Cruise Taxes and Fees, Explained
The line on your quote that changes many comparisons.
Compare Cruise Prices FreeWhat Cruise Taxes and Fees Are
The line usually called cruise taxes and fees on a quote covers charges connected with the ports and governments on your itinerary: government taxes, port charges and similar fees. Lines word it differently — “taxes, fees and port expenses” or “government taxes and fees”, for example — but the idea is the same: money that is added to the cruise fare.
| What it is | Why it varies |
|---|---|
| Charged per guest | A family of four pays it four times |
| Depends on the itinerary | More or different ports usually means a different total |
| Often quoted separately | An advertised fare may not include it |
| Not a tip or service charge | Gratuities are a separate line, often added on board |
How Taxes and Fees Trip Up a Price Comparison
- One quote shows fare only, another the total: the cheaper-looking one may not be.
- Two itineraries on the same ship can carry different taxes and fees because of their ports.
- Comparison sites sometimes sort by the fare and add taxes and fees on a later screen.
- Some promotions reduce the fare but not taxes and fees, so the saving is smaller than it looks.
The fix is simple: always compare totals, per cabin, including taxes and fees for every guest. If you are pricing a cheap fare, Cheapest Cruise Prices explains what else a low headline fare can leave out.
The Other Line Items to Ask About
Taxes and fees are not the only additions. Gratuities on many mainstream lines are charged per guest per day once you are on board, while some lines include them in the fare. Drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants and shore excursions are separate on most big-ship lines and partly or fully included on others. When you compare, write each of these down for both cruises; our worksheet on the 2027 comparison page has a row for each.
Ask our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise for a total that includes taxes and fees and an estimate of gratuities, and you will have a number you can compare with confidence.
Checking Taxes and Fees on a Quote
When you receive a quote, look for three things: whether the taxes, fees and port expenses line is included in the total, whether it covers every guest in the cabin, and whether it is labelled as an estimate. If any of those is unclear, ask before you pay a deposit. A quote that spells it out is easier to compare than one that leaves it for the checkout page.
Cruise Taxes and Fees: FAQ
Why aren’t cruise taxes and fees included in the fare?
Many lines quote them separately because they vary by itinerary and are collected on behalf of governments and ports. Some sellers show the total; others show the fare first and add the rest at checkout.
Are taxes and fees per person?
Yes, they are normally charged for each guest, including third and fourth guests in a cabin.
Do cruise taxes and fees change after booking?
Lines generally reserve the right to pass on changes in government taxes and fees. Read the terms of your booking.
Want an All-In Total?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote the fare plus taxes and fees, so you can compare totals.
Get My All-In Quote