🚢 Why Is My Cruise Bill Higher Than I Expected?

What Really Shows Up on Your Final Cruise Statement (And How to Avoid Surprises)

Social media loves a dramatic “I just got off my cruise and WHAT is this bill?!” post.

The truth?
Cruise billing is actually very transparent — if you understand how it works.

Let’s break it down.

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💳 1. Your Onboard Account Works Like a Floating Hotel

When you board, your cruise line sets up a shipboard account linked to your credit card.

Everything you choose onboard gets charged there:

• Specialty dining

• Spa treatments

• Shore excursions

• Alcohol or upgraded beverage packages

• Boutique purchases

• Gratuities (if not prepaid)

It’s not a surprise charge — it’s simply a running tab.

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🥂 2. Beverage Packages Don’t Cover Everything

Even when guests purchase drink packages, certain items may still cost extra:

• Premium wines beyond package limits

• Bottles of wine

• Specialty coffee outside package parameters

• Mini bar

Each cruise line has slightly different rules, whether sailing with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, or Celebrity Cruises.

Understanding what’s included before sailing prevents confusion later.

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🧾 3. Gratuities Add Up (If Not Prepaid)

Daily service gratuities are typically charged per person, per day if you haven’t prepaid them.

Example:
$16–$20 per person, per day x 2 guests x 7 nights — that line item grows quickly.

Pro tip? I almost always recommend prepaying.

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🌍 4. Shore Excursions & Add-Ons

Excursions are optional — but they’re often the most memorable part of the trip.

If you book multiple ports, those charges will reflect on your onboard account.

This isn’t a hidden fee. It’s simply chosen experiences.

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📱 5. Monitor Your Spending Daily (Two Easy Ways)

You don’t have to wait until disembarkation to see your balance.

✔ Use the cruise line’s mobile app to track purchases in real time.
✔ Or — right from your stateroom TV — there is an account tab you can click that shows your current, updated onboard balance at any time.

It’s exactly like reviewing a hotel folio. You’re never in the dark.

A quick check each evening takes less than a minute and prevents end-of-cruise surprises.

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👩‍💼 How I Help Prevent “Bill Shock”

When you book with Bracco Cruise & Travel:

✔ We review what’s included
✔ We discuss drink packages vs. à la carte
✔ We talk gratuities upfront
✔ We budget excursions in advance
✔ We explain the onboard account system

No surprises. No confusion. No viral “what is this charge?!” moment.

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💡 The Bottom Line

Cruise lines are not secretly adding fees at the end.

Most unexpected bills come from:

• Not prepaying gratuities

• Forgetting daily drink purchases

• Impulse specialty dining

• Multiple excursions

Cruising remains one of the most transparent vacation models available — when planned properly.

And that’s where I come in.

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Final Thought

The difference between confusion and confidence?
Education before you sail.

💙 Trust your travel advisor — that’s me.