For a 15-day cruise, I’d budget roughly A$800 to A$1,500 extra per person for moderate spending, including a few drinks, several outings and some extras. This is a planning estimate; actual spending can be much lower or well above it, and it isn’t an industry average.

If your A$2,000 fare is per person, that brings the total to about A$2,800 to A$3,500 each, excluding travel to the ship and insurance.

The main expenses are:

- Drinks often cost extra, including alcohol, soft drinks, barista coffee and bottled water. Check which basic drinks are included before buying a package. Packages can be expensive: Carnival Australia currently lists CHEERS! at A$111 per person per day when prepaid, which comes to A$1,665 over 15 chargeable days. Every adult in the same cabin must buy it for the whole cruise. If you drink occasionally, compare the package price with paying for each drink. [Package pricing](https://help.carnival.com.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/3708/kw/last%20day%20to%20prepay%20gratuities), [package rules](https://www.carnival.com.au/help)

- Tipping and service charges depend on the cruise line, itinerary and booking terms. Being Australian doesn’t automatically determine which policy applies. Carnival says tipping is optional on departures from Australia. Royal Caribbean’s Australian policy includes cabin and dining service charges in the fare, though discretionary purchases can still attract service charges. When daily gratuities are included, extra cash tips are optional. Other bookings may have daily gratuities added automatically to your onboard account. Check your invoice so you don’t budget for them twice. [Carnival policy](https://help.carnival.com.au/app/answers/list/search/1/kw/service%20charges/suggested/1), [Royal Caribbean policy](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/faq/questions/tipping-policy)

- Allow roughly A$75 to A$200 per person for many organised shore excursions, with bigger adventures costing more. Current Carnival examples include a Nouméa outing at A$74.99, kayaking and snorkelling at Mystery Island for A$124.99, and a Cairns scenic flight at A$339.99. Exploring independently is another option. Allow for transport, entry fees and lunch, and leave plenty of time to get back to the ship. [Excursion prices](https://www.carnival.com.au/shore-excursions)

- Internet prices vary by sailing, so check the cost and how many devices the plan covers. Royal Caribbean charges by day and device or by package; guest chat in its onboard app is included. As a budgeting example, a hypothetical A$30 daily plan would add A$450 over 15 days. Put your phone in airplane mode, then turn on Wi-Fi, to avoid accidentally using maritime cellular roaming. [Wi-Fi details](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/guides/what-is-included-on-a-cruise?icid=whtsnc_tctclp_wht_hm_hero_4229), [cellular roaming details](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guest-terms/content/uploads/2023/05/AUS-Booking-Conditions-ROYAL-MH-CC-18052023-FINAL.pdf)

- Other extras include specialty restaurants, some room service, spa treatments, certain classes and activities, photographs, laundry, shopping and gambling. Ordinary meals and much of the entertainment are included, so most of these purchases are easy to skip. [Included and extra-cost facilities](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/guides/what-is-included-on-a-cruise?icid=whtsnc_tctclp_wht_hm_hero_4229)

A sample budget per person, assuming gratuities are already included:

| Spending over 15 days | Allowance |
|---|---:|
| Drinks: A$25 a day | A$375 |
| Three excursions: A$125 each | A$375 |
| Transport, snacks and lunches ashore | A$150 |
| Occasional treats or laundry | A$100 |
| Extra spending without paid internet | A$1,000 |
| Illustrative internet allowance | A$450 |
| Extra spending with internet | A$1,450 |

Budget separately for flights, transfers or parking, any overnight hotel, visas and travel insurance that covers your cruise. Check whether the quoted fare includes port taxes and which currency the ship uses for onboard purchases. A fare advertised in Australian dollars doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay in Australian dollars onboard. [Booking exclusions](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guest-terms/content/uploads/2023/05/AUS-Booking-Conditions-ROYAL-MH-CC-18052023-FINAL.pdf), [Princess currency example](https://gb-www.princess.com/en-au/faq/pre-cruise)

Cruising can still be a cheap, relaxing holiday if you enjoy the included meals and entertainment, pay for drinks individually and choose a few outings carefully. Before paying the deposit, get the gratuity policy, drinks menu, Wi-Fi price and excursion prices for your exact sailing.