Why Is My Cruise More Than the Advertised Price? Taxes and Port Fees
Your cruise costs more than the advertised price because the headline usually shows only the cruise fare. Taxes, fees and port expenses, charged per person, get added when you book. On a typical week they add roughly US$100–330 each.
What the charges pay for
The line on your invoice is often labelled "taxes, fees and port expenses". It bundles several costs together:
- Fees charged by each port for docking and passenger use
- Head taxes per passenger levied by some cities, states and countries
- Government charges for customs, immigration and security
- Local taxes at destinations, such as Alaska's state passenger tax and per-passenger fees in towns like Juneau and Ketchikan
The total depends on how many ports you visit and where they are. A short Bahamas sailing carries far less than a week visiting several Alaska towns.
How much they add on common itineraries
| Itinerary, about 7 nights | Rough taxes and fees per person |
|---|---|
| Bahamas, 3–4 nights | About US$80–150 |
| Caribbean from Florida | About US$100–250 |
| Mexican Riviera from California | About US$100–250 |
| Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle | About US$200–330 |
| Mediterranean or northern Europe | About US$150–300 |
These are rough ranges at recent prices. Your quote will show the exact figure, and it can vary even between ships on the same route.
Why they're not in the headline price
Cruise lines mostly advertise in a US style, showing the lowest fare possible and adding mandatory charges at checkout. It is the same approach some airlines and hotels use. Promotions, discounts and "percent off" sales only apply to the cruise fare, which is set by the line and moves with demand, as explained in how cruise pricing works.
Can they change after you book?
Yes, occasionally. Most cruise contracts let the line pass on new or increased government taxes and fees, even after you have paid. Changes are usually small, but they happen. A line can also add a fuel supplement in some circumstances, covered in cruise fuel surcharges explained, and the fine print is summarised in the cruise contract of carriage.
What if a port is cancelled?
If weather or another problem cancels a port call, lines typically refund the port-specific charges. The refund usually appears as a credit on your onboard account or back to your card, and it is often smaller than people expect.
Budgeting the full price
Use the total price, taxes included, every time you compare sailings. Then add the costs no fare includes: gratuities, drinks, wifi and excursions. For a couple from Calgary heading to Alaska, taxes and fees alone can run C$540–840, and our list of what's included in a cruise fare covers the rest.
Have a question about this? A licensed cruise expert can answer it for free — no booking required, no pressure.
Ask a cruise expert →Getting the real number up front
Ask for a quote that shows the fare, the taxes and fees, and the total for everyone in the cabin. If you are comparing a CAD quote with a US-dollar quote, check that both include the same charges before deciding which is cheaper.
Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.
Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
Are taxes and port fees included in the advertised cruise price?
Often not in the headline price on US-style advertising, where they are added during booking. Some provinces, including Quebec and Ontario, require travel prices advertised to their residents to include them, so always compare final totals.
Can taxes and port fees be waived or discounted?
No. They are charged per person and passed through for government and port costs, so sales like "50% off the second guest" or free upgrades never apply to them.
Do you get port fees back if the ship skips a port?
Often partly. When a port is cancelled, lines typically refund the charges tied to that port, usually as a credit to your onboard account or card, but not every tax or fee is refundable.
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Booking essentials: Is It Cheaper to Book a Cruise Through a Travel Agent · What Are Expedia Extras on a Cruise Booking · Onboard Credit Explained and How to Get More · Cruise Line Policies Compared: 8 Lines Side by Side (2026)