Budgeting a Cruise Holiday from India to Singapore, Europe and Alaska

Cruises are a great way to holiday in 2026. You can plan a weekend getaway cruise from India to Singapore, a family cruise around Europe or search for adventure in Alaska. It could be your most memorable holiday - as long as the costs don’t come as a surprise. Cruises along each route come with their own set of costs - visa requirements, long-haul flights, shore excursions and more. Here’s what you need to know before you start planning.

Picking a cruise to match your budget

Cruise costs depend mainly on the choice of cruise lines, destination and duration.

Cruise lines like Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are known for their affordable packages. While their cruise packages skip perks like drinks, you can upgrade your experience with add-on packages.

On the other hand, Silversea, Ponant and Seabourn are recognised as luxury cruise lines. While their packages are more expensive, they go beyond the core components. Take the Silversea 7-night Seward to Vancouver cruise for example. The cruise line’s all-inclusive pricing lets cruisers enjoy all meals, wines and spirits and entertainment at no extra cost.

In terms of destinations, cruises to Singapore are a good pick for quick, budget-friendly getaways from India. Cruises in Europe offer a mid-range, diverse experience, while cruises to Alaska offer a chance to embark on unique excursions but are generally pricier.

What does a cruise package usually include?

Cruises are often advertised with all-inclusive packages. This usually covers all the basics for your time onboard the ship.

It begins with your accommodation. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in an interior cabin, ocean view cabin or balcony suite. Packages are usually inclusive of most meals at the main buffet restaurant, water and other basic non-alcoholic drinks. Almost all common areas and shared facilities can also be freely accessed by all cruisers. This includes fitness centres, onboard pools, live show venues, kids’ clubs, lounges and so on.

If you’re booking a holiday on a luxury cruise liner, you find packages inclusive of a lot more. This could include limited WiFi access, full board in a range of restaurants with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, chauffeur service and so on. For example, the Regent Seven Seas 7 Nights Northern Explorer cruise includes unlimited shore excursions, pre-paid gratuities and 24-hour in-suite dining.

Expenses usually excluded from cruise packages

Cruise package exclusions can vary quite a bit. It is safe to assume that anything not specifically mentioned in your package will be billed as an additional cost.

Take your meals, for example. Lunch at the buffet may be included in the Norwegian Cruise Line 7 Nights Voyage Europe cruise. However, you will be billed for any room service orders or steak dinners at the ship’s specialty restaurants. Alcohol, speciality coffees and premium juices are also usually excluded from cruise packages. You can pay for these as per your consumption or get a drinks add-on package. On the other hand are luxury cruises like the Seabourn 7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage cruise. Here, your cruise package will be inclusive of all meals as well as alcohol.

Guided shore excursions are another common exclusion from cruise packages. For example, the Princess Cruise 5 Nights Greece & Adriatic Sampler includes a variety of planned excursions at Kotor and Corfu. Each excursion is priced independently and billed on a per person basis. Alternatively, you can explore the ports on your own. The latter is easier to customise to your budget.

Onboard, there may be a few shows and amenities that are excluded from the cruise package. For example, while you can use the pools freely, you might have to pay an additional fee to book a poolside cabana on the Celebrity 9 Nights Voyage Best of Spain and Portugal cruise. Also, be prepared to pay extra for internet access, spa treatments, salon services, professional photographs, and so on. Gratuities and tips for the staff are also excluded from most cruise packages.

Pre/post cruise expenses

Whether you’re booking a cruise around Singapore, the Greek islands or Alaska, the ship is likely to depart from a port outside India. For example, the MSC 7 Nights Mediterranean cruise starts in Genoa and ends in Livorno. This means you will need to book flights between your home city and these ports. If you choose to stay in the ports for a night or two before and after the cruise, you will also need accommodation. In addition, you will need to account for visa processing fees and travel insurance.

Tips to help plan your cruise budget

From choosing the right destination to managing onboard and off-ship costs, a little preparation goes a long way to enjoying a well-budgeted cruise. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Book Early and Watch for Deals

Rather than wait till the last minute, book your cruise at least a few months in advance. Compare prices across cruise lines and look out for early-bird discounts and bundled packages.

Plan Flights and Transfers Carefully

Like the cruise, be flexible with your flight travel dates to get the best deals. Extending a cruise with a short pre-or post-land holiday often delivers more value for your money.

Pre-Book Onboard Packages

Depending on your needs, book beverage, dining, and Wi-Fi packages in advance rather than onboard.

Keep aside a little extra for indulgences

Account for a shopping budget and a little extra as a buffer. Note that though cruise ships often have ATMs onboard, they may charge a higher service fee for withdrawals.

Booking a cruise holiday from India to Singapore, Europe and Alaska

Planning ahead helps you focus on the cruise experience rather than the expenses. At Cruisebay, we’re here to help you plan the perfect holiday and get the best deals. From giving you comparative quotes and picking a cabin that’s just right for you to planning shore excursions, we do it all. That’s not all, our team can also help you book flight tickets, make hotel bookings, process visas and make sure you’re covered by the right insurance. It’s the simplest way to plan a memorable holiday that fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all-inclusive cruises worth it?
Yes, all-inclusive cruise packages are a good choice. They offer good value for money and let you enjoy a cruise without having to constantly reach for your wallet.

Are meals included in cruise packages?
Most cruise packages include all meals at buffet restaurants and the ship's main dining room. However, be prepared to be billed additionally for in-room dining and meals at speciality restaurants.

What are some of the unavoidable additional charges you will incur on a cruise?
In addition to the cruise fare, you will also need to pay for flight tickets to and from the cruise end ports, visa and insurance fees, port fees and tips for the cruise staff.