**For a 15-day cruise, I’d allow roughly A$800–A$1,500 extra per person** for moderate spending: a few drinks, several outings and some extras. That’s a planning allowance, not an industry average—you can spend much less, or easily exceed it.

Assuming your A$2,000 fare is **per person**, that means around **A$2,800–A$3,500 per person**, excluding travel to the ship and insurance.

The main costs to watch are:

- **Drinks.** Alcohol, soft drinks, barista coffee and bottled water commonly cost extra. Check which basic drinks are included before buying a package. Packages can be surprisingly expensive: Carnival Australia currently lists CHEERS! at **A$111 per person per day prepaid**—A$1,665 over 15 chargeable days. Its rules also require every adult in the same cabin to buy it, for the whole cruise. Occasional drinkers should compare that against paying individually. [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.** Being Australian doesn’t automatically determine the policy; the cruise line, itinerary and booking terms matter. Carnival says tipping is optional on departures from Australia. Royal Caribbean’s Australian policy includes cabin and dining service charges in the fare, but discretionary purchases can still attract service charges. If daily gratuities are included, additional cash tips are optional. On other bookings, daily gratuities may be added automatically to your onboard account, so check your invoice before budgeting them again. [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)

- **Shore excursions.** Budget roughly **A$75–A$200 per person for many organised outings**, with bigger adventures costing more. Current Carnival examples include a Nouméa outing at A$74.99, Mystery Island kayaking/snorkelling at A$124.99 and a Cairns scenic flight at A$339.99. You can also explore independently; allow for transport, entry fees and lunch, and leave plenty of time to return. [Excursion prices](https://www.carnival.com.au/shore-excursions)

- **Internet.** Check the actual price for your sailing and whether it covers one device or several. Royal Caribbean charges by day/device or package; its onboard app’s guest chat is included. For budgeting, a hypothetical **A$30 daily plan adds A$450 over 15 days**. Put your phone in airplane mode, then enable 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.** Specialty restaurants, some room service, spa treatments, certain classes/activities, photographs, laundry, shopping and gambling. Ordinary meals and much of the entertainment are included, so you can avoid most of these purchases. [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 **per-person budget**, 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** |

Also budget separately for **flights, transfers or parking, any overnight hotel, visas and travel insurance that covers your cruise**. Check that the quoted fare includes port taxes, and check the **onboard currency**—a fare advertised in Australian dollars doesn’t necessarily mean onboard purchases are in Australian dollars. [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, buy 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.**