Making the most of your cruise experience
Once you've booked your cruise with On the Beach, there's a world of opportunities to enhance your experience. From upgrading your cabin to booking specialty dining and shore excursions, adding extras can make your cruise even more memorable.
📱 Where to add extras to your cruise
All cruise extras and upgrades are managed directly with your cruise supplier - not through On the Beach.
After receiving your booking confirmation from us, you can:
- Visit your cruise line's website and log into your account
- Download your cruise line's mobile app
- Browse and book available extras at your convenience
This gives you direct access to the latest availability, pricing, and special offers from your cruise supplier.
Popular cruise extras and upgrades
🛏️ Cabin upgrades
Why upgrade?
- Better views (oceanview or balcony cabins)
- More space and comfort
- Access to exclusive areas and amenities
- Priority services and perks
- Suite benefits like butler service
How to upgrade: Cabin upgrades are sometimes offered by cruise lines after booking, either at a discounted rate or through their upgrade programs. Check your cruise line's website regularly or contact them directly to ask about upgrade opportunities.
🍽️ Specialty dining
One of the highlights of any cruise is the food, and specialty dining venues offer an elevated culinary experience beyond the main dining rooms.
What is specialty dining? Specialty restaurants offer themed cuisine and premium dining experiences.
Costs: Specialty dining typically costs between £15-£60+ per person, or you can purchase dining packages for multiple meals at a discounted rate.
How to book: We recommend booking your specialty dining directly through your cruise line's website or app for ease and convenience.
💡 Top tip: Popular restaurants and prime dining times (especially on sea days) book up quickly. Reserve as soon as online booking opens - typically 30-90 days before your cruise, depending on the cruise line.
🍹 Drinks packages
What's included: Drinks packages can include:
- Unlimited sodas and specialty coffees
- Alcoholic beverages (cocktails, wine, beer, spirits)
- Premium beverage options
- Bottled water and fresh juices
Benefits:
- Budget predictability - pay upfront and enjoy without watching costs
- Try premium drinks without worrying about the price
- Convenience - no need to carry a wallet around the ship
Things to know:
- Packages usually must be purchased for all adults in the cabin
- Daily consumption limits may apply to alcoholic packages
- Gratuities are typically included in the package price
- Can often be purchased pre-cruise at a discount
How to book: Purchase through your cruise line's website or app when managing your booking.
🗺️ Shore excursions
Why book shore excursions?
- Expert-guided experiences at each port
- Transportation arranged for you
- Skip-the-line access to popular attractions
- Peace of mind - tours are designed to get you back to the ship on time
- Small group or private options available
Types of excursions:
- 🏛️ Cultural and historical tours
- 🏄 Adventure activities (zip-lining, snorkeling, hiking)
- 🏖️ Beach and relaxation experiences
- 🍷 Food and wine tours
- 🛍️ Shopping expeditions
- 🎯 Private or customized tours
How to book: We recommend booking your excursions directly through your cruise line's website or app for convenience and peace of mind. This ensures:
- Your tour is coordinated with the ship's schedule
- The ship will wait if your excursion is delayed
- You have recourse if there are any issues
- Easy cancellation or modification if needed
When to book: Popular excursions sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Book as soon as your cruise line opens excursion bookings (usually 60-90 days before departure).
⚠️ Alternative option: You can also book independent tours directly with local operators at ports, often at lower costs. However, these aren't guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time, and the ship won't wait if you're delayed.
💆 Spa and wellness packages
Treatments available:
- 💆♀️ Massages and body treatments
- ✨ Facials and skincare services
- 💅 Salon services (hair, nails, makeup)
- 🧖 Thermal suite access
- 🏋️ Fitness classes and personal training
How to book: You can book spa treatments either onboard the ship or through your cruise line's "Manage My Booking" portal before your cruise. Most services can be arranged after you embark, but keep in mind that spa treatments are chargeable, and prices vary by cruise line and ship.
💡 Top tip: Spa appointments on sea days book up quickly. If you have specific treatments in mind, reserve early through your cruise line's website or visit the spa immediately upon boarding.
🎯 How to manage all your extras
Your cruise line's website and app are your control centre:
✅ Browse all available extras in one place
💷 See current pricing and promotions
📊 Check real-time availability
📅 Make, modify, or cancel reservations
💳 Track your spending
✉️ Receive confirmations instantly
⏰ When to book your extras
📅 Book early for:
- 🛏️ Cabin upgrades (limited availability)
- 🍽️ Specialty dining on popular nights (embarkation day, sea days)
- 🗺️ Popular shore excursions
- 💆 Spa treatments on sea days
🕐 Book closer to departure for:
- 🏷️ Last-minute upgrade deals
- ⚓ Port day spa specials
- 💰 Remaining availability at discounted rates
🚢 Book onboard for:
- 💡 Spontaneous decisions
- 📅 Same-day spa appointments
- 🗺️ Additional shore excursions
- 🍽️ Last-minute specialty dining if available
💳 Payment for extras
Pre-cruise purchases: Extras booked before your cruise through the cruise line's website are typically charged to your credit card at the time of booking or added to your onboard account.
Onboard purchases: All onboard purchases (whether pre-booked or bought during the cruise) are added to your onboard account, which you'll settle at the end of your cruise using the credit card you registered during check-in.
⚠️ Remember: All payments for cruise extras go to the cruise line - not to On the Beach. Your On the Beach payment terms only cover your base cruise fare.
❓ Need help with extras?
To book or manage extras:
- 📱 Log into your cruise line's website or app
- 📞 Contact your cruise supplier directly
- 🚢 Visit guest services on embarkation day
🎉 Ready to enhance your cruise experience? Log into your cruise line's account today and start exploring your options!