Free Cruise Planning Tools
Plan the Full Cost of Your Cruise
Cruise fares are only one part of a vacation budget. Use these free tools to estimate drink-package value and build a complete trip budget before you book.
Choose your cruise line and package
Trip details
Your daily drink habits
Select a cruise line above to see pre-loaded drink prices.
Choose a cruise line above to see drink options
Your results
Updates as you fill out the form
Drink Package
Pay As You Go
Fill in the form to see your comparison
Estimates only. Verify package details and pricing with your cruise line before purchasing.
Calculator by cruise line
When a package often makes sense
- Your results show savings or break-even
- You value convenience over tracking individual drinks
- You expect more sea days or longer time onboard
- You regularly drink specialty coffee, bottled water, or cocktails
- Your cruise line requires all adults in the cabin to purchase
When pay-as-you-go often makes more sense
- –Your results show a clear overspend on the package
- –You drink lightly or prefer to pace yourself
- –You spend most days off the ship on excursions
- –You prefer ordering premium or shared drinks
- –You are sailing a shorter itinerary (3–4 nights)
This calculator uses approximate 2026 pricing and is a budgeting tool only. Package prices, gratuity rates, drink limits, inclusions, and rules vary by cruise line, sailing, and booking date. Always verify current details with the cruise line or your travel advisor before purchasing.
Travelers and cruise fare
Start with the basics — who's going and what the cruise line is quoting.
Required or common expenses
These are costs most travelers encounter beyond the base fare.
Heather and Joe explain any applicable fee before paid research begins.
Optional onboard expenses
Add what you realistically expect to spend while on the ship.
Optional destination expenses
Costs you may incur before, during, or after the cruise at port.
Your estimate
Updates as you fill out the form
Enter your cruise fare to see your estimate
Estimates only. Final costs depend on cruise line, cabin, and personal spending.
Cost breakdown
Costs people often forget to budget
- Daily gratuities — typically $16–$20 per person, per day
- Travel protection — often 5–10% of the trip cost
- Wi-Fi — can be $20–$35 per device, per day
- Shore excursions — easily $100–$300+ per person
- Specialty dining — $30–$60 per person, per restaurant
- Port parking or airport transfers
How to use this estimate
- →Use it as a planning budget, not a final quote
- →Compare the fare % to your total — most travelers spend 40–60% on extras
- →Adjust excursion and onboard spending to fit your style
- →Factor in travel protection before finalizing your budget
- →Share the estimate with Heather or Joe to start a real plan
This calculator is a budgeting tool and does not provide a quote or guarantee final pricing. Fares, taxes, gratuities, promotions, exchange rates, availability, and optional purchases can change. Your final cost will depend on the cruise line, sailing, cabin, occupancy, transportation, insurance selection, and personal spending.
Want Help Turning the Estimate Into a Real Cruise Plan?
Tell us who is traveling, when you would like to go, and what matters most to you. Heather or Joe typically responds to new trip requests within two business days. We'll review your request and explain the recommended next step and any applicable professional planning fee before paid research begins.