Cruises promise endless ways to spend your time, and just as many ways to spend money. The atmosphere encourages you to treat yourself, but not every option is as rewarding as it seems. Some things are overpriced, while others simply aren’t worth the space in your suitcase. Here are the onboard purchases that every traveler should skip.
Specialty Drink Packages
At about $73 a day plus gratuities, drink packages can drain your vacation budget fast. To break even, you’d need four to five alcoholic drinks daily, which doesn’t suit everyone. You’re better off paying per drink or bringing the wine bottles cruise lines allow.
Bottled Water
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want is hidden costs. Bottled water on cruise ships quickly adds up, but you don’t need it. Free drinking water is available everywhere, and bringing a reusable bottle keeps both your wallet and the environment in better shape.
Bottled Soda
Unlimited soda packages sound tempting until you realize they’re mostly fountain drinks (not bottles) and require constant refills to be worth it. If you’re a soda fan, you can usually bring your own cans on the ship. That way, you control everything—cost and quality.
Specialty Coffee
For some travelers, morning coffee feels non-negotiable. On a cruise, those lattes and cappuccinos carry a price tag that adds up faster than expected. Instant packets can give you that cafe flavor without the onboard expense. Plus, free coffee is also available in many cruise dining spaces.
Specialty Dining Cover Charges
Although upscale spots like sushi bars and steakhouses can be fun, those cover charges pile up quickly. Start with the main dining rooms and buffets included in the fare, and you might find plenty to enjoy without spending extra. Book specialty dining early if you really want to splurge.
Onboard Photography Packages
You already carry a phone or maybe a camera of good quality. So, skip the staged backdrops. It lets you hold onto money while preserving memories that feel far more genuine. The glossy portraits taken on cruise ships always come with a hefty price tag.
Spa Treatments
It’s easy to be drawn in by the promise of ocean-view massages and unique treatments at the ship’s spa. The catch is the premium pricing. Take advantage of the embarkation day tour, as it offers a no-cost preview before you commit to booking.
Shore Excursions
Cruise-organized excursions are easy but almost always overpriced. Booking directly with local operators gives you better deals and more control over the day. Or, you can simply explore the port yourself. Many visitors choose to create authentic memories that way.
Cruise Line Logo Merchandise
In the moment, that logo glass or T-shirt seems like the perfect reminder of your trip. Back home, it most likely will land in a drawer and stay there. Tip: choosing souvenirs with personal meaning leaves you with memories you’ll actually treasure.
Generic Gift Shop Souvenirs
The traditional cruise souvenir hunt usually leads straight to onboard gift shops, but savvy travelers are evolving beyond these overpriced, mass-produced trinkets. Local port markets offer more authentic keepsakes at better prices. So, shop wisely and enjoy real, cruise-only experiences.
