For a 2026 cruise, you should budget for "Onboard Spend" of approximately $50 to $100 per person, per day, in addition to your pre-paid fare. This is the "safe" average that covers daily gratuities (approx. $18), a few alcoholic drinks or specialty coffees, and one "moderate" shore excursion during the week. If you plan to indulge in specialty dining ($40–$60 per meal), spa treatments ($150+), or high-stakes gambling, your budget should increase to $200+ per day. For 2026 travelers, a high-value "pro-tip" is to use Onboard Credit (OBC): many travel agents or "Future Cruise" bookings provide $100–$500 in "free money" to spend on the ship. Use this credit first for your daily gratuities so you don't see a "surprise" $120 charge on your credit card at the end of a 7-day trip. Also, remember that most 2026 ships are "cashless"; everything is charged to your room key, but you should still carry about $200 in small cash bills ($1s, $5s, $10s) for tipping tour guides, porters, and bartenders in the various ports of call where the ship's digital system doesn't apply.