**For a 15-day cruise, I’d set aside roughly A$800–A$1,500 extra per person** for some paid drinks, a few tours and occasional extras, assuming gratuities are included. That’s a planning allowance; your cruise line, itinerary and spending choices determine the bill.

Assuming your A$2,000 fare is **per person**, that gives you a working total of **A$2,800–A$3,500 each**, before flights, insurance and getting to the ship.

Here’s where the extras arise:

- **Drinks:** Basic drinks often come with the fare. Royal Caribbean lists water, standard coffee and tea among its inclusions; alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water and specialty coffee cost extra. For budgeting, two drinks averaging A$15 each every day would cost **A$450 over 15 days**. That A$15 is an example—check your ship’s menu and any service charge. [Royal Caribbean inclusions](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/guides/what-is-included-on-a-cruise)

- **Tipping:** This depends on the booking. Carnival says tipping is optional on cruises departing Australia. Royal Caribbean’s Australian policy includes cabin and dining staff service charges in the fare, while discretionary purchases can attract additional charges. Where daily gratuities apply, they’re commonly added automatically to your onboard account. Royal Caribbean’s general rate for a standard cabin is **US$18.50 per person per day**, or **US$277.50 over 15 charged days**. Check your booking confirmation before budgeting for this. [Carnival tipping policy](https://help.carnival.com.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/80/kw/group), [Royal Caribbean Australian policy](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/faq/questions/tipping-policy), [general gratuity policy](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/faq/questions/onboard-service-gratuity-expense?country=AUS)

- **Shore excursions:** Prices vary substantially. Carnival currently lists a Noumea museum tour at about **A$75**, a Vila sightseeing tour at **A$120**, and a Cairns reef trip at **A$330** per adult. You can also explore independently; allow for transport, admission and food ashore, and leave plenty of time to return. [Carnival excursion prices](https://www.carnival.com.au/shore-excursions)

- **Internet:** Check the price for your sailing and how many devices it covers. Daily pricing adds up: a hypothetical **A$25/day plan costs A$375 over 15 days**. Carnival offers discounted advance purchases and some daily onboard plans. Put your phone in **airplane mode, then enable Wi-Fi**, to avoid maritime roaming charges. [Carnival internet guidance](https://www.carnival.com.au/internet-plans)

Other costs to check include specialty restaurants, room service, laundry, spa treatments, photos and selected paid activities. Main dining, shows and many activities are included, so you can keep discretionary spending low. [Royal Caribbean’s inclusion list](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/guides/what-is-included-on-a-cruise)

A concrete example **per person**, with gratuities included:

| Spending choice | Example allowance |
|---|---:|
| Paid drinks averaging A$20/day | A$300 |
| Three tours averaging A$120 | A$360 |
| Internet allowance | A$375 |
| Other extras | A$150 |
| **Total extra** | **A$1,185** |

Also budget separately for **cruise travel insurance**, transfers, parking or flights, and any hotel stay. Check that insurance covers onboard medical care: Medicare may provide no cover even on a domestic cruise. [Smartraveller cruise advice](https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/cruising)

Before paying, confirm whether the A$2,000 quote is per person or per cabin, whether taxes and gratuities are included, and whether onboard prices are in Australian or US dollars. Which cruise line and itinerary are you considering?