How Much Does a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise Really Cost?

You see the ad: 7-day Caribbean cruise, $599 per person! What a deal — until the final bill lands somewhere near triple that. I started Vika Travel Society because of exactly this moment. So let's do what the ads won't: add it all up, honestly.

All numbers below assume two adults sharing a cabin on a mainstream 7-day Eastern or Western Caribbean sailing. Prices are typical ranges as of 2026 — your sailing will vary, but the categories won't.

The advertised fare (what gets you in the door)

A 7-day Caribbean cruise in an interior cabin typically runs $600–$1,000 per person; oceanview $800–$1,300; balcony $1,000–$1,800. That fare covers your cabin, main dining room meals, the buffet, pools, most entertainment, and kids' clubs. It's priced per person based on double occupancy — two people splitting a cabin.

Taxes and port fees: $150–$300 per person

These get added at booking and are non-negotiable. They vary by itinerary (some ports charge more than others). Budget $300–$600 total for two.

Gratuities: $230–$280 for two

Most mainstream lines now charge automatic daily gratuities of roughly $16–$20 per person, per day — that's $112–$140 per person on a 7-day sailing, or $224–$280 for two. These go to your cabin steward, dining team, and behind-the-scenes crew. You can prepay them or have them added onboard.

Drinks: $0–$900+ for two

This is the budget-killer people underestimate most. Your fare includes water, basic coffee, tea, and juice at breakfast. Everything else costs extra:

• Cocktails run $12–$16 each, plus an automatic 18–20% gratuity
• Drink packages run roughly $70–$100 per person, per day — $980–$1,400 for two on a 7-day cruise
• Soda packages and specialty coffees add up fast if you buy à la carte

Rule of thumb I give clients: if you'll each drink 5+ alcoholic drinks a day, the package usually wins. Fewer than that, pay as you go.

Wi-Fi: $100–$200 for two

Ship internet runs about $15–$30 per device, per day. One shared package for the week is the economical move if you just need to check in back home.

Shore excursions: $200–$800 for two

Ship-sold excursions run $50–$200+ per person per port. On a 7-day Caribbean sailing you'll typically hit 3–4 ports. DIY beach days cost almost nothing; guided tours cost real money. Budget per your travel style.

Getting there and back

Don't forget: flights or gas to the port, a pre-cruise hotel night (strongly recommended — never fly in the morning of embarkation), parking at the port ($15–$25/day), and transfers. For a drive-to port, budget $200–$400; flying in, $500–$1,000+ for two.

The honest total

Add it up for two adults, 7-day Caribbean, balcony cabin:

• Cruise fare: $2,000–$3,600
• Taxes and port fees: $300–$600
• Gratuities: $224–$280
• Drinks (moderate, à la carte): $300–$500
• Wi-Fi (one package): $100–$150
• Excursions (2–3 ports): $300–$600
• Travel to port + hotel: $200–$600

None of this means cruising is a bad value — a week of lodging, food, and entertainment for that price is genuinely hard to beat. It just means you should budget with your eyes open. That's the whole reason I do this: clear costs, more fun, less work.