If you’re going on a cruise, you don’t want to waste money & spend more than you should! In fact, if you’re planning your first cruise, you’ve likely saved and budgeted carefully for this vacation. The last thing you want is to waste money on avoidable mistakes.
Here are 27 common money mistakes that both first-time and seasoned cruisers can fall into and tips on how to avoid them.
I’ve also included cruise travel tips that will help cruise passengers to save money on a cruise. From simple cruise hacks to more advanced travel tips, you’ll avoid these extra expenses on your cruise vacation.
These money wasting mistakes are pretty avoidable, if you know these tips & tricks!
Cruise Money Wasting Mistakes to Avoid
1. Paying Full Price for Specialty Dining
Book your specialty dining ahead of time online to save up to 20% or more. Look for bundling specials if you plan to visit multiple specialty restaurants.
If you miss booking before the cruise, check for embarkation day specials once onboard.
2. Not Putting Your Phone in Airplane Mode
A huge mistake too many first time cruisers make is forgetting (or not knowing) to set their phone to airplane mode before sailaway. Even if you purchase the cruise line’s internet package or use the free app, this is a must.
Avoid costly cell phone fees by putting your phone in airplane mode before sailing. International waters can rack up charges in the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
3. Waiting Too Long to Book Flights
Book flights early to avoid paying higher prices closer to departure. Unfortunately, this is a mistake I’ve made more than once, and regretted each time!
Hotels
Often hotels can be booked at refundable rates, allowing you to rebook if prices drop.
4. Not Bringing Drinks on Board
Many cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine, champagne, or soda cans. Check the specifics and bring these on embarkation day to save on drink costs.
Related: What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise?
5. Not Bringing Snacks from Home
While cruise ships have plenty of food, snack items like chips or candy can be expensive. Bring your favorite snacks from home for a more budget-friendly option.
6. Paying Extra for Included Activities
These days, there can be some optional extra cost activities on your cruise ship. However, many cruisers waste money by not taking advantage of all the free things that are available on a cruise!
7. Buying Toiletries and Medication Onboard
Bring enough sunscreen, over-the-counter medication, and other toiletries from home. These items are often double or triple the price onboard.
Many cruise travelers share that one of the biggest cruise money wasters, has been paying too much for things they could have brought from home.
Related: What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise
8. Tipping Twice
Check if a service charge or gratuity has already been added to your bill before tipping again. This is common for bar and spa services.
Related: 13 Big Tipping Mistakes To Never Make on a Cruise
9. Paying Full Price for Spa Treatments
Book spa treatments ahead of time online for discounts or look for specials on port days and embarkation day.
10. Buying Bottled Water Onboard
The drinking water on cruise ships is safe and filtered. Bring a refillable water bottle to avoid buying expensive bottled water.
Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
11. Buying or Not Buying the Drink Package
Assess if the drink package is worth it based on your drinking habits. Remember, everyone in the cabin must purchase it, so calculate if it’s cost-effective for you.
12. Losing or Not Returning Cruise Ship Towels
Cruise ship towels are free to use but must be returned. Keep track of them to avoid being charged up to $25 per towel.
13. Not Checking Your Onboard Account Daily
Monitor your onboard account daily for any errors or unexpected charges. It’s easier to correct mistakes before the end of the cruise, and extremely difficult after.
14. Not Having a Casino Budget
Enjoying the cruise ship casino is a favorite pass-time for many cruise passengers. However, no one wants to go overboard, so to speak! Set a budget for the casino and stick to it to avoid overspending.
15. Not Having Small Bills
Bring small bills for tips and small purchases in ports of call. It’s much easier than having larger bills and you’ll have a greater chance of getting a bargain on souvenirs in port.
16. Using the Ship’s ATM
Avoid using the ship’s ATM due to high fees, sometimes up to $6 or more per transaction.
17. Not Ordering Free Room Service Breakfast
Many cruise lines offer a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your cabin. Take advantage of this, especially on port days. In fact, you’ll want to check if all day room service is available as well!
18. Not Taking Advantage of Loyalty Perks
Check your loyalty perks for free or discounted laundry services, special desserts, drinks, and professional photographs.
19. Not Checking Status Match Programs
If you’re loyal to one cruise line but trying another, look for status match programs for extra onboard credits and benefits. MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages offer great status match benefits for those that are new to the cruise line.
20. Not Getting Extra Onboard Credit
Book through a travel agent who may offer additional onboard credits. Check for promotions from the cruise line as well.
Related: Best Way to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line?
21. Booking Shore Excursions in Every Port
Research ports of call to determine if shore excursions are necessary. Some ports are easily explored on your own or may offer free activities.
22. Not Bringing Beach and Water Activity Items
Bring snorkel gear and water shoes from home to avoid expensive rentals and purchases in port. Don’t forget to pack a cruise port day bag with essential items.
Related: What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Bag
23. Not Refaring Your Cruise Before Final Payment
Check if the price of your cruise has decreased before making the final payment. You can ask your travel agent or the cruise line to refare to the lower price. Always check and be aware of terms and conditions when booking.
24. Not Prepaying Gratuities
Although this may only save a few dollars, you can prepay your gratuities to lock in current rates, especially as they tend to rise periodically.
25. Not Looking for Special Rates When Booking
Check for special rates like residency, senior, military, teacher, or nurse discounts when booking your cruise. Group or special rates may be available through cruise booking websites and travel agents as well.
26. Not Setting Up a Group Cruise
If cruising with family and friends, consider setting up a group cruise. You may qualify for a free fare if you book enough cabins. Make sure you do this before everyone books directly, as there are terms and conditions.
Related: 12 Multi-Generational Cruise Mistakes Families Make and Must Avoid
27. Not Booking Your Next Cruise While Onboard
Take advantage of onboard booking offers for additional onboard credits and discounts when you book a future cruise, while on your cruise.
Bonus: Only Looking at Cheap Cruises
Consider what’s included in your cruise fare and look for perks. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive cruise with more inclusions offers better value.
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- 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
- Are Balcony Cabins Worth it on a Cruise? 10 Pros & 4 Cons
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- 12 Smart Ways to Escape the Crowds on a Cruise Ship
- 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips help you save money and make the most of your cruise experience. If you have any additional money-saving tips or if you’ve made any of these mistakes, please share in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ilana