Alaska Cruise Onboard Costs — What Everything Costs

That attractive “cruise fare” is just the entry ticket. An Alaska cruise is rarely an all-inclusive vacation, and your final bill will be significantly higher once you step aboard. Understanding these extra charges is the key to budgeting accurately and avoiding sticker shock at the end of your trip.

This guide breaks down every potential onboard cost, from the automatic daily charges to the big-ticket excursions.

The “All-Inclusive” Myth: What Your Fare Actually Covers

First, let’s establish a baseline. Your cruise fare pays for the essentials of your journey. This almost always includes:

• Your Stateroom: The cabin where you’ll sleep.
• Core Dining: Meals in the main dining room, the buffet, and other select complimentary cafes or pizzerias.
• Basic Beverages: Tap water, basic coffee, tea, and sometimes iced tea or lemonade.
• Onboard Entertainment: Production shows in the main theater, live music, comedians, and daily activities.

Everything beyond this core package will be an extra charge to your onboard account.

Your Onboard Spending Account: A Cashless World

Cruise ships operate as a self-contained, cashless society. At check-in, you’ll link a credit card to your account. Your stateroom key card (often called a SeaPass, Medallion, or Sail & Sign card) becomes your wallet for the entire voyage. Every drink you order, every souvenir you buy, and every tour you book is charged to this card with a simple tap. You can track your running tab on your stateroom TV or through the cruise line’s app. On the last night, your credit card is automatically charged for the final balance.

Deconstructing Onboard Costs: A Detailed Breakdown

This is where the bulk of your extra spending will occur. Understanding these categories is essential for building a realistic budget.

Automatic Gratuities (The Non-Negotiable Extra)

This is the most common surprise for first-time cruisers. Virtually all major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity or “crew appreciation” fee to your onboard account.

• Cost: Expect $16 to $20 per person, per day. For a couple on a 7-night cruise, this adds $224 to $280 to the final bill.
• What it Covers: These tips are pooled and distributed among the crew who provide services, including your stateroom attendant, dining room waiters, and behind-the-scenes support staff.
• The Bottom Line: Treat this as a mandatory service charge. While you can technically dispute it at Guest Services, it’s a standard part of cruise pricing.

Drink Packages vs. A La Carte

Beverages are a major revenue source for cruise lines. You can either pay per drink or purchase a package.

• A La Carte Prices:
  • Cocktails: $10 - $14
  • Beer: $7 - $9
  • Wine (glass): $9 - $15
  • Soda: $3 - $4
• Package Prices: All-inclusive beverage packages typically cost $65 to $100 per person, per day.
• The Math: The break-even point is usually around 4-5 cocktails or 6-7 beers per day, every day of the cruise. If your consumption is less than that, you will save money by paying as you go. Consider that on port-intensive Alaska itineraries, you’ll be off the ship for a significant portion of the day, reducing your onboard drinking time.

Shore Excursions (The Biggest Budget Variable)

This is the single largest potential extra cost and the most variable part of your budget. Alaska’s ports offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and they come at a premium.

• Cost: Prices range dramatically. A simple walking tour or bus transfer might be $85 per person, while a whale-watching trip could be $150-$250. The most sought-after tours, like a helicopter flight to a glacier for dogsledding, can easily cost $350 to $550 per person.
• Budgeting: For a 7-night cruise with three port stops, it’s wise to budget at least $400-$600 per person for excursions if you plan to do a mix of activities.

Dining: Included vs. Specialty

While the main dining room and buffet are free, you will be constantly tempted by specialty dining venues.

• Cost: These restaurants charge a flat cover fee per person, ranging from $25 for a casual Italian place to $65 for a premium steakhouse or chef’s table experience.
• Is it Worth It? The food in the main dining room is generally very good. However, if you’re celebrating a special occasion or are a dedicated foodie, booking one or two specialty meals can elevate your culinary experience.

Staying Connected: The High Cost of Wi-Fi

Internet at sea is delivered via satellite and is both slow and expensive.

• Cost: Expect to pay $20 to $35 per device, per day for a basic “surf” package that handles email and social media. A “stream” package will run you $35 to $50 per day.
• Pro Tip: Don’t buy the package. Your cell phone will work perfectly in the Alaskan ports of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Use your phone’s data plan for free while in port and disconnect while at sea.

Other Common Onboard Expenses

Beyond the big five categories, a few other costs can add up.

Spa and Salon Services

A massage with a view of a glacier is tempting. A 50-minute massage will typically cost $150-$250, while other major treatments can reach $350. Salon services like manicures or haircuts range from $50-$150. Look for “port day specials” which sometimes offer slight discounts.

The Casino

The casino offers slots and table games, all using real money charged to your onboard account. Remember that the house always has an edge. Budget what you’re willing to lose and stick to it.

Professional Photos

Photographers will be everywhere, capturing moments as you board, at dinner, and in port. A single photo print can be $20-$30, but most people opt for a digital package of all their photos, which costs $150 to $300.

Room Service

Policies vary by cruise line. On some, a basic continental breakfast is free. On others, like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, almost all room service orders incur a $5 to $10 delivery fee on top of the price of any premium items.

How to Budget: The 50-80% Rule

The most important takeaway is to create a realistic budget. A reliable method is to plan on spending an additional 50% to 80% of your cruise fare on onboard costs.

Example:

• Initial Cruise Fare: $1,200 per person
• Estimated Onboard Spending (50-80%): $600 - $960 per person
• Realistic Total Cost: $1,800 - $2,160 per person

This range accounts for mandatory gratuities, a few excursions, a moderate number of a la carte drinks, and perhaps one specialty dinner. By planning for these “extra” alaska cruise onboard costs from the beginning, you can relax and enjoy your incredible journey without worrying about the final bill.