Hidden costs on a short cruise

[ThisIsntMyUsualUsername]

My sister and I (both in our 40s) are looking at a minibreak and found a Cunard cruise for 4 nights from Southampton to Amsterdam and back. The whole purpose of the trip is to chat, eat and drink and just relax child-free.
Cruise is about £500 and includes all meals. Works out cheaper overall we think than flying somewhere and doing B&B, but eating out and going out as entertainment will be included on-board.
So, are we naive thinking we only have to buy alcoholic drinks on top? What hidden costs might there be?

Do they expect a tip at the end? Many years ago i went on a cruise and there was an expectation that all passengers gave a tip at the end for all staff- they gave a price per person as a suggestion , not insignificant amount. Said it was optional but they stood by the disembarking point collecting all the envelopes...

Tips are usually included it the price - you opt out rather than opt in.
Are you going on any excursions in Amsterdam? Any shopping you do (there's usually a couple hours free time) is on you. It's also not unusual to tip the tour guide if taking one onshore - they are separate to the cruise company. But on the boat itself there shouldn't be extras (unless you go to the casino) and stick to the included meals.

I found the tips thing both confusing and stressful. We had tips included but I still gave our cabin attendant something.

If you're drinkers the package might be worth it.

Is it on the QM2? Have been on there a couple of times. The Cunard ships are all pretty similar.
Yes, all food is included and it is amazing! There are 2 main restaurants - the Britannia dining room (posher) and the buffet dining. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Britannia, with an extensive menu.
The buffet restaurant closes to turn around from breakfast to lunch and so on, but not for long. The buffet restaurant also has a hidden burger place during the day/pizza place at night, if you fancy those, also included. Plus the pub food is also free - fish & chips etc (get there early if you want a seat).
All the food is very good, but for the 'proper' Cunard experience, the main dining room is best in the evening. You are expected to dress up for there and the bars, but can dress down for buffet and pub.
If you have any space left, each afternoon there is afternoon tea (& ballroom dancing) in the Queen's Room. Also included.
Re drinks, they aren't cheap, but nothing outrageous. During the day & evening, you can get free water, juice, tea & coffee in the buffet restaurant, so helps to reduce costs.
There are a number of different bars on board, from the pub to the cocktail bar. All of those charge, plus a compulsory gratuity. You get used to it!
I am bound to have forgotten something.
I am now hungry and wishing I was going! Have a lovely time.

Thanks @doodlyfiddly that's really helpful. It's the Queen Victoria ship.
It has an overnight and full day in Amsterdam but I imagine we'd get a taxi and do our own thing mooching around so minimal excursion costs.

I'll read up about tips.

As PP suggested certain drinks will be free in the buffet but if you order anything from the bar you will be charged along with a 15% tip on top.

Gratuities will be added on to your cruise account automatically but some people go to reception and get them removed.

“The service charge applies to all guests, and differs according to which accommodation you’re staying in, with Queens and Princess Grill Suites being $16.50 per person per day and Britannia Staterooms equating to $14.50 per person per day”

Have a wonderful time!

Wi fi was the biggest expense we found on the TUI cruise that we did

Some cruise lines include tips, so do check.
Doing your own thing in Amsterdam is best, but make sure you're back well before departure as the ship won't wait.
Sounds like a bargain, enjoy !

Thanks all! We're booking this week I think!

Amsterdam is accessed via Rotterdam. Budget roughly £40 each return for the train from Rotterdam central
It's easy enough to do