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What does a cruise really cost? The honest budget in CHF

From the “from 399” teaser to a real holiday budget: cabin, service charges, drinks and travel – calculated with Swiss precision.

SemihSemih · Reisedrop Magazine · 2026-09-15 · approx. 8 min read
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Semih – Travel editor at Reisedrop

Semih

Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-15

The «from 399» price in the adverts is not a lie, but it is only the start of the calculation. As Swiss cruise specialists, we break down the full cost here.

Building block 1: The cabin price

An inside cabin in the low season is the classic entry-level price point — often a low three-figure amount. Balcony cabins cost 30 to 60 per cent more depending on the route, while suites are in a league of their own. Important: the cabin price already includes full board in the main restaurants, shows and most onboard activities. Many people forget that when comparing it with a hotel holiday.

Building block 2: The service charge

Some cruise lines include it in the price. It is exactly these differences that make an impartial comparison so valuable.

Building block 3: Drinks & extras

If you only drink water and wine with meals, paying separately is often cheaper.

Building block 4: Getting there from Switzerland

The honest total calculation

Compared with a classic tour, that is surprisingly competitive.

💡 Reisedrop tip: for every offer, use the formula «cabin + 15/night/person + drinks + travel». If two offers are close, the included service charge almost always makes the difference. We show all prices in CHF — with no euro surprise on your credit card.
Compare cruises with CHF prices
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✓ Written & verified by the Reisedrop crew · Updated 2026-09-15
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