When most people hear the phrase “cruise vacation,” they picture unlimited food, endless fun, and a carefree week at sea where everything is included in one price.

But that’s not always how it works.

If you’re sailing with a cruise line like Royal Caribbean, understanding what is and isn’t included can completely change how you plan, and how you feel about your final bill.

🚢 What Is Included in Your Royal Caribbean Fare?

Your base cruise fare covers:

• Your room (lodging)
• Access to the main dining room and other included restaurants
• Entertainment like shows and live music
• Tons of activities, think trivia, pool games, parades, and more

That sounds pretty great, right?

But then come the extras…

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🚫 What’s Not Included on Most Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Unless you specifically add them, the following are not included in your cruise fare:

• 🥂 Alcoholic drinks and soda (except for certain loyalty or suite perks)
• 🍽️ Specialty dining at restaurants like Chops Grille or Izumi
• 🌴 Shore excursions
• 📶 Internet (you’ll need a VOOM package if you want to stay connected to people and things off the ship)
• 💵 Gratuities, unless you prepaid them

That last one- gratuities– is where things often get heated. Some cruisers expect a cruise to be like an all-inclusive resort, where tipping is already built in. Others appreciate the option to choose what extras they pay for.

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⚖️ Why It Matters: Your Perception Changes Your Plan

If you view a cruise like Royal Caribbean as “all-inclusive,” you might:

• Decline the drink package and bring your own wine or soda
• Stick to included restaurants only
• Use the free version of the cruise app instead of buying internet
• Or even try to remove gratuities once onboard

But if you expect a pay-as-you-go experience, those same choices might feel like customization, not a surprise.

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🛳️ True All-Inclusive Cruise Lines (For Comparison)

Some cruise lines really are all-inclusive, offering drinks, tips, internet, and more in the base fare:

Cruise Line	What’s Included?	Avg Starting Fare (7-Night)
Virgin Voyages	All tips, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, group workouts	$2,000–$3,000 per cabin
Viking	Shore excursions, Wi-Fi, tips, wine with lunch/dinner	$3,500+ per person
Azamara	Drinks, gratuities, select excursions	$2,800+ per person
Regent Seven Seas	Virtually everything, including business-class airfare on some trips	$5,000+ per person

💡 Note: These prices vary by season, itinerary, and cabin category, but they generally run higher because more is bundled into the fare.

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FAQ: Is Royal Caribbean Really All-Inclusive?

Q: Are gratuities included in my cruise fare?
A: Only if you choose to prepay them. Otherwise, they’ll appear on your onboard account each day.

Q: How much are Royal Caribbean gratuities?
A: $18.50 per guest, per day for standard staterooms. $21.00 per guest, per day for suite guests

Q: What do gratuities cover?
A: These are shared among your room attendant, dining room staff, culinary crew, and others working behind the scenes.

Q: Can I remove or adjust gratuities?
A: Yes, you can visit Guest Services during your cruise to request changes before the last morning.

Q: Are there any truly all-inclusive cruise options?
A: Yes, lines like Virgin Voyages, Viking, and Regent Seven Seas offer more comprehensive fare structures with fewer surprise charges.

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Final Thought
The way you view your cruise, whether as a flexible adventure or a prepaid package, can shape your expectations and how you spend once you board. Either way, understanding what’s included helps you avoid surprises and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

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Want to feel prepared for your cruise?

I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.

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Products I Use and Recommend

I keep a list of cruise-approved items I personally use and recommend.