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Cruises are packed with fun, but hidden costs can drain your budget fast. From overpriced add-ons to unnecessary extras, many passengers overspend without realizing it. Knowing what to skip can save you money while still enjoying all the essentials. Here are the nine biggest wastes of money on any cruise vacation and how to avoid falling into these costly traps during your trip.
Specialty Dining
Included dining rooms already serve excellent meals, yet many overspend at specialty restaurants nightly. While they offer variety, the added cost rarely matches the difference. Save premium dining for one or two special nights. The included options are more than enough for quality and taste, letting you enjoy great food without burning through your budget or paying extra unnecessarily throughout your trip.
Drink Packages
Drink packages often cost more than you’ll use unless you consume heavily. Free beverages like water, tea, and coffee cover basics. Paying per drink may be cheaper if you don’t drink daily cocktails or sodas. Analyze your habits before buying. Packages can seem convenient, but easily become one of the biggest wastes of money if they don’t match how much you realistically drink on board during your trip.
Shore Excursions
Cruise-booked excursions are often overpriced compared to local tours. Research independent operators at each port for cheaper, smaller group experiences. These options offer flexibility and better value if you plan ahead. Ensure timing matches the ship’s schedule to avoid being left behind. Booking outside the cruise line helps you see more, spend less, and enjoy authentic adventures without paying inflated onboard prices for similar activities.
Spa Treatments
Onboard spa services are luxurious but highly overpriced. Massages and facials cost far more at sea than they do ashore. Consider booking treatments at port locations instead, where prices are lower and services are just as relaxing. This allows you to indulge without overspending. Save the onboard spa for special occasions only if you’re willing to pay a premium for sheer convenience during your cruise vacation.
Souvenirs
Onboard gift shops sell items at inflated prices. From T-shirts to toiletries, you’ll find better deals ashore or online. Skip impulse shopping and focus on unique local souvenirs from port stops instead. They’re usually cheaper and more memorable. Avoid wasting money on generic items you could buy anywhere. Waiting until you’re on land or shopping pre-cruise saves you money and keeps your budget intact.
Wi-Fi Packages
Cruise Wi-Fi is slow and costly. Premium packages can rival home internet prices yet deliver poor speed. Unless you need constant work access, stick to basic plans or disconnect completely. Use port cafes or terminals for cheaper or free connections. Paying high rates on board for unreliable service is one of the worst wastes of money on any cruise vacation for most passengers overall.
Photos
Ship photographers take countless pictures, but buying them is pricey. Photo packages cost hundreds, and individual prints aren’t cheap. Instead, use your own camera or phone to capture memories. If you want a professional shot, wait until the trip’s end to pick your favorite. Skip buying every staged picture and save money while still bringing home plenty of great moments from your cruise vacation.
Casino Spending
Cruise casinos lure guests with flashy lights, but odds favor the house. Small bets for fun are fine, but set strict limits. It’s easy to overspend chasing wins you likely won’t get. Free entertainment options onboard provide better value without risking your wallet. Remember, casinos exist to profit from passengers, making them one of the most avoidable wastes of money at sea overall.
Over-Tipping
Cruise fares already include gratuities, but many guests over-tip out of guilt. While rewarding standout service is fair, tipping extra unnecessarily adds up. Know what’s covered so you don’t pay twice. Stick to the guidelines and tip beyond that only for exceptional help. Understanding tipping policies helps control spending while ensuring you still show appreciation appropriately without draining your budget during your cruise vacation.