Don BucoloA lot is covered in your cruise fare. Your cabin, most dining, onboard activities, and entertainment are usually all part of the price you pay for the cruise. That is why we feel cruise vacations are an amazing value. But beware of cruise money traps. Cruise lines have gotten creative about adding charges beyond your initial fare that can add $500-1,000+ to your vacation costs without necessarily improving your experience.
We’ve sailed on 100+ cruises and learned the hard way all the things that are really just a waste of money. From pre-cruise packages to onboard upsells, we’re sharing 17 common cruise money traps that aren’t worth your hard-earned vacation dollars—plus smarter alternatives that will help you save.
1. Overpaying for Your Cruise
Before you even step onboard, you could be wasting money by not booking strategically. Many cruisers book directly through cruise line websites without realizing they could get a better deal.
The money trap: Paying full price when better deals exist, or missing out on perks like onboard credit, cabin upgrades, or specialty dining packages.
The better way: Work with a reputable travel agent who specializes in cruises. Our preferred travel advisor is MEI-Travel. They have access to the same prices as booking direct (sometimes better), plus they can offer additional perks, handle issues if they arise, and provide expert advice at no extra cost to you. Many advisors also monitor your booking for price drops. This alone can save you hundreds of dollars.
2. Priority Boarding
Recently, cruise lines have started to offer pre-cruise packages. Among these different offerings are packages that include priority boarding. Carnival Cruise Line offers the Faster to the Fun package, and Royal Caribbean has The Key.
The money trap: Paying $75+ per person to board 30-45 minutes earlier than general boarding, plus perks you may not even use like priority Guest Services lines, priority tendering, and embarkation day lunch.
The better way: Complete your online check-in as early as possible to secure an early boarding time slot. You’ll board shortly after the priority group anyway. The time difference is minimal, and you’ll save $100s. The additional inclusions don’t offer much added value and are usually not necessities for most cruisers.
3. Oceanview Cabins
When choosing your cabin category, oceanview cabins often represent the worst value on the ship.
The money trap: Paying $200-500+ more than an inside cabin for a small porthole window you’ll rarely look through.
The better way: Go big or go small. Book either an inside cabin (and save significantly) or splurge on a balcony where you can actually enjoy the ocean view and fresh air with your morning coffee. Inside cabins are perfect if you’ll mainly use your room for sleeping, while balconies offer real outdoor space. The middle-ground oceanview just doesn’t deliver enough value for the premium you pay.
4. Room Service (On Lines That Charge)
While room service used to be a complimentary perk on most cruise lines, many now charge delivery fees or limit what you can order for free.
The money trap: Paying $4.95-$10 delivery fees per order, plus the cost of food items that aren’t included. Order breakfast, lunch, and a late-night snack and you’ve spent $30+ in just one day.
The better way: Continental breakfast (coffee, pastries, fruit) is usually still free for room service. For everything else, take advantage of the multiple free dining venues. The buffet, main dining room, pizza shop, and café are all complimentary.
5. Travel Insurance Through the Cruise Line
When booking your cruise, you’ll be offered travel insurance from the cruise line. While it’s smart to have coverage, buying it from the cruise line is usually not your best option.
The money trap: Cruise line insurance typically costs 5-10% of the total cruise fare and often has more restrictions and exclusions than third-party policies.
The better way: Purchase travel insurance from a third-party provider like Allianz, Travel Guard, or aggregate sites like InsureMy Trip. Compare policies to find comprehensive coverage for less than what the cruise line charges. Third-party insurance often includes better medical coverage, more flexible cancellation terms, and “cancel for any reason” options that cruise line policies don’t offer. Buy within 7-21 days of your initial deposit to get the best coverage options.
6. Single Supplement Fees
Solo cruisers often face one of the biggest money traps in cruising: the single supplement fee.
The money trap: Paying 150-200% of the per-person cruise fare simply because you’re traveling alone. Essentially, you’re charged for a second passenger who doesn’t exist.
The better way: Book with cruise lines that offer dedicated solo cabins with little to no single supplement. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered studio cabins designed for solo travelers at a fair price. Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and some other lines now offer solo-friendly options as well. These cabins may be smaller, but you’ll avoid paying double for a room you’re using alone. Plan ahead and book solo cabins early as they sell out fast.
7. Roaming Charges
This might be the easiest money trap to fall into and one of the most expensive surprises when you get home.
The money trap: Forgetting to put your phone in airplane mode and racking up per megabyte international roaming charges. Some cruisers have come home to bills of $500-2,000+ from their phone company.
The better way: Before your cruise departs, put your phone in airplane mode and keep it there for the entire cruise unless you’re in port and have international cell coverage. You can still use the ship’s WiFi by turning on WiFi while in airplane mode. This one simple step can save you thousands in unexpected charges.
8. Sundries and Toiletries from the Onboard Shop
Forgot your toothpaste? Need some Dramamine? The ship’s shop has you covered—at a hefty markup.
The money trap: Paying for travel-size toothpaste, a small bottle of pain reliever, Dramamine or other motion sickness medication, and sunscreen. Forget a few items and you’ve spent $50-100 on basics.
The better way: Create a cruise packing checklist before you leave home. Include all toiletries, medications (prescription and over-the-counter), sunscreen, aloe vera, and any other personal care items you might need. If you do forget something, wait until your first port of call where local shops will sell these items at normal retail prices—often half what the ship charges.
9. Drink Packages
One of the most frequent questions we receive has to do with cruise line drink packages. Often, cruisers want to know if these beverage packages are a good value. For many cruisers, the answer might quite possibly be no.
The money trap: Spending $60-80+ per person per day when you need to drink 6 alcoholic beverages daily just to break even. If you prefer house wines or beer, you’ll need even more drinks to justify the cost.
The better way: Pay as you go if you only enjoy a couple drinks at dinner or shows. Track your actual drinking habits on the first day—if you’re not reaching 6+ drinks, skip the package and save hundreds. If you do plan to drink 5+ alcoholic beverages a day and also consume specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks, then the package might work for you. The non-alcoholic drinks are usually where the real value lies. We like the convenience of a drink package, yet there are often times that we do not break even, especially on longer cruises.
10. Photo Packages
On most cruise lines, you will see photographers everywhere you go. At the port, near the dining rooms, and especially around the promenade or atrium on cruise formal nights. Yes, it is fun to take a few of the formal portraits, or to pose with a pirate at your port of call.
The money trap: Individual digital photos cost $20-25 each, and photo packages run $200-500+ for the week. The cruise lines have caught on to selling digital images, but these are often the same price as printed photos—certainly overpriced.
The better way: Take your own photos. Ask other passengers (not the professional photographers) to snap pictures for you around the ship. Small phone tripods work great for formal night photos too. If you have loyalty status with a cruise brand, you might get discounted or complimentary photos which is a nice perk.
11. Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Cruises do include most of the onboard activities and entertainment during the trip. Although, one of the hidden costs of cruising is the activities occurring on shore. Most major cruise lines do not include any tours or shore excursions in the cruise fare.
The money trap: Paying premium prices (often 30-50% more) for the same tours you can book independently. While some ports are perfect for exploring at your leisure, shore excursions booked through the cruise line come with significant markups.
The better way: Book directly with local tour companies or through third-party vendors like Shore Excursions Group. We have booked island tours, snorkeling trips, and off-road adventures on our own and found these tours tend to be less crowded. Do pre-cruise comparison shopping for your excursions. Just be sure to read the fine print when it comes to cancellation policies and return-to-ship guarantees.
12. Specialty Dining
Most modern cruise ships offer a variety of restaurants and different dining options. A buffet featuring cuisine from around the world is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of your cruise. Other casual options include sandwich shops, burger joints, pizza parlors, and snack shacks. Not to mention, there is the main dining room with three-course dinners every night with a different menu.
The money trap: Spending $40-75+ per person (potentially $300-600 for a couple during the week) for specialty restaurants when excellent complimentary options exist throughout the ship.
The better way: Stick with the included dining venues, especially if you’re an infrequent cruiser. The main dining room offers restaurant-quality meals with multiple courses nightly. The complimentary options provide plenty of variety and quality. Or, splurge on one up-charge dinner to celebrate a special occasion.
13. Art Auctions
We actually can’t believe the cruise lines still have art auctions. You will receive flyers in your cabin. You might even accidentally step into a venue hosting an auction or one of these “classes” about art history or styles.
The money trap: Overpriced artwork with questionable value and authenticity, often marked up 100% or more. Even pieces advertised as “investments” rarely appreciate in value and have resell prices lower than the purchase price.
The better way: Skip these completely. Don’t waste your time trying to get a free glass of champagne out of the deal—you might accidentally end up with an overpriced piece of art. Even if you are an art expert, these auctions are not worth your time and certainly not worth the cost. If you love art, visit galleries in port cities where you can find authentic local artwork at fair prices.
14. Spa Treatments
Many people cruise to enjoy some rest and relaxation. While you might be tempted to visit the onboard spa for a treatment, we suggest you save your money and skip the massage.
The money trap: Paying $150-250+ for treatments that cost up to 50% less on land, plus an automatic 18-20% service charge. You’ll also face persistant up-selling of products used during the treatment.
The better way: Do pre-cruise investigating of your ports of call. Many cruisers find great deals on spa treatments while ashore, often at beachfront locations with ocean views that beat the ship’s spa. Some resorts and beach clubs offer massages for half the onboard price. If you must try the ship’s thermal suite, buy a single day pass when docked at a port instead.
15. Seminars and Classes
Trivia, game shows, dance classes, the belly flop contest—there are so many daytime and nighttime activities that are completely free on a cruise ship.
The money trap: Paying extra for cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, mixology classes, and other for-fee courses that don’t provide lasting value. These add up quickly if you book multiple sessions during your cruise.
The better way: Enjoy the dozens of complimentary activities instead. When reviewing the daily schedule on your cruise, always look to see if an event has a dollar sign next to it. If it does, there will be an associated cost to attend. Choose free alternatives instead like poolside games, deck parties, live music, and shows. Also be wary of “free” activities like port talks or shopping seminars that are really attempts to sell you things you don’t need, including coupon books or VIP shopping booklets.
16. Onboard Shops
Speaking of shopping, we are all for getting a souvenir or two on a cruise. We always get an ornament for our holiday tree, but we always skip on the other onboard money grabs.
The money trap: Believing “duty-free” means savings when items are often marked up to offset the lack of sales tax. Alcohol, tobacco products, and jewelry often cost 2-3 times more than retail prices.
The better way: For souvenirs and keepsakes, you’ll find more authentic items at better prices in port. Buy one special cruise line keepsake if it’s meaningful to you, but do most shopping on shore where you’ll get better value and unique finds that actually remind you of the places you visited.
17. Casinos
It is easy for us to say not to waste your money at the cruise ship casino as we are not big gamblers. For those who are inclined to spend some money at the slots, make sure to check the payouts.
The money trap: Lower payout percentages and looser regulations than land-based casinos, giving the house an even bigger advantage. Cruise ship casinos aren’t subject to the same oversight as Las Vegas casinos.
The better way: If you enjoy gambling, set a strict entertainment budget and stick to it; treat any money you bring to the casino as the cost of entertainment, not an investment. For most cruisers, casinos at sea are just like those on land: an easy way to lose your money. Save your vacation dollars for experiences you’ll actually remember and enjoy.
The Bottom Line
By avoiding these 17 cruise money traps, you can easily save $500-1,000 or more on your next sailing. The key is to plan ahead, pack smart, do your research, and remember that cruise lines are businesses designed to maximize revenue beyond your initial fare.
Focus your spending on what truly enhances your vacation experience—whether that’s a bucket list shore excursion, a memorable souvenir from port, a celebratory specialty dinner, an upgrade to a balcony cabin, or simply just enjoying all the amazing amenities already included in your cruise fare. Just remember: you can absolutely have a great cruise without paying for any add-ons.
Comments
What do you think is a waste of money on a cruise? Do you spend money on any of these cruise extras? Drop us an anchor below to share your picks for the biggest cruise money traps.
31 comments
Holly
Duty free is the biggest line. I was looking at perfume on HAL and it was more expensive than if I bought it on land.
Loretta
Be sure to read ALL. Some say wine included with meals but they either service cheap wine or charge you anyway. Any cruise can be better if the liners would just be honest and give you the best.
Cindy M
I went to a lot of the “art” auctions at first. Luckily I never bought anything as I found out later that these are a total scam. It’s way too easy to get excited and get into bidding on something that will turn out to be a big disappointment later.
Lynda
Everything is relative to what is important to each individual cruiser. One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Am I “wasting” money if I’m enjoying what I’m doing? That implies a value judgement. Some might say that cruising is a waste of money, so perhaps it’s more about getting the best value for limited dollars. Optional costs of cruising can be assessed against one’s personal set of values and desires. Photos, drinks of any kind (yes, including coffee), most speciality dining, internet, staterooms other than interior, onboard shopping, “duty free” shopping both on and off ship, and anything in the spa are things I will not spend my money on. But that’s me. I have plenty of art and all of my cruise bookings are casino bookings, which has saved me quite a bit in cruise fares, even accounting for losses. Plus, I happen to like playing in the casino; I think it is fun, a lot more fun than say drinking, or attending mediocre shows. Several times, cruises or art have been paid for with poker winnings. However, next time I cruise with my daughter, she’s getting the drink package; I’m getting a doctor’s note. Shore excursions are mixed – pricing has improved, so I’m considering those again. I see lots of concerns addressing being left by the ship as a reason for only using ship based excursions. I don’t have much concern for that happening with any shore excursion, either booked with the ship or private, as any operator who makes that mistake won’t be in business very long. In 16 years of cruising, I’ve only been on one excursion that was late returning to the ship. It was on my first cruise, and yes, they waited for us. I’ve personally cut it close a couple of times, but these were not due to private excursion operators, who are actually highly motivated to get guests back on time. Key is to evaluate what works for you. Is drinking important to you? Get the drinks package. Don’t want to do research and make private arrangements? Book shore excursions. The cruise lines offer these extras to make money, but also to provide options for those who want them. You can easily cruise without spending a penny extra, or you can spend money on whatever is important to you. Finally, my best tip for new cruisers – you don’t have to let them take your picture; just say no thank you and walk on by. Wish someone had told me that on my first cruise.
Sandy
Automatically added tips can be a shock because you will not have time disembarking to customize your preferences. Check your bill the day before and if not satisfied with the amounts the purser can delete. Even with these amounts (considerable) your cabin attendant will want more from you in cash.
Maria Arciniegas
Plesse mention if for any reason your shoe excursions is late and you miss the ship now that expensive.
Amanda
What they failed to mention is that if you do not book sn excursion through the ship and are late returning you will be left behind when the ship leaves port. I have personally seen this happen to people.
K
Having cruised quite a bit, I only have one point that I disagree with. Although shore excursions are cheaper through off ship companies they will not hold the ship for you if you are late coming back from a third party vendor. The ship will wait if your excursion is delayed that is booked through the cruiseline.
Natasha
We always eat in the specialty restaurants, and I find the upcharge worth it. I think the main dining rooms are crowded and depressing, so I avoid them. Plus, the food in the specialty restaurants is better because they’re serving fewer people.
Jeannie
We cruise with Viking for all the ways the cruise may cost you: specialty restaurants, drinks, tours,etc. Viking includes all the restaurants, a tour in every port and alcohol at lunch and dinner. Water, soda, espressos are free all day long. We like the ‘no hidden’ cost idea. The price tag seems high when comparison shopping, but you need to add ALL the costs of a big ship onto the price tag.
Also, I wouldn’t throw out some of the classes. We all have our favorite things to do and having to pay a charge is fine. Ex cooking class with the chef ( 4 hours to make it and eat it!) Then we had a private tour of the kitchen for the 8 of us…..
Delores Smith
A lot what you just said I don’t really do on a cruise ship is I lot of things sometimes we bring our own soda with us but now I order water and soda I love to shop but when we dock in port of call
Lorraine
You did not mention that a excursion through the ship line guarantees you will be back on the ship in time for departure.
Meryl
Thank you for your insights. I find that everything you said is absolutely true, although I don’t buy any packages that include gratuities. Instead, I prefer to personally tip those who have gone over and above to help me and make my cruise more enjoyable. Since it is so much easier to book excursions prior to cruising, that would be my suggestion for everyone whether it’s through the cruise line or another venue. If you’re going into a port and have nothing booked, at least get off the ship and walk around. Don’t stay on the ship on a port day because there are many options. Remember that when you booked this cruise you knew where you were going!
Debi McGarvey
The advantage of cruise booked excursions is if there is an accident on the road or some other mishap that makes you late getting back to the ship, they wait for you. If you book your own and you’re late wave goodbye to the ship.
Rick Wade
I have been cruising since 1988 and agree with most of this list. In our younger days the drink packages made sense but now we are only getting the basic. Especially since as a Royal Caribbean Diamond we get free drinks every day. As far as the Casino goes I love to play Blackjack and I have done very well with that. Enough so to pay for my drinks and souvenirs. I never have lost money on a cruise in the Casino. My wife does not gamble so that helps. LOL
Edie
We cruise often, 1-2 times per year, and we love the Thermal Spa package on NCL. We use it every day! We also enjoy the specialty restaurants on longer cruises. The casino can take your money but I have hit jackpots too. It’s entertainment so only spend what you can afford to lose. And if you are a big gamer you can cruise for free! If you are on a very tight budget these tips are good but otherwise check these extras out for yourself! My info is all pre-covid.
Donna
I agree on booking shore excursions with a 3rd party. I’m in a wheelchair and Royal Carribbean had nothing avail for me. I was so upset. Then I found 2 great excursions in Cozumel. We are doing the Cacao Factory where we get a demonstration of how they made chocolate then we go off to Mayan Adventures where we learn how to make a corn tortilla and get a mini show. They were both so reasonably priced you wouldn’t believe it.
Drew
Well everyone has an opinion.
I would disagree with at least 3 of yours. Specialty restaurants are a nice change from the ordinary with a little more personalized service. Drink packages are worth the price if purchased for a discount, especially for those “sea days.” Excursions are less expensive using “outside” vendors but the tradeoff is guaranteed arrival back to port prior to ship departure if using ship based. Lastly, many alcoholic beverages can be had for less onboard if you’re willing and able to transport back home. Depends on quantity and quality.
Once again, everyone has an opinion.
Sharon
I agree with all of it,good tips for newer cruisers.
Elizabeth Harris
You’re so right. If cruising for the first time it’s good to get your feet wet without going broke.
Gina
You must be a real Debbie Downer on the ship.
Glenn
While you have some good points, there are some that want to experience these things even if they may be slightly higher in cost. To many, this may be a once in a lifetime experience. Thank You
Karen Dixon
We always purchase the spa pass when ch is for the duration on the cruise. Well worth the money for peace be and relaxation and no kids running around. Quiet place on ship to read a book or take a siesta
Leslie Murray
I have signed up and participated in art classes. Yes there is a fee, but the classes have been fun and you are creating a keepsake as well
Ryan
Don’t forget drink packages also include bottled waters and soda. The downside to buying a drink package is everyone in your cabin must also have one.
I don’t agree with purchasing excursions from outside businesses. When you purchase through the cruise line, you are guaranteed to return to port on time and won’t get left behind.
By the way, the best thing you can buy that isn’t offered by the cruise company is travel insurance!
NikkieJ
Actually I found out that if you buy your drink package by calling the cruise line reservation number, you can buy only one package if the person cruising with you doesn’t drink. But you don’t have that option buying online.
Jota
That’s not real, at least for the onboard shops… Please investigate properly. Liquor, tobacco, watches, everything is cheaper onboard that on land, but you keep mentioning to buy on the ports of call, seems a little bit odd, you may work at a port for sure ?
Dave
Jeez, you covered just about every amenity on the ships.