 per bottle.
Extra Entree
Some cruise lines, such as MSC Cruise, charge an extra fee if you order more than one entree in the main dining room. The fee is minimal: $5 for each additional entree. Check out 12 Free Things on MSC Cruises that You Need to Know About
Soda
Soda is not free on cruises, so be prepared to pay extra if you want it. However, there are some free juices on cruises, such as lemonade and iced tea, which you can order if you need something more than water. Check out 7 Worst Things to Forget to Bring on a Cruise
Milkshakes
If you decide to order milkshakes on a cruise, know there will be an extra charge. To save some money, you can easily whip up your own milkshake by mixing milk and ice cream at the buffet! Check out 15 Gourmet Foods You Can Get for Free on Your Next Cruise Vacation
Smoothies
Smoothies are an extra charge on cruises. They are not free. Many cruise ships have a spa café that serves healthy drinks, from freshly squeezed orange juice to antioxidant-rich green smoothies. While these drinks aren’t free, they are typically included in the beverage package. Check out 12 Best Buffet Snacks to Eat on Your Next Cruise Vacation
Popcorn
Popcorn served during movie nights is not free on some cruises, such as Royal Caribbean. There is a minimal $2 to $5 charge for popcorn. However, some cruise ships, such as Princess Cruises, do give out popcorn for free at their outdoor movie nights. Check out 6 Free Cruise Activities on Princess Cruises that You Need to Know About
Room Service
Room service on cruises is no longer free. Most cruise ships charge a fee for room service, typically $8 to $10 per order. You can also order off the a la carte menu.
The only exception is if you order Continental breakfast for room service, which is still typically free. Continental breakfast food items include croissants, muffins, yogurt, coffee, tea, a fruit plate, and cereal. Check out Best Breakfast Foods to Try on Your Next Cruise Vacation