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Cruises promise great value in 2025, but shifting rules and rising onboard charges mean some buys will not deliver the return you expect. This guide spotlights purchases that look convenient yet add little when ships already include safe water, abundant food, shows, and ports, and when newer transparency practices make it easier to book value up front while skipping extras that quietly snowball into surprise costs.
Bottled water by the case
Many mainstream lines now restrict bringing water by the case, and onboard packs are marked up, while ships provide safe, free drinking water at buffet stations and bars. A sturdy refillable bottle makes pricey packs redundant, reduces hassle at embarkation, and lets you hydrate anywhere without paying per liter or cluttering your cabin with plastic, though exact allowances vary by line.
Sealed drinks “for later”
At bars and many venues enforcing opened on service rules, staff uncap drinks at purchase to curb sharing and underage access. Stocking sealed cans for the room becomes a dead end that risks warm, flat leftovers, so ordering only when you are ready keeps quality high and prevents double buying, with limited exceptions like some pre purchased cabin deliveries on select lines.
Extra entrées that trigger fees
Several lines cap main courses in the dining room and charge for a third entrée, clipping the old try everything strategy. It is smarter to rotate venues and courses across meals than pay layered fees for marginal extra bites, especially when buffets, casual counters, and late night options still deliver variety without tripping new surcharges, which apply on some lines and sailings.
Room service with stacked charges
On many big ship lines, per order convenience fees plus automatic gratuities now apply, and some items add premium upcharges. With included food steps away nearly around the clock, paying multiple add ons for in cabin delivery rarely beats a short walk unless mobility or timing truly demands it, in which case one consolidated order minimizes fees, noting policies vary by brand.
Unlimited drink packages you will not amortize
Once 15 to 20 percent service charges and per cabin purchase requirements are factored in, packages often miss break even unless your daily intake is reliably high. If you drink modestly, pay as you go or smaller bundles protect your budget without locking you into a pace that turns relaxation into a numbers game, and checking line specific terms avoids surprises.
Ship Wi Fi plans you will not use
Tiered speeds, device caps, and daily pricing add up quickly, so unless you need constant connectivity, rely on included promos, port Wi Fi, or a single plan for the traveler who truly needs it. Turning off background sync and downloading media in advance prevents paying for idle bandwidth and keeps digital time from eating into your sea day budget.
Low priority paid onboard activities
Extras like laser tag, escape rooms, and select classes quietly nibble at your budget while ships already pack in free shows, live music, trivia, movies, parties, and water features. Reserving fees for genuine must dos and letting the included entertainment carry most sea days helps avoid upsell fatigue without sacrificing fun or spontaneity on board.
Peak time spa treatments
Sea day pricing and automatic service charges push common massages into triple digits on many ships, making the relaxation premium hard to justify when thermal areas, quiet decks, and beach time can deliver similar bliss. If you must book, aim for port day slots or early appointments to trim the bill, as discounts are common but not guaranteed on all sailings.
Photo gallery prints and bundles
Per print and package prices remain premium even as phone cameras produce excellent images. Capture your own moments throughout the sailing and, if you want a pro touch, cherry pick a couple of favorites at end cruise bundle rates rather than buying nightly on impulse and duplicating shots you already have from sail away to gala night.
Duty free and art auction impulses
Ship retail is not guaranteed cheaper than home or online, and auctions add pressure around items that are hard to appraise at sea. Verifying prices and provenance is difficult on vacation, so skip impulse buys and invest that budget in experiences you will remember instead of pieces that lose luster after disembarkation and sit boxed on a shelf.
Ship sold excursions at rack rate
While ship tours offer convenience and guaranteed return, vetted third party operators and DIY days often undercut prices for similar itineraries, especially for families. Checking reputable local providers and reviews before you lock in preserves flexibility and turns port time into better value without sacrificing safety or missing all aboard.
Opaque add ons vs transparent, perk bundled fares
With practices pushing clearer upfront display of taxes and port fees, booking transparent, perk bundled fares you will actually use beats nickel and dimed extras tacked on later. Matching inclusions to your habits, such as Wi Fi, tips, and drinks, prevents paying for features you will not touch and keeps the out the door total closer to your mental budget.