Editor’s note: This article offers general travel guidance.
We all dream of cruises. We dream of loungers that are reserved just for us. We dream of decadent desserts and fancy restaurants. We dream of staying connected to the internet throughout our cruises. And then we get on board and realize that dreams aren’t real. We also realize that money is real. And we didn’t budget for some of the add-on purchases that sound good when we’re dreaming. Here’s what you shouldn’t buy before your cruise unless it’ll fit into your perfectly perfect cruise vacation.
25. Chef’s Table Dinner
If you love to cook and eat, the chef’s table sounds like a dream. But it can be quite pricey and take up most of the evening.
And it’s basically a super-expensive communal table where you eat multiple courses with strangers. You may have little choice about what’s for dinner, so check the menu and format before booking.
24. Reserved Pool Deck Seating
It sounds luxurious to have your own space on deck, but a reserved lounger or cabana means you’re paying for one location that may or may not be your favorite on the entire ship. That deck area could be super-windy or have the least-interesting view.
Or you’ll find that the band plays directly outside your reserved lounger. Or the path to the buffet becomes a busy, loud, and annoying walkway outside your reserved space. Don’t buy into the cabana dream before checking its location.
23. The Bigger Balcony Upsell
Balconies sound lovely. Until you’re cruising and realize that you’re going to use yours for coffee each morning, if that. Then the weather’s not great and your schedule’s crazy. Or maybe it’s windy, making it hard to spend any time out there.
A bigger balcony is lovely if you’ll use it. But there’s plenty of space on board to enjoy views and fresh air without paying for a balcony upgrade.
22. The Cabin Celebration Package
Balloons, cakes, and garlands are cute, but they’re not going to have the same impact as cards written by loved ones.
Save your money.
21. Premium Dessert Shops
Sure, a few fancy desserts are worth it, but there are plenty of great desserts included on board.
Don’t pre-plan to indulge in pricey ones throughout your cruise.
20. Bottled Water Packages
It’s easy to buy more bottled water than you’ll use on board and end up with lots of unopened plastic water bottles.
Use refillable water bottles where drinking-water refills are available, or check whether your loyalty perks include bottled water before buying a package.
19. Paid Fitness Classes
If you’re the type that hits the gym each day on vacation, then by all means, consider a fitness class. But most of us set lofty fitness goals on day one and realize by day two that this is a vacation and we’re going to enjoy that.
If you hit the ship’s complimentary fitness center, you’ll find that it likely has everything you need to maintain your fitness.
18. Arcade and Game Credits
If you have kids who love to use every penny you hand them at claw machines, racing games, and digital games, arcade credits sound like a dream. But you’re going to wish you’d just handed them cash because it’s a lot easier to visualize how much money they’re spending.
Plus, if you buy all of those arcade credits before the cruise, you could end up paying for credits your kids don’t use. Set a spending limit before they start playing.
17. Art Auction Perks
Unless you’re a die-hard fan of cruise ship art, think twice about art auctions. The purchases can be pricey, the art may not fit into your home, and then there may be shipping fees to get it home.
The complimentary drinks, when offered, and all that drama may convince you to purchase pieces you’ll regret later.
16. Late-Night Snack Deliveries
Even a late-night room service snack can get pretty pricey for a couple of lukewarm bites of food.
Check what’s included before ordering. There may be a free option two decks away.
15. The Unlimited Drink Package
Drink packages can be worth it if they cover what you normally order on cruises, but they’re not necessarily money-savers.
Factor in how much you’ll be spending on gratuities, whether you’ll be drinking on port days, and what the package actually includes. Then account for the days when you’ll order less. It may save you money or it may not.
14. Premium Wi-Fi for Every Device
Wi-Fi on board can be spotty depending on crowds, weather, location, and what you’re trying to do.
Choose the pricier options only if their features fit what you need to do online. Paying more doesn’t guarantee an uninterrupted connection.
13. Specialty Dining for Too Many Nights
Cruise ships have lots of included restaurants, buffets, and dining options on board. Add in port-time meals, and you may not even want to eat in the specialty restaurants. And if you reserve them all before you get on board, you’re going to feel obligated to use them. Which means you’ll be disappointed if you hate them. Plus, it’s going to be hard to enjoy all of your other included options.
Unless you KNOW that’s how you’re going to spend your dinners, reserve a table at one of the specialty restaurants for a night or two. Then, once you’re on board, decide whether you want to keep eating there or return to the main dining room, subject to reservation availability.
12. The Photo Package
Ship photographers are very good at convincing you to pose in the hallway, but will that formal night photo or gangway departure shot be a treasure at home? Maybe. Or it’ll be relegated to a photo album that gets pulled out rarely, if ever.
Unless you’re happy to strike poses, consider just buying one or two shots that capture a special moment instead of the entire package.
11. Priority Boarding
Priority boarding has its appeal, but it’s not going to fix everything. You may get another line at the terminal, depending on what’s offered.
But if your plane is late or your suitcase mysteriously goes missing, priority boarding isn’t going to fix that, either. Consider whether you think you’ll benefit from priority boarding based on your personality and your trip.
10. The Spa Pass
Thermal suites can be lovely. Whether access is worth the extra money is another question.
Check what the pass includes before buying it.
9. The Shore Excursion Bundle
It’s hard to know what you want until you’re there, which makes deciding whether or not to pre-book shore excursions a challenge. But think about how you like to spend your shore days. Do you love organized tours and not having to think about logistics? Great, consider booking them in advance.
Do you prefer to hop in a cab or wander the streets on your own? If the port is suitable for exploring independently, consider skipping the tour bundle. Check local transportation and allow enough time to get back to the ship. Read more: shore excursion mistakes.
8. Room Service Packages
Think carefully before buying a room service package. Unless you KNOW that’s going to be a big part of your cruise, don’t do it. For one thing, food doesn’t always travel well, and it may arrive at your door a little less than piping hot. Also, all those plates may not fit on those tiny tables out on the balconies.
However, room service is wonderful to have for coffee in the morning and maybe a light lunch if you don’t feel like going out of your cabin. But replacing your dining-out plans for the whole cruise? Probably not. Read more: things to double-check pre-cruise checks.
7. Behind-the-Scenes Tours
If you’re curious about how cruise ships are run and interested in seeing behind the scenes, a tour of the bridge or galley may be the thing for you.
But if you’re more interested in the exclusivity aspect than how the ship works, you may get bored. Read more: cruise ship rookie mistakes.
6. Casino Credits
Gambling on board can be fun. But having money on your cruise card can detach you from the idea of actual money.
Before you go on board, set a limit for how much you’re going to gamble and stick with that limit. Read more: Caribbean booking mistakes.
5. Laundry Packages
This is a tough one. How much laundry you’ll need depends on the length of your cruise, the weather, and how many changes of clothes you plan to bring.
An Alaska cruise and a weeklong Caribbean cruise may call for different packing plans. Consider what type of trip you’re on and how much laundry you’ll actually need before investing in a laundry package. Read more: carry-on mistakes before an international flight.
4. The Soda Package
Are you the type of person who drinks a lot of soda? Do you always grab a soda when you go out? In that case, consider picking up a soda package. But if you’re a sparkling water kind of person, check whether the package even includes what you like.
If you have small children who might want a soda here and there, consider paying for individual sodas instead of buying the package. Read more: free cruise activities.
3. Reserved Theater Seating
Many people like to purchase reserved seating for shows. But whether it’s worth buying depends on the ship and how busy the shows are.
You may be able to get seats by arriving early, but check whether reservations are needed. A few minutes before showtime may not be enough.
If getting around is difficult or you simply like knowing where you’ll sit, check what the reserved-seating option offers and what it costs. Read more: older travelers making big-trip checks early.
2. Souvenir Cups and Tasting Flights
Souvenir drinkware, while adorable, will probably just be another oddity in the bottom of the suitcase when you get home. Tasting flights and other beverage-related extras are also questionable. Often the appeal is the teeny tiny glasses, not necessarily the beverages themselves; the glasses aren’t necessarily yours to keep.
Unless you KNOW you’re going to want these, consider passing.
1. The Upgrade You Buy Because Everyone Else Did
Remember that cruises offer a lot of complimentary venues, food, and activities on board. And each person’s perfectly perfect cruise vacation is going to be different. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for you, so make sure you’re investing your money in things that make sense for you on board.
While you’re dreaming up your ideal cruise, these extras and add-ons may not seem like a lot of money. But by the time you add it all up, it could be. Decide ahead of time which add-ons are going to make sense based on YOUR cruise so that when you’re on board, you’re not tempted to blow your budget. Read more: free cruise activities passengers skip too often.
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