How much are cruise gratuities per day?

As of October 2026, Royal Caribbean lists $18.50 per guest per day ($21.00 in suites) and Carnival lists $17.00 ($19.00 in suites). Other lines publish their own rates on their websites.

Are port fees included in the cruise fare?

Port fees and taxes are usually shown separately from the base fare. Look at the total price before comparing two cruises.

Are drink packages worth it?

Only if you would otherwise spend more than the package price on drinks each day. Packages are usually priced per person per day for every day of the cruise, so add it up before you buy.

How much does it cost to park at a Florida cruise port?

As of October 2026, official rates range from $17 per day at JAXPORT to $35 per day in some PortMiami garages. Port Tampa Bay quotes its rate at prepay checkout.

How much does a 7-night Caribbean cruise cost for a family of four?

Fares vary too much by ship, cabin and date to give an honest single number. An advisor can price your exact dates and add up gratuities, parking and extras so you see the full total.

How much does a cruise really cost?

Sources checked October 2026. Final review by Sean Williams pending.

A cruise costs the fare plus port fees and taxes, daily gratuities, getting to the port, parking or a hotel, and onboard extras such as drinks, Wi-Fi and excursions. As of October 2026, Royal Caribbean lists gratuities of $18.50 per guest per day and Carnival lists $17.00 in standard cabins. Florida port parking runs $17 to $35 a day.

Published cruise costs beyond the fare (as of October 2026)
Royal Caribbean gratuities	$18.50 per guest per day; $21.00 in suites (Royal Caribbean)
Carnival gratuities	$17.00 per guest per day; $19.00 in suites (Carnival)
JAXPORT parking	$17 per day, tax included (JAXPORT)
Port Canaveral parking	$20 per day plus tax (Port Canaveral)
Port Everglades parking	$25 daily maximum (Port Everglades)
PortMiami parking	$28 per day in Garages C, D, F, G and Lot E; $35 in Garages AA and B (PortMiami)
Port Tampa Bay parking	Rate shown at prepay checkout on porttb.com; not published as a flat rate
First adult passport book	$165 total ($130 + $35 acceptance fee) (State Department)

What costs are there beyond the cruise fare?

Budget for each of these, then compare cruises on the total:

Cruise fare for each traveler.
Port fees, taxes and government fees.
Daily gratuities for every night of the cruise.
Getting to the port: flights, gas, or a transfer.
Port parking, or a hotel the night before.
Onboard extras: drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, spa.
Shore excursions.
Travel insurance.
Passports, if anyone needs one.

How much are cruise gratuities?

As of October 2026, Royal Caribbean's published rate is $18.50 per guest per day, or $21.00 in suites. Carnival's is $17.00 per guest per day, or $19.00 in suites. For a 7-night cruise, multiply the daily rate by 7 and by the number of travelers who are charged.

How much is parking at Florida cruise ports?

Official rates as of October 2026: JAXPORT $17 per day with tax included; Port Canaveral $20 per day plus tax; Port Everglades a $25 daily maximum; PortMiami $28 per day in most garages and $35 in Garages AA and B. Port Tampa Bay quotes its rate when you prepay online. Each port has its own Egretline guide: Port Tampa Bay, PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades and JAXPORT.

Drive and park if you live within a few hours and are a group of three or more. Fly in and take a transfer if the drive is long; then budget a hotel the night before.

Are drink packages and Wi-Fi worth it?

Add up what you would actually spend each day. A drink package is usually priced per person per day for the whole cruise, so it only pays off if you drink enough every day.

Why doesn't this guide give a cruise fare?

Fares change constantly with ship, cabin, date and demand, and we do not publish numbers we cannot source. Your advisor can price your exact sailing and give you the full total in writing.

Frequently asked questions

How much are cruise gratuities per day?: As of October 2026, Royal Caribbean lists $18.50 per guest per day ($21.00 in suites) and Carnival lists $17.00 ($19.00 in suites). Other lines publish their own rates on their websites.
Are port fees included in the cruise fare?: Port fees and taxes are usually shown separately from the base fare. Look at the total price before comparing two cruises.
Are drink packages worth it?: Only if you would otherwise spend more than the package price on drinks each day. Packages are usually priced per person per day for every day of the cruise, so add it up before you buy.
How much does it cost to park at a Florida cruise port?: As of October 2026, official rates range from $17 per day at JAXPORT to $35 per day in some PortMiami garages. Port Tampa Bay quotes its rate at prepay checkout.
How much does a 7-night Caribbean cruise cost for a family of four?: Fares vary too much by ship, cabin and date to give an honest single number. An advisor can price your exact dates and add up gratuities, parking and extras so you see the full total.

Sources

Sean Williams

Founder, Egretline Travel · Tampa, Florida

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