Get in touch
How Much Does a Cruise Actually Cost for an Indian Family?
The real number , base fare + hidden charges + visa + GST + food. No surprises.
👉 Chat with a Cruise Expert on WhatsApp (2 Min Response)The Problem
You see an ad: "Cruise from ₹32,000 per person!" You get excited. You start planning. Then you realise , that's just the base price. By the time you add gratuities, visa fees, flights, GST, and onboard spending, the real cost is 2,3x higher.
What This Guide Does
We break down every single cost , domestic and international cruises, gratuities, visa, GST, TCS, food, and excursions , so you can budget accurately and book with confidence.
Part 1: What Does a Cruise Base Fare Actually Include?
The base fare covers your cabin, buffet meals, pools, and basic entertainment. Everything else costs extra. Here's what you get by cruise type.
🇮🇳 Domestic Cruises , Cordelia Cruises
No flights needed. No visa. Perfect for first-timers.
| Itinerary | Interior Cabin | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai High Seas (2,3 nights) | ₹32,000 , ₹40,000 | ₹52,000 , ₹65,000 | , |
| Mumbai to Goa (2 nights) | ₹35,000 , ₹45,000 | ₹55,000 , ₹80,000 | ₹90,000 , ₹1,20,000 |
| Lakshadweep (5 nights) | ₹75,000 , ₹95,000 | ₹1,15,000 , ₹1,40,000 | ₹1,80,000 , ₹2,50,000 |
| Kochi to Maldives (5,6 nights) | ₹1,50,000 , ₹2,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 , ₹2,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 , ₹2,50,000 |
All prices per person. Add 5% GST. Weekend sailings cost 15,20% more. School holidays (Diwali, Christmas, summer) cost 30,40% more.
🌍 Major International Cruise Lines , Pricing for Indian Families
Prices below are per person for a 7-night cruise in USD, converted approximately to INR. Add flights from India, visa fees, and gratuities on top.
| Cruise Line | Interior Cabin | Balcony | Suite | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | ₹55,000 , ₹90,000 | ₹95,000 , ₹1,50,000 | ₹2,50,000+ | Families, adventure seekers |
| Carnival | ₹40,000 , ₹70,000 | ₹75,000 , ₹1,20,000 | ₹1,80,000+ | Budget-friendly, fun |
| Celebrity | ₹65,000 , ₹1,05,000 | ₹1,10,000 , ₹1,70,000 | ₹3,00,000+ | Premium, adults |
| Norwegian (NCL) | ₹55,000 , ₹95,000 | ₹1,00,000 , ₹1,60,000 | ₹2,80,000+ | Freestyle dining, flexibility |
| Princess | ₹60,000 , ₹95,000 | ₹1,00,000 , ₹1,55,000 | ₹2,60,000+ | Couples, longer voyages |
| Holland America | ₹70,000 , ₹1,10,000 | ₹1,15,000 , ₹1,75,000 | ₹3,20,000+ | Mature travellers, culture |
| MSC | ₹35,000 , ₹65,000 | ₹70,000 , ₹1,10,000 | ₹1,60,000+ | Budget international, Europe |
| Disney | ₹1,20,000 , ₹1,80,000 | ₹1,90,000 , ₹2,80,000 | ₹5,00,000+ | Families with young kids |
| Viking | ₹1,80,000 , ₹2,50,000 | ₹2,60,000 , ₹3,50,000 | ₹5,50,000+ | Luxury, river & ocean |
Prices per person for ~7 nights. INR estimates at ₹84/USD. Excludes flights from India (₹30,000,₹80,000 return), visa fees, gratuities (~$18,$20/day), and onboard spending. Prices vary significantly by season and booking window.
✈️ International Fly-Cruises
Singapore and Dubai are the main hubs for Indian families. Budget for flights + visa on top of the cruise fare.
Resorts World Cruises (Singapore)
4,5 nights
₹30,000 , ₹55,000
Standard cabin. Certified Jain & Halal food onboard.
Disney Adventure (Singapore)
3 nights / 4 nights
₹54,862 , ₹1,73,591 / ₹82,720 , ₹2,90,561
Launching late 2026. Includes Mowgli's Eatery (Indian food).
MakeMyTrip 8-Night Package
8 nights (flights + KL + cruise + Singapore)
₹1,47,712 , ₹1,63,910
All-in package. No-cost EMI available.
Part 2: The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
This is where most Indian families get a shock on the last day of the cruise. Budget for these before you book.
Mandatory Daily Gratuities (Service Charges)
Unlike in India where tipping is optional, cruise lines automatically add a daily service charge to your onboard account. This pays the cabin steward, dining staff, and housekeeping. You cannot skip it (on most lines). For a family of 4 on a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise, this alone adds ~₹43,000 to your bill.
| Cruise Line | Per Person / Day | Suite Rate | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | USD 18.50 (~₹1,540) | USD 21.00 | Auto-added, can adjust |
| MSC Cruises | USD 14.00 (~₹1,165) | USD 18.00 | Prepaid or onboard |
| Carnival | USD 17.00 (~₹1,415) | USD 19.00 | Prepaid or onboard |
| Disney Cruise Line | USD 16.00 (~₹1,330) | USD 27.25 | Recommended daily |
| Resorts World Cruises | SGD 27.00 (~₹1,700) | SGD 33,40 | Auto-added |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | ₹0 , INCLUDED | ₹0 | Built into ticket price |
💡 Insider Tip: Pre-pay gratuities at the time of booking. This locks in today's rate and protects you from mid-year increases. Several lines raised rates in 2025,2026.
Onboard Extras (Cordelia Cruises)
- Wi-Fi (basic)₹999 per sailing
- Wi-Fi (premium)₹1,999 per sailing
- Specialty dining₹1,500 , ₹3,500 per person
- Beer₹350 , ₹500 per drink
- Cocktails₹600 , ₹900 per drink
- Beverage package (2 nights)₹5,000 , ₹8,000
- Goa shore excursion₹2,000 , ₹5,000
- Lakshadweep water sports₹1,500 , ₹4,000
The "Safe Budget" Rule
Industry experts recommend budgeting an extra ₹3,000 , ₹5,000 per person per day on top of the base fare for all discretionary spending.
Example: Family of 4, 5-night cruise
Calculating all this for a family of 4 across multiple cruise lines is genuinely confusing. If you want someone to do the math for you and find the best value option for your budget ,
👉 Chat with a Cruise Expert on WhatsApp (2 Min Response)Will My Family Get Indian / Jain / Halal Food on the Cruise?
Short answer: Yes , on the right cruise lines. Here's exactly what each line offers, so you don't have to guess.
Cordelia Cruises (Domestic)
🇮🇳 Best for First-Timers- Starlight Restaurant (921 seats) , dedicated Jain section, strictly separated from non-veg
- Food Court (Deck 10) , Hot Clay Tandoor, Vegetarian Bang Street Food, Essence of India, Jain counter
- Pani puri, pav bhaji, dal makhani, fish curry, Indian thalis , all included
- Jain meals available at every service: breakfast, lunch, dinner, midnight snack
Resorts World Cruises (Singapore / Dubai)
✅ Certified Jain & Halal- Genting Dream: Starboard side of Lido buffet = GVCS-certified Indian Vegetarian & Jain
- Port side of Lido = OIC-certified Halal (no alcohol allowed in this zone)
- Breakfast: idli, poha, sambhar, aloo bhaji, paratha, vada, chutneys
- Lunch/Dinner: paneer makhanwalla, dal makhani, chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, biryani
- Resorts World One (Dubai): 100% pork-free ship, all meats UAE Halal certified
Royal Caribbean
⭐ Best Indian Curries at Sea- Windjammer buffet: dedicated Indian station at every meal including breakfast
- Dal tadka, aloo gobi, chana masala, butter chicken, lamb rogan josh , praised as the best food on the ship
- Main Dining Room: at least 1 Indian main course + vegetarian option every night
- Jain meals: email [email protected] 60 days before sailing. Speak to the maitre d' on Day 1.
- Chefs have been known to prepare custom off-menu Jain Italian dinners on request
- On sailings with large Indian groups, entire sections of the Windjammer are converted to Indian-only stations
Disney Adventure (Singapore, launching late 2026)
🎬 Great for Families with Kids- Mowgli's Eatery: dedicated Indian restaurant themed on The Jungle Book
- Kerala Fish Curry, slow-cooked vegetables, crisp naans, traditional chutneys
- Vegan, Jain, Halal, and allergen-specific meals at NO extra cost
- Rotational dining system , your server team moves with you each night, remembers your dietary needs
The Golden Rule for Jain Families
Never wait until you board to declare Jain requirements. On Royal Caribbean, email [email protected] at least 60 days before sailing. On all lines, visit the Main Dining Room on embarkation day and speak directly with the maitre d'. The culinary team will review the next day's menu with you and custom-prepare dishes. Cruise lines are far more accommodating than most restaurants on land , but only if you tell them in advance.
Part 3: GST, TCS & Visa Costs
These are the costs most travel agents forget to mention. They can add ₹50,000+ to an international cruise for a family of 4.
GST + TCS: The India Tax Factor
GST , 5% on cruise fares
Applied on the base cruise fare when booked through an Indian travel agent or Indian booking portal. On a ₹1,00,000 fare, add ₹5,000.
TCS , Tax Collected at Source
Applicable on international travel packages. The rate varies based on payment method and total amount. This is not a loss , you can claim it back when filing your ITR. But it does increase your upfront cash outflow.
Real Example: Family of 4, 7-night Singapore Cruise
Visa Costs for Indian Passport Holders , Full Visa Guide
~₹3,100
Govt fee ₹2,100 + agent fee ₹1,000. Apply 3,5 working days before travel. Must go through an authorized agent , no walk-ins at the High Commission.
₹0
Fill the MDAC form online within 3 days of arrival. Valid for stays up to 30 days. Policy valid until 31 December 2026.
₹0 (or ₹3,000 if policy changes)
60-day visa-free exemption for Indians in 2026. However, the Thai government is reviewing this policy. If it changes, a single-entry tourist visa costs ₹3,000.
~₹2,500 , ₹4,000
Indian nationals can get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa. Costs vary by duration. Many cruise packages include visa assistance.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive cover for Asian routes: ₹340 , ₹1,400 for 7 days (Digit, ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG). Covers medical up to USD 5,00,000, trip cancellation, and flight delays. Not covered: pre-existing conditions, adventure sports (without add-on), alcohol-related incidents.
7 Things Your Travel Agent Won't Tell You
These tips can save your family ₹20,000,₹50,000 and prevent a ruined holiday. Also see our complete visa guide for Indian cruisers.
Pre-pay gratuities to lock in today's rate
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC all raised gratuity rates in 2025,2026. If you pre-pay at booking, you're protected from future hikes. For a family of 4 on a 7-night cruise, this can save ₹3,000,₹5,000.
Weekend sailings cost 15,20% more
Friday departures on Cordelia Cruises are consistently more expensive than Monday,Thursday sailings. If your school schedule allows, a mid-week departure can save ₹10,000,₹20,000 for a family of 4.
Diwali and summer cruises book out 6 months early
School holiday sailings (Diwali, Christmas, April,May summer) cost 30,40% more AND sell out fast. Book by January for summer, and by June for Diwali. Waiting until 2 months before means paying peak price for leftover cabins.
The RWC F&B credit trick (33% free money)
On Resorts World Cruises, if you buy F&B credits on embarkation day , pay SGD 300, get SGD 400 to spend at specialty restaurants. That's a free 33% bonus. Use it at Silk Road (Chinese fine dining) for a fraction of the normal cost.
Mumbai High Seas sailings are cheaper for a reason
The ship sails into international waters without docking anywhere. No port fees, no destination taxes , so the price is lower. The casino is also open (only legal in international waters). Great for a weekend getaway, not for sightseeing.
Avoid the buffet at 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM
On mega-ships like the Genting Dream (3,000+ passengers), peak breakfast and lunch times mean massive queues and no seats. Eat before 7:30 AM or use the Main Dining Room. On disembarkation day, the buffet has strict 1-hour time limits.
Be friendly with the Indian chefs , it pays off
On Royal Caribbean, Indian crew members take immense pride in their food. Guests who express genuine appreciation have received custom off-menu Indian dinners served at their table with freshly baked naan. This is documented by multiple Indian cruisers. It costs nothing to be kind.
Singapore 96-hour transit visa is free (if you qualify)
If you hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, or New Zealand visa, you can enter Singapore for up to 96 hours without a separate Singapore visa. Perfect for fly-cruise passengers who only need a short stopover.
Doing This Yourself vs. Booking With Us
We're not going to pretend you can't do this yourself. You can. Here's what it actually involves.
The DIY Route
- Compare 6+ cruise lines across 3 different websites, each with different pricing structures
- Calculate gratuities, GST, TCS, and port taxes separately for each option
- Research which ships have certified Jain / Halal food (most websites don't mention this)
- Apply for Singapore visa through an authorized agent (not the High Commission)
- Coordinate flight timings with cruise embarkation , a 2-hour gap is too tight
- Email the cruise line's dietary team 60 days before sailing and follow up
- Buy travel insurance separately and check the fine print for exclusions
- Discover on Day 1 of the cruise that you forgot to pre-pay gratuities and the rate went up
Booking With BookCruises.in
- Send us one WhatsApp message with your family size, budget, and dietary needs
- We send you 3 curated options with full cost breakdowns , base fare, gratuities, visa, GST, everything
- We verify Indian / Jain / Halal food availability on your specific ship before recommending it
- We handle the Singapore visa application and coordinate the paperwork
- We sync your flights with cruise embarkation times , no missed departures
- We email the cruise line's dietary team on your behalf and confirm Jain / allergen requirements
- We recommend the right travel insurance for your itinerary
- We pre-pay gratuities at today's rate so you're protected from future hikes
Or, send one WhatsApp message and we handle the food vetting, visa docs, flight sync, and gratuity pre-payment for free.
👉 Chat with a Cruise Expert on WhatsApp (2 Min Response)Free service · 9 AM , 9 PM IST · 200+ Indian families helped
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Let Stress Ruin the Anticipation
You now know more about cruise costs than 95% of Indian travellers. The only thing left is to actually book , without the 15 hours of research.
Let us handle the boring stuff , visa, flights, food checks, gratuity pre-payment , so you can focus on the fun.
What happens when you message us:
9 AM , 9 PM IST · 200+ Indian families helped · No obligation