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Ways to Stop Wasting Money

on Your Cruise Vacation

 

Relaxation shouldn’t cost more than it should—let’s keep your vacation fun and smart!

Cruising is such an incredible value: your cabin, most meals, onboard activities, and entertainment are usually included in your fare. That’s why I love helping travelers plan smooth, stress-free trips. But cruise lines have gotten creative with extra charges beyond your fare—sneaky upsells that can easily add $500‑$1,000+ to your vacation without really enhancing your experience.

 

From pre-cruise packages to onboard temptations, here are the 17 most common cruise money traps—and smarter ways to keep your dollars afloat.

 

1. Overpaying for Your Cruise

⚓ Overboard Expense: Booking directly at full price without realizing better deals exist (onboard credit, cabin upgrades, etc.).
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Work with a cruise-savvy travel advisor (like me!). I get access to the same rates (sometimes better) plus perks, expert advice, and support if anything comes up—all at no extra cost.

 

2. Priority Boarding Packages

⚓ Overboard Expense: Paying $75+ per person to board just 30–45 minutes earlier, often with extras you may never use.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Complete online check-in early. You’ll board shortly after the priority group and save hundreds of dollars.

 

3. Oceanview Cabins

⚓ Overboard Expense: Paying $200‑$500+ more than an inside cabin for a small porthole window you rarely use.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Either go budget-friendly with an inside cabin (if your room is mostly for sleeping) or upgrade to a balcony for fresh air and a morning coffee with a view.

 

4. Paid Room Service

⚓ Overboard Expense: Delivery fees of $4.95‑$10 per order and extra food costs quickly add up.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Stick to free continental breakfasts through room service, or use the buffet, main dining room, pizza shop, or café—all included.

 

5. Cruise Line Travel Insurance

⚓ Overboard Expense: Buying insurance through the cruise line at 5‑10% of your fare, often with limited coverage.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Compare third-party policies from Allianz, Travel Guard, or InsureMyTrip. You’ll often get better coverage for less money, including medical protection and “cancel for any reason” options.

 

6. Single-Supplement Fees

⚓ Overboard Expense: Solo travelers being charged 150‑200% of the per-person fare—paying for a “ghost” second passenger.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Seek out solo cabins on Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, or other lines. Book early—they sell fast!

 

7. Roaming Charges

⚓ Overboard Expense: Forgetting to switch your phone to airplane mode and racking up huge data charges at sea.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Keep your phone in airplane mode during the cruise. You can still connect via WiFi and avoid surprise bills.

 

8. Onboard Shop Markups

⚓ Overboard Expense: Paying $50‑$100+ for toothpaste, sunscreen, motion sickness medicine, or other basics.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Pack a cruise checklist with all essentials. If you forget something, wait until your first port stop—local shops have much better prices.

 

9. Drink Packages

⚓ Overboard Expense: Spending $60‑$80+ per person daily when you’d have to drink 6+ beverages to break even.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Track your first-day habits. If you don’t consistently drink that much, pay as you go. Non-alcoholic packages often offer the best value.

 

10. Photo Packages

⚓ Overboard Expense: Paying $20‑$25 per digital photo, or $200‑$500+ for a week-long package.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Take your own pictures and ask fellow passengers to help. A small tripod works great for formal night shots.

 

11. Cruise Line Shore Excursions

⚓ Overboard Expense: Paying 30‑50% more through the cruise line than independent/local tours.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Book directly with trusted local operators or third-party sites like Viator. Check cancellation policies and return-to-ship guarantees.

 

12. Specialty Dining

⚓ Overboard Expense: Dining at up-charge restaurants multiple nights—$40‑$75+ per person.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Stick to included venues for most meals, then splurge for one special occasion dinner. You’ll feel indulgent without overpaying.

13. Onboard Art Auctions

⚓ Overboard Expense: Overpriced or marked-up artwork of questionable value.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Skip it! Explore local galleries in port instead for authentic, fairly-priced art.

 

14. Spa Treatments

⚓ Overboard Expense: Paying $150‑$250+ plus 18‑20% service fees for treatments that cost half on land.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Look for spa deals at your ports. Beachfront massages and local resorts often offer better experiences at a fraction of the cost.

 

15. Paid Seminars & Classes

⚓ Overboard Expense: Cooking demos, wine tastings, or shopping “classes” that feel more like sales pitches.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Enjoy free onboard activities like trivia, deck parties, live shows, and pool games. Skip events with a “$” unless it’s truly worth it.

 

16. Onboard Shopping

⚓ Overboard Expense: Believing “duty-free” means a bargain—alcohol, jewelry, and branded items are often 2‑3× retail.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Buy one meaningful keepsake on the ship, then shop ashore for unique and authentic items.

 

17. Casino Fun

⚓ Overboard Expense: Assuming the ship’s casino will make you money—payouts are often lower and less regulated than land-based casinos.
🧭 Smooth Sailing Solution: Set a strict entertainment budget. Treat it like fun money, not an investment, and spend the rest of your vacation on experiences you’ll remember.

Anchors Away!

 

By steering clear of these 17 cruise money traps, you could save $500‑$1,000+ on your next sailing. Plan ahead, pack smart, and spend your vacation dollars on what truly enhances your experience—whether it’s a memorable shore excursion, a balcony upgrade, a special dinner, or just enjoying the many amazing amenities already included in your fare.

 

Cruises are about escape, explore, and exhale—so pick the extras that make you happy, skip the rest, and keep your wallet afloat! ⚓🌊