Cruises can seem like a great bargain until the extra charges start piling up. From drink packages and specialty restaurants to shore excursions and Wi-Fi, first-time cruisers often spend money on things they could enjoy for less or even get for free. Experienced passengers, on the other hand, tend to know which upgrades are worth paying for and which ones to skip. According to Royal Caribbean’s guide to what’s included, many meals, drinks, and onboard activities are already covered by the fare. Here are 12 expenses worth reconsidering before your next sailing.
Buying an Unlimited Drink Package Without Doing the Math
That unlimited drink package might sound appealing until you calculate what it costs for the entire cruise. Packages are generally priced per person, per day, so the total can add up quickly. Royal Caribbean also requires adults of legal drinking age sharing a cabin to purchase its Deluxe Beverage Package together, subject to applicable exceptions. Repeat cruisers often estimate how many cocktails, beers, or specialty drinks they’ll actually order before committing. If you’re only having an occasional glass of wine, paying individually may be cheaper.
Paying for Specialty Restaurants Every Night
Cruise lines make their specialty restaurants sound irresistible, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay extra for dinner every evening. On mainstream ships, the main dining room and buffet generally serve meals included in your fare, often with changing menus throughout the voyage. Experienced passengers may book one specialty dinner for a birthday or anniversary while enjoying the complimentary restaurants the rest of the week. The upgraded atmosphere can be worth the splurge, but paying for seven nights of specialty dining isn’t necessary for a satisfying vacation.
Booking a Cruise-Line Excursion at Every Port
Shore excursions can become one of the biggest expenses of a cruise, especially when you’re booking tours for two or more people. Repeat passengers often research ports beforehand and explore independently when attractions are close to the terminal. A waterfront stroll, local market, or nearby beach may be perfectly enjoyable without an organized tour. However, ship-sponsored excursions offer valuable protection when transportation is delayed. If you’re visiting a remote attraction or traveling far from the port, that added security may justify the higher price.
Purchasing Bottled Water Instead of Using Included Drinking Water
It’s easy to spend money on bottled water when you’re wandering around a cruise ship all day. But many mainstream cruise lines already provide complimentary drinking water at dining venues and designated stations. Experienced cruisers often bring a reusable bottle and fill it according to the ship’s hygiene rules, sometimes using a clean cup rather than placing the bottle directly beneath a dispenser. Bottled water can still be convenient for excursions, and some passengers prefer it, but buying a water package isn’t automatically necessary to stay hydrated onboard.
Buying Wi-Fi Just to Use the Cruise App
Some first-time cruisers purchase an internet package because they assume they’ll need it to check dining reservations, browse the daily schedule, or find activities. That’s not always the case. Royal Caribbean, for example, allows passengers to use its mobile app through the ship’s guest Wi-Fi without purchasing internet access. Regular websites, email, and social media generally require a paid connection. Repeat passengers who want a break from their inbox may skip the internet package altogether, although staying connected can be worthwhile when family or work needs demand it.
Trending on Cheapism
Purchasing Every Professional Cruise Photograph
Cruise photographers seem to appear everywhere, from the moment you board to formal dinners and port arrivals. It’s tempting to purchase every flattering picture, especially on a first cruise, but those keepsakes can become surprisingly expensive. Seasoned travelers often take their own photographs and choose just one or two professional shots they particularly like. Photo packages can make sense for families who want a coordinated collection, but check the total cost and what’s included before purchasing. A phone full of vacation memories doesn’t cost anything extra.
Paying for Room Service When Complimentary Food Is Nearby
Ordering breakfast in bed sounds like a vacation luxury, but room service isn’t always included in your cruise fare. Royal Caribbean offers complimentary continental breakfast delivery, while selections from its broader room service menu generally carry an additional charge. Repeat cruisers often head to the buffet or another included restaurant when they simply want a quick meal. Of course, delivery can be worthwhile after a long excursion or when mobility makes dining elsewhere inconvenient. The trick is knowing which orders cost extra before picking up the phone.
Spending Extra on Activities That Have Free Alternatives
Modern cruise ships offer everything from elaborate stage productions to specialty classes and private experiences, making it easy to assume the most entertaining activities cost extra. Yet many ships already include live music, theatrical performances, pools, trivia, and other activities in the fare. Experienced cruisers often check the daily schedule before booking additional entertainment. Some complimentary shows require advance reservations, particularly on larger ships. Paid experiences may still be memorable, but you could fill an entire sea day without spending another dollar on entertainment.
Sign up for our newsletter
Paying for Laundry Services Instead of Packing Strategically
Running out of clean clothes halfway through a cruise can turn into an unexpected expense. Some ships offer self-service laundry facilities, while others rely on paid laundry and pressing services. Repeat passengers often pack versatile outfits, bring enough essentials for the itinerary, and check the ship’s laundry arrangements before leaving home. On longer voyages, a laundry package might be more practical than packing another suitcase. But for a weeklong cruise, a little planning can help avoid paying to wash clothes you could have brought from home.
Buying Premium Coffee, Soda, and Juice Every Day
You don’t necessarily need to purchase every drink on a cruise. Royal Caribbean includes brewed coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and select juices at various dining venues, while specialty coffees, soda, and freshly squeezed juices generally cost extra. Experienced cruisers often start their mornings with complimentary coffee and save paid drinks for occasional treats. A soda or coffee package might be worthwhile for someone who enjoys several servings daily, but casual drinkers should compare the cost with individual purchases before committing to another daily charge.
Purchasing Extras Onboard Without Checking Pre-Cruise Offers
Waiting until embarkation day to purchase Wi-Fi, dining packages, or other extras can mean missing discounts offered before sailing. Cruise lines frequently promote add-ons through their online planning tools, although the savings and availability vary. Repeat passengers often check prices after booking and again before departure rather than assuming the first advertised offer is the lowest. Royal Caribbean allows certain pre-cruise purchases to be canceled and repurchased when prices drop, subject to the relevant rules. Just check cancellation deadlines and availability before changing anything.
Buying Drinks Onboard Without Checking What You Can Bring
Some passengers don’t realize their cruise line may allow limited beverages to be brought aboard. Carnival, for example, permits qualifying nonalcoholic drinks in sealed cans or cartons, subject to quantity and size restrictions. Eligible adults may also bring a limited amount of wine or champagne under its embarkation rules. These allowances can help reduce spending on soda or wine during the voyage. However, policies differ by cruise line, departure port, and beverage type, and corkage fees may apply. Check the current rules before packing drinks in your luggage.
