Expect to pay £800 to £1,500+ per person for a 7-night cruise, depending on cabin categories, destination, flights, meal plans, and extras like shore excursions and drinks packages. Consider hidden costs like port fees and transfers, gratuities, and service charges when learning how much to budget for a cruise, bringing around £300 to £500 per person/day for onboard spending.

Why Planning Your Cruise Budget Matters

Planning your cruise holiday budget is paramount, as the cruise fare doesn’t include onboard expenses like premium drinks, tips, specialty dining, and shore trips. Book a cruise within your budget and note possible expenses to avoid hidden cruise costs, maximising holiday value.

What Is Included in a Cruise Fare?

A standard cruise fare on major lines like Princess Cruises includes your accommodation, full-board meals in main dining rooms and buffets, daily entertainment, and use of ship facilities like kids’ clubs, gyms, lounges, and pools. Mandatory luggage porterage and port taxes may also be included.

What Should You Include in Your Cruise Budget?

Cruise Fare

Your cruise fare will depend on cabin type, such as interior, balcony, ocean-view, and suite. Many British cruise lines include daily gratuities, protecting you from exchange-rate fluctuations.

Flights or Transport to the Departure Port

Your cruise budget must include flight costs, regional transfers, fuel, parking, and other applicable logistical charges, such as trains, coaches, ride-sharing shuttles, etc.

Hotels Before or After Your Cruise

Airport hotels are great for pre-cruise stays, ensuring you do not miss embarkation. Post-cruise hotels are optional, but offer flexibility to explore the debarkation city.

Travel Insurance

Ensure cruise-specific travel insurance to cover emergency sea evacuation costs, exorbitant medical expenses, missed port departures, and cruising disruptions like cabin confinement.

Gratuities and Service Charges

Prepare wisely for daily service charges and automatic gratuities, as they account for a significant portion of cruise expenses. The amount depends from one cruise line to another.

Drinks Packages

Prices fall around £70 and £100 per day onboard ships like the Norwegian Cruise Line, but are usually heavily discounted and included in promotional perks. Premium coffee, branded spirits, and in-room mini bars cost extra.

Shore Excursions

It usually costs £35 to £150+ per person per port for excursions by MSC Cruises and similar lines, and prices may exclude admission fees, equipment rental, and local guide tips.

Internet and Wi-Fi

Allocate at least £10 to £25 per day per device for internet and Wi-Fi while cruising, selecting prepay full-voyage packages to avoid hefty at-sea roaming charges.

Personal Spending

Bring enough cruise spending money for shopping, spa and wellness treatments, laundry, casino, classes or activities, and beauty services.

Sample Cruise Budget Breakdown

Cruise Budget Examples

Budget Traveller

How much does a cruise cost for budget travellers? A standard 7-night cruise can range from £450 to £700 per person. Choosing “no-fly” cruises with lines like Royal Caribbean International eliminates flight costs, keeping the cruise fare down to around £855 with minimal extras.

Couple

A standard 7-night cruise costs between £1,200 and £3,500 total (£600 to £1,750 per person) for couples, for a mid-range experience. The price is vastly influenced by cabin type (£750 per person for balcony cabin), cruise line, shore excursions, and whether you sail directly from UK ports like Southampton or pick fly-cruise packages.

Family

A typical 7-night family cruise budget for a family of four averages between £2,500 and £4,500 for the core cruise fare. The overall total costs range from £3,800 to £6,200 once onboard expenses, activities, and excursions are factored in.

Hidden Cruise Costs to Watch Out For

Many cruisers, particularly first-timers, overlook key hidden expenses that add significantly to their daily onboard account. Most notable ones include:

• Port taxes
• Visa fees
• Currency exchange
• Specialty dining
• Beverage packages
• Luggage handling
• Casino
• Gratuities and service charges
• Wi-Fi and communications
• Spa and salon treatments
• Room service (depending on tier)
• Professional photographs
• Medical services onboard
• Childcare and babysitting
• Laundry and dry cleaning
• Souvenir shopping

Tips to Save Money on Your Cruise

The most exceptional cruise budgeting tips to help you save during the holiday include:

• Sail from UK ports and avoid pricey flights.
• Book early for the best fares.
• Travel during shoulder seasons.
• Compare cruise lines.
• Bring permitted essentials.
• Book excursions independently where appropriate.
• Join cruise loyalty programs.
• Pre-pay gratuities and add-ons.
• Set a daily spending limit.
• Watch for onboard promotions.

Budgeting Checklist Before You Book

• Decide your total budget.
• Choose the right cruise cabin.
• Compare what’s included.
• Factor in travel costs.
• Budget for onboard expenses.
• Plan excursion spending.
• Purchase travel insurance.
• Keep an emergency fund.

Also read – How to Plan a Luxury Holiday Without Overspending

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Budgeting realistically is key for affordable cruise holidays, keeping in mind the base fare, mandatory onboard costs, variable spending, and smart saving strategies.

Several reliable sources answer the query, how much does a cruise cost from the UK, allowing you to reliably chart out potential expenses for the journey.

Find cruise pricing details, typical package inclusions, and other details that help you plan for an unforgettable first cruise!

Raj Kumar Prasad

Raj Kumar Prasad is a finance enthusiast who simplifies credit card and personal finance topics for everyday readers. Through his insights, he helps people make smarter money choices, manage credit responsibly, and discover the best financial opportunities with ease.