Celebrity Cruises Hidden Costs

Automatic Gratuities: The “Free” Tip You Didn’t Know You Paid

First up on Celebrity’s list of surprise charges are the automatic gratuities, which, let’s be real, are about as “voluntary” as wearing a life jacket on a sinking ship. You’re looking at a $17.50 per person, per day ding for standard cabins, with that figure climbing to $18 for Concierge and AquaClass, and $21 for those swanky suites. If you’re not paying attention, a couple traveling for a week can find themselves shelling out over $245 just in tips. Don’t forget to budget for that or it might hit harder than a Norovirus outbreak. For more about extra charges, sail over to our Celebrity Cruises Dossier.

Drink Packages: The Hangover You Didn’t Plan For

Celebrity’s drink packages are a tale as old as time: pay upfront to save later, right? Except you might end up paying more than you save. Their Classic Package runs about $89 per person, per day, while the Premium Package jumps to around $109. If your cruise is seven days, that’s nearly $1,500 for two people just to sip that slightly-above-average mix of umbrella drinks. And if you think you’ll “just drink water,” think again — even the bottled stuff isn’t always free. For more intel, check out the drink packages page.

Specialty Dining: Because Regular Steak Isn’t Special Enough

You’re already paying for meals, but not the ones they really want you to eat. Specialty dining experiences like the Tuscan Grille or Murano will cost you extra, anywhere from $45 to $60 per person. Feel like having wine with your filet mignon? That’ll be another $20 or so. And no, you can’t just sneak in from the buffet with your “already paid for” pizza.

Excursion Pricing: Scavenger Hunt for Your Wallet

When it comes to excursions, Celebrity’s prices can often be double what you’d pay a local tour guide. An excursion might run you $150 per person through the cruise line, but a little legwork (and a reliable TripAdvisor review) could land you the same for $75 with a local operator. Remember, the ship will leave without you if you’re late back, but hey, it’s your money.

WiFi Packages: Paying for Digital Oxygen

In today’s world, WiFi is oxygen. And Celebrity knows it. Their packages range from $20 per day for basic web browsing to $35 for streaming (per device!). Do the math, and you might as well buy a new iPhone with what you’ll spend on internet access for the family. Consider downloading all those movies and shows before you board.

Spa Surcharges: Relaxation with a Side of Sticker Shock

Fancy a massage? Prepare to pay up to $200 for a 50-minute rubdown. Plus, there’s an automatic 18% service charge you can’t scrub away. Even a simple mani-pedi can set you back $75 or more. Feeling less relaxed already? You’re not alone.

Port Fees and Taxes: The Fine Print Strikes Back

Port fees and taxes can add up to several hundred dollars per booking. These charges are buried deep in the fine print, so when you see that “amazing deal” on the homepage, remember that an extra $100-$200 per person in fees is tacked on. It’s like buying a car and finding out the cupholders are extra.

Service Fees and Resort Charges: Because Why Not?

Service fees are like the appendix of cruise costs—no one knows why they’re there, but they hurt when you notice them. Celebrity throws in a “service fee” for some onboard purchases, like drinks and specialty dining. They vary, but expect to see a mysterious 18-20% added to your bill.

Photography Packages: Your Memories, Now with a Premium Price

Want to remember your cruise with more than just selfies? Professional photos on Celebrity can run $20 per photo or $200+ for a photo package. But remember, those candid shots are only as good as the $20 you pay for them, so think twice before skipping that selfie stick.

Casino: The House Always Wins (Your Money)

Sure, gambling can be fun, but remember, the slot machines and poker tables exist for one reason: taking your money. It’s easy to drop a couple of hundred bucks in a night if you’re not careful. Set a budget before you start, or you might find yourself eating ramen noodles for the rest of the cruise.

Fitness Classes: Yoga Poses, but Make Them Expensive

Love a good workout class? Celebrity’s fitness offerings come at a premium, with yoga or spin classes costing upwards of $15 per session. You might be better off jogging around the deck or doing push-ups in your cabin. At least the sea breeze is free.