What Can You Do for Free on a Cruise Ship?
25+ Things Included in Your Cruise Fare
If you've never cruised before, it can sometimes look like the ship is waiting around every corner with its hand out.
Drink package? Extra.
Specialty restaurant? Extra.
Wi-Fi? Usually extra.
Spa treatment? Definitely extra.
Shore excursion? Yep, that's extra too.
So it's understandable that first-time cruisers start wondering:
What the heck is actually included in the cruise fare?
Quite a lot, actually.
You can spend an entire cruise eating, watching shows, listening to live music, relaxing by the pool and joining activities without spending much beyond what you've already paid for the cruise.
Exactly what's included varies by cruise line and ship, but these are some of the most common things you'll find included in your cruise fare.
1. Main Dining Room Meals
The main dining room, often called the MDR, is generally included in your cruise fare.
Depending on the cruise line, you may have breakfast, lunch and dinner available there, although hours and meal service vary by ship and sailing.
Dinner usually includes multiple courses such as appetizers, entrees and desserts.
And no, you don't have to eat from the buffet for seven straight days unless you want to.
Related: Cruise Ship Dining Explained: What’s Free and What Costs Extra?
2. The Buffet
The buffet is another major included dining option on most cruise ships.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are commonly available, along with snacks or late-night offerings on some ships.
And yes, this is also where a certain cruise blogger has been known to disappear in pursuit of a yummy cheeseburger and fries instead of checking the day's schedule.
But we won't name names. 😂
3. Casual Dining Venues
Many ships have additional casual restaurants included in the fare.
Depending on the cruise line and ship, that might include:
Pizza
Burgers
Tacos
Sandwiches
Hot dogs
Grab-and-go snacks
Not every casual restaurant is free, though, so check the cruise line's information before ordering.
4. Room Service on Some Cruise Lines
Room service policies vary considerably.
Some cruise lines include certain room-service items or breakfast selections, while others charge a delivery fee or charge for individual items.
So while room service can be included, don't automatically assume it is free.
Check your cruise line's current policy before you order breakfast in bed.
5. Basic Beverages
You usually don't need a drink package just to have something to drink.
Most cruise fares include a selection of basic beverages such as:
Tap water
Regular coffee
Tea
Iced tea
Lemonade
Some juices during breakfast
Soft drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water and alcoholic beverages are often extra unless they're included in a promotion or package.
Related: Is the Cruise Drink Package Worth It? Here's How We Decide
6. Swimming Pools
Most standard swimming pools are included in your cruise fare.
There may be exceptions for private retreat areas or exclusive suite spaces, but regular public pools are generally available at no additional cost.
7. Hot Tubs
Public hot tubs are also generally included.
Again, some private or adults-only areas may have different access rules, but standard hot tubs around the pool deck typically don't cost extra.
8. Lounge Chairs
That chair overlooking the ocean?
Included.
You don't have to rent a standard lounger on the public pool deck.
Finding an empty one on a busy sea day may be another matter entirely.
9. Broadway-Style and Production Shows
One of the best cruise-fare inclusions is entertainment.
Large cruise ships may offer:
Production shows
Musical performances
Dance shows
Tribute performances
Comedy shows
Variety acts
Most standard performances are included.
Some ships require reservations because seating is limited, but a reservation doesn't necessarily mean there's an extra charge.
10. Live Music
You can often find musicians performing throughout the ship every evening.
That might include:
Piano players
Guitarists
Small bands
Jazz groups
Vocalists
Caribbean or Latin music
You could easily spend an entire evening moving from venue to venue without buying anything.
11. Comedy Shows
Many cruise lines offer comedy performances as part of the regular entertainment schedule.
Some shows are family-friendly while others are intended for adults later at night.
Check the daily schedule for times and age recommendations.
12. Trivia
Oh yes.
Cruise ship trivia is serious business.
You'll find everything from general knowledge and music trivia to movies, sports and themed competitions.
Trivia is typically free, although your dignity may not survive if you confidently yell out a completely wrong answer in front of the entire lounge.
13. Game Shows
Cruise lines frequently hold audience-participation game shows.
These might involve couples, families, contestants pulled from the audience or teams competing against one another.
Watching is free.
Being dragged onstage by your traveling companion is also free, unfortunately.
14. Deck Parties
Sail-away parties, themed deck parties and evening celebrations are commonly included.
There may be DJs, live music, dancing and organized activities around the pool deck.
You can participate or just sit somewhere nearby and watch everyone else make questionable dancing decisions.
15. Movies
Many ships show movies either indoors or on giant outdoor screens.
Outdoor movies under the stars can be especially fun on a warm evening.
Some ships even provide popcorn, although whether that's included varies.
16. Karaoke
Whether you participate or simply enjoy watching other passengers perform, karaoke is commonly part of the included entertainment.
The quality of the singing is not guaranteed.
The entertainment value often is. 😂
17. Dance Classes
Cruise activity teams frequently offer basic dance lessons.
Depending on the sailing, you might find:
Line dancing
Salsa
Ballroom
Country dancing
Party dances
Some specialty classes may cost extra, but many group sessions are free.
18. Fitness Center Access
Most cruise ships include use of the standard fitness center.
You can generally use:
Treadmills
Exercise bikes
Ellipticals
Weight machines
Free weights
Personal training, fitness consultations and some organized classes usually cost extra.
19. Walking and Jogging Tracks
Many ships have an outdoor track or designated walking route.
It's a pretty nice way to get some exercise while staring out at the ocean.
And unlike your gym membership at home, you're probably not looking at a parking lot while you walk.
20. Sports Courts
Depending on the ship, you may find included recreational facilities such as:
Basketball courts
Volleyball
Soccer areas
Table tennis
Shuffleboard
Miniature golf
The exact options vary enormously by ship.
21. Waterslides and Splash Areas on Many Ships
Many family-oriented cruise ships include their standard waterslides and splash areas in the cruise fare.
Some ships also have elaborate water parks.
There can be exceptions for certain specialty attractions, so check the specific ship if a particular activity is important to you.
22. Kids Clubs
Most major family cruise lines include supervised youth clubs for children during regular program hours.
Programs are usually divided by age group.
However, some services—such as late-night childcare, nursery care for very young children or special activities—may have an additional fee.
23. Adults-Only Relaxation Areas on Some Ships
Many ships have an adults-only outdoor area that doesn't cost extra.
These spaces may include loungers, hot tubs and quieter seating away from some of the busier family areas.
However, some cruise lines also have premium adults-only retreats that do charge extra.
Check which type your ship offers.
24. Libraries and Game Rooms
Traditional cruise ship libraries aren't as common or as large as they once were, but some ships still have quiet areas with books, board games or cards.
They're generally free to use.
And if the ship has a dedicated game room, you may find passengers fiercely battling over cards while everyone else is at the pool.
25. Observation Areas and Ocean Views
One of the best things onboard costs absolutely nothing extra.
The ocean.
Ships usually have plenty of public areas where you can sit and watch the sea, including outdoor decks, lounges and observation areas.
Watching sunrise or sunset from the ship can easily be one of the most memorable parts of the cruise.
No admission ticket required.
26. Sail-Away
You don't have to attend an organized party to enjoy sail-away.
Grab a spot on an open deck and watch as the ship pulls away from port.
It's especially fun when leaving a beautiful harbor or sailing under a bridge.
27. Port Arrival Views
Coming into port early in the morning can be spectacular.
You may see islands, mountains, city skylines or other cruise ships arriving nearby.
If you're awake.
That last part is apparently important. 😂
28. Organized Games and Contests
Cruise activity teams usually run games throughout the day.
Depending on the ship, you might see:
Scavenger hunts
Beanbag toss
Pool games
Name-that-tune
Guessing games
Team challenges
They're usually free to join.
29. Lectures and Enrichment Programs
Some cruise lines offer educational presentations as part of the cruise fare.
These may cover:
Upcoming ports
History
Wildlife
Culture
Photography
Destination information
Enrichment programming tends to be especially common on longer cruises and destination-focused sailings such as Alaska.
30. Simply Exploring the Ship
Modern cruise ships can be attractions in themselves.
You can spend quite a bit of time simply wandering around and discovering:
Artwork
Promenades
Outdoor decks
Atriums
Observation areas
Hidden seating areas
Interesting views
First-time cruisers are often surprised by how long it takes just to figure out where everything is.
Related: Cruise Ship Terms Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
What Usually Costs Extra on a Cruise?
Although plenty is included, there are also many easy ways to spend more money onboard.
Common extra-charge items include:
Alcoholic drinks
Soft drinks on many cruise lines
Specialty coffee
Specialty restaurants
Wi-Fi
Spa treatments
Shore excursions
Casino gambling
Photos
Shopping
Certain fitness classes
Premium attractions
Specialty experiences
None of those are necessarily bad purchases.
You just need to know what's included and what isn't before you start charging things to your onboard account.
Related: How to Avoid Cruise Bill Shock
Do You Have to Spend Extra Money Onboard?
No.
You absolutely can take a cruise without piling hundreds or thousands of dollars of additional charges onto your account.
You could eat primarily at included restaurants, drink the beverages included in your fare, enjoy the shows and activities, relax by the pool and explore the ports independently.
Whether you'll want to do that is another question.
We enjoy spending money on certain extras when they're worth it to us.
The trick is choosing those expenses intentionally instead of reaching the end of the cruise and wondering how your onboard account somehow developed a life of its own.
Want to bring a few useful cruise essentials from home? Check out our Cruise & Travel Essentials: What’s Actually Useful and Why You Need Them for practical items that can make your cruise easier without spending a fortune onboard.
👉 See Our Cruise & Travel Essentials
Related: How to Avoid the 7 Most Common Cruise Hidden Fees
What's Included Depends on Your Cruise Line
This is important.
There is no universal list of cruise inclusions that applies to every cruise ship.
Some cruise lines include more dining venues, drinks or activities in the basic fare than others.
Some luxury cruise lines include items that mainstream cruise lines normally charge extra for.
Even ships within the same cruise line may offer different activities and venues.
Always check your specific cruise line and ship before sailing.
You Don't Need to Pay Extra to Have a Great Cruise
It's surprisingly easy to look at all the available upgrades and start thinking that the basic cruise fare gets you nothing.
That's simply not true.
Your cruise fare generally includes your cabin, a substantial amount of food, entertainment, recreational facilities and plenty of onboard activities.
Could you spend more?
Oh, absolutely.
Cruise lines will happily assist you with that little project. 😂
But you don't have to.
Once you know what's already included, you can decide which extras are worth your money—and which ones you can skip without feeling like you're missing the cruise.
Ready to compare sailings? Browse current cruises and prices with CruiseDirect.
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