Cruise Package Guide: 4 Things to Check for Routes & Costs

It’s not unusual to see cruise package prices vary considerably for the exact same itinerary in the exact same region.

Part of that comes down to the cruise line, the ship, and the stateroom category.
But the real reason is often something else entirely.

It comes down to whether items like beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included in the package.

This article breaks down how to compare cruise package routes by cruise line, and how to evaluate what’s included versus excluded in the price.
We’ll also walk through Dr. Cruise’s Alaska package as a real-world example.

How Do Cruise Package Routes Differ by Cruise Line?

Cruise routes by cruise line vary by destination region, ship, and onboard atmosphere, so a simple price comparison won’t tell the whole story.
A cruise route is the fixed itinerary a cruise line’s ship follows, visiting a set sequence of ports of call in order.

Alaska itineraries typically center on glaciers and Southeast Alaska port towns, while Mediterranean itineraries often hop between ports across several countries.
Northern Europe and Iceland routes are typically built around fjords and the North Atlantic.

That said, actual sailing routes can change depending on departure date and ship, so it’s safest to check the itinerary listed for your specific sailing date.

What Should You Check Before Booking a Cruise Package?

If you book based on price alone, you may later be surprised to find airfare or hotel stays weren’t included.
A cruise package is a travel product that can range from cruise fare only to a bundle that includes airfare, hotel, and transfers.

This matters even more for cruises departing overseas, where you’ll also need to check flights and any pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
When you compare multiple packages side by side, the listed price alone often isn’t enough to understand the actual travel conditions.

This is why it’s worth comparing both price and the actual services included in a cruise package.
When reviewing a route, look beyond the ports of call and also check time spent in port and the proportion of sea days.

What’s Included and Not Included in Cruise Package Costs?

Even when your stateroom and standard meals are included, beverages, internet, gratuities, and shore excursions are often billed separately.
Cruise package inclusions and exclusions refer to the distinction between what’s covered by the base cruise fare and what you have to pay for separately onboard or ashore.

Here are the cost categories you should generally check:

Some packages bundle onboard services together, while others let you pay only for what you need.
That’s why adding up beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, hotel stays, and transfers when comparing packages can help you get a more accurate picture of your actual travel budget.

What’s Included in the Dr. Cruise Alaska Package?

Seeing how one actual package is put together makes it much easier to apply the criteria above — note that this is a single example, not a representation of every cruise package on the market.
Dr. Cruise’s Alaska cruise package is scheduled to run for 10 days and 8 nights, from April 30 to May 9, 2027, though the detailed itinerary may vary depending on when you book.

Guests fly direct from Incheon to Vancouver on Korean Air and sail aboard Holland America Line’s roughly 99,500-ton MS Koningsdam.
The itinerary includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Endicott Arm.

As of this writing, the package is priced at KRW 8,990,000 (approximately USD 6,500) per adult and KRW 6,990,000 (approximately USD 5,060) per guest under age 17, and prices may change depending on when you book.
Personal expenses, minibar charges, tips for the local guide in Vancouver, and U.S. ESTA/Canada eTA application fees are not included and must be arranged separately.

Even a cruise package that includes airfare, stateroom, and hotel doesn’t necessarily cover every cost.
That’s why it’s worth confirming the detailed terms before you book.

Ultimately, comparing price alongside cruise line routes, stateroom category, ports of call, flights and hotels, and included versus excluded costs is what lets you accurately understand what a cruise package actually offers.

For more details or to consult on the Alaska cruise package, visit [Dr. Cruise] No-Markup Premium Cruise Travel Home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is comparing cruise lines alone enough when choosing a cruise package?
No. Even with the same cruise line, the route can vary by ship and sailing date, so it’s best to check the itinerary for your specific booking date.

2. Are beverages and Wi-Fi always included?
It depends on the package, so you should always confirm what’s included before booking.

3. What’s included in Dr. Cruise’s Alaska package?
It includes priority assignment to a VQ balcony stateroom, beverages, Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities, and one night at a Vancouver hotel, among other items.

4. What happens if you overlook cruise package inclusions and exclusions?
You may end up paying significantly more than expected once beverages, shore excursions, and gratuities are charged separately once you’re onboard or ashore.

References

· Wikipedia, “MS Koningsdam,” Wikipedia, 2024. View source
· Glasswallet, “Cruise Travel Costs: Is 1 Million Won Per Person Enough? Real Price Comparisons by Stateroom and Route,” Glasswallet, 2025. View source

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace advice tailored to your individual situation. Figures for a specific package (such as Dr. Cruise’s Alaska sailing) describe that one product and are not representative of cruise packages generally.