If you’ve cruised recently, you’ve probably noticed that cruise lines keep finding new and creative ways to get us to spend more money once we’re onboard. I covered this topic in a video about a year ago, but there are a few sneaky spending traps, hidden fees, and outright wastes of money I didn’t touch on that first time around.
That said, I still think cruising is one of the best vacation values out there, especially compared to the cost of hotels and restaurants these days. We’re all different, so what feels like a rip-off to one cruiser might feel worth it to another. With that in mind, here are 10 more cruise extras I’d skip, along with some tips to help you spend smarter on your next sailing.
The Rip-Offs to Watch Out For
1. Paying for Priority Boarding
If you’re anything like me, you probably want to get onboard early and make the most of your first day of vacation. It’s tempting to pay extra for early boarding perks, but the consensus among experienced cruisers is that this usually isn’t worth the money.
For most cruise lines, all you really need to do is complete your online check-in as soon as it opens, which lets you pick the earliest embarkation time available. Plenty of cruisers say no one is really checking what time you arrive at the port, although I wouldn’t recommend showing up early and waiting outside the terminal just in case.
I tried Royal Caribbean’s The Key program in the past, and while I liked some parts of it, it cost over $30 per person per day. It included Wi-Fi, but overall we spent more than we should have, and the included lunch just wasn’t anything special. If I did it again, I’d skip the Key lunch and book a casual or well-priced specialty restaurant on embarkation day instead.
2. Thermal Spa Passes for the Entire Week
If you love massages or other spa treatments, you already know they’re pricier on a cruise. A lot of cruisers really enjoy the thermal spa experience, but something I realized on a past cruise is that I don’t actually use it every single day.
On a Holland America cruise, I was able to book the thermal suite by the day instead of for the whole week. A weekly pass usually runs about $250 to $300 for 7 days, while a one-day pass is closer to $50. If you’re only planning to use it once or twice during your cruise, it makes a lot more sense to book it by the day instead.
3. Art Auctions
The last time I made a video like this, people told me art auctions deserved more attention as a cruise rip-off. Art is in the eye of the beholder, so if going to an art auction brings you joy, go for it and buy the piece you love. Just don’t expect it to necessarily hold a lot of resale value.
Cruise ships often host champagne art auctions, and that free sparkling wine has a way of loosening up wallets. If you love the art auction experience (or really don’t), I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.
4. Room Service
Unless it’s free, I think room service on a cruise is a waste of money. Most cruise lines still offer a free continental room service breakfast, and a lot of cruisers don’t even realize this is included.
What I consider a true onboard spending trap is ordering room service to your cabin and paying a fee for something that used to come standard with the price of your cruise. You’re essentially paying extra for convenience that used to be free.
5. Cruise Line Shore Excursions
I’m not saying you shouldn’t get off the ship and enjoy your ports of call. Exploring a destination is honestly one of the best parts of cruising. However, there are some excellent alternatives to booking shore excursions directly through the cruise line that can save you money and even give you a better experience.
I’m often asked for independent tour recommendations, and even as a nervous traveler, I’ve used Shore Excursions Group for over two years across several different itineraries. They’re often around 40% less expensive than cruise line excursions, and the smaller group sizes make a huge difference.
I’ve been on excursions with 6 to 20 people through them, compared to cruise line tours where I’ve been crammed onto a schooner with well over 100 passengers, waiting for everyone to catch up.
If you’re weighing independent tours against ship-sponsored excursions, private tours are also a great option for couples or small groups who want a local guide, even on river cruises. Just be sure to research any third-party provider ahead of time and read plenty of reviews before booking.
6. Paying for Laundry by the Item
If you’ve ever paid for laundry on a cruise by the item, you know how quickly the cost adds up. Skip that option and look for laundry bag specials instead, which many cruise lines offer for around $30 to $35 for a packed bag.
You don’t have to wait until halfway through your cruise to take advantage of this either. Ask your cabin attendant early on if a laundry special is available, since it never hurts to ask. It’s also worth checking your loyalty program for laundry perks, since a lot of cruisers don’t realize these benefits exist.
7. Drink Packages (If You’re a Light Drinker)
Cruise lines make a lot of money on drink packages, but whether they’re worth it really comes down to doing the math for your own habits. Some cruisers love the convenience of an all-inclusive package, and I understand that completely, which is part of why I like bundle deals like Princess Plus, Norwegian’s Free at Sea, and Holland America’s Have It All.
That said, my husband and I have cruised both with and without a drink package, and we’ve done the math at roughly $80 to $100 per person per day. For us, that just isn’t worth it every time. Take a look at your itinerary too. If you have a port-intensive cruise where you won’t be onboard much, a drink package probably isn’t worth it for you either.
8. Buying Basics You Forgot to Pack
This one always surprises people. Items like Tylenol, Bonine, and even snacks in the gift shop are typically priced two to three times higher than what you’d pay at home. If there’s anything you think you might need, from Band-Aids to shampoo and deodorant, pack it before you leave home.
A small toiletry bag or mini first aid kit can save you a noticeable amount of money over the course of your cruise, and you’ll have the exact brands you actually like on hand.
9. The Solo Cruise Supplement
If you cruise on your own, you’ve probably already decided this is the biggest rip-off of them all, and honestly, you might be right. Cruises are typically priced at double occupancy, which means a solo cruiser can end up paying as much as, or even more than, two people sharing a cabin.
This happens because cruise lines make a lot of their revenue from onboard purchases like Wi-Fi, drink packages, art auctions, and the casino, not just the cruise fare itself. With only one person in the cabin, that onboard revenue takes a hit, so cruise lines build the difference into the solo fare.
A few cruise lines are working to make this fairer for solo travelers:
- Norwegian Cruise Line has studio cabins designed specifically for solo cruisers, along with solo ocean view and balcony cabins beyond the interior studios
- Virgin Voyages also has a strong solo cruiser program worth looking into
- Several luxury cruise lines offer surprisingly low solo supplements, so it’s worth comparing before assuming a mainstream line is your only option
If you’re cruising solo, my best advice is to book early, since solo cabins tend to sell out fast.
10. Specialty Restaurant Upcharges
This one is particularly sneaky, since cruisers are already paying extra to dine at a specialty restaurant instead of eating in the main dining room or buffet for free. We’re already spending $50, $60, or more per person for that experience.
Lately I’ve noticed more specialty restaurants adding extra charge items right on the menu, like a $10 to $40 upcharge for a lobster tail, tomahawk steak, or seafood tower. Personally, I take a pretty firm stance on this. If I’m already paying to dine at a specialty restaurant, I’m not paying extra again for a single item on that same menu.
The Bottom Line
Cruising is still one of the best vacation values around, and most of these extras are easy to skip once you know about them ahead of time. A little planning around things like embarkation day, thermal spa passes, and drink packages can save you hundreds of dollars without taking anything away from your trip.
Have you run into any of these cruise rip-offs yourself? I’d love to hear about your experiences, and any others you think deserve a spot on this list.