21 Cruise Dining Upsells Passengers Say Weren’t Worth It

21. The First Specialty Dinner Before Trying Included Food

Some people prefer the included main dining rooms. These may have a better menu or a less rushed atmosphere and service. Upscale fare doesn’t always trump traditional meals.

Most importantly, compare menus. Try the included dining before writing it off, unless a particular specialty restaurant is a must for your trip.

20. An Unlimited Dining Package On A Port-Heavy Sailing

Before investing in an unlimited dining package, figure out how many times you’re going to use it. Unlimited doesn’t always mean it’s good value to eat there unlimited times.

Think about when you’ll actually be back onboard for dinner. Lunchtime participation can be spotty on sea days, too. Check each restaurant’s hours before assuming unlimited means unlimited.

Factor in any additional surcharges before deciding that a package will save you money. Read more: cruise purchases first-timers make too early.

19. A Multi-Meal Package With Awkward Reservation Times

Specialty-restaurant times may clash with the night of the big show or when you’re sailing into or out of port. A discounted meal isn’t much of a deal if it takes you away from something you’d rather do.

Dining reservations can fill up quickly, so check when you’re allowed to book. You may be able to arrange several visits before your first one. Some packages assign your first specialty-restaurant booking.

18. The Chef's Table If You Dislike Long Fixed Menus

Chef’s Table fare can offer glitz, attentive service and several courses. However, keep in mind that you’re committing to a lengthy, fixed-pace meal, sometimes with beverage pairings.

That may be a deterrent for those with dietary restrictions or anyone who doesn’t want to miss the ship’s nighttime happenings. Ask about substitutions and timing before paying.

17. Hibachi When The Show Is Not Your Thing

Hibachi grills offer an interactive, entertaining experience that can be ideal for groups. Decide whether that’s the kind of dinner you want.

Some of these meals may be offered in dining packages, but others charge an additional fee. Make sure you know what’s included before purchasing.

16. A Steakhouse Night That Mirrors The Main Dining Menu

Steakhouses may offer a calmer atmosphere and bigger pieces of meat. Some passengers find that the food is similar to other items served during the voyage, making the splurge unnecessary.

Many passengers love splurging in chic settings with attentive servers. If this appeals to you, figure out how many times you’d be willing to shell out for atmosphere alone, then choose restaurants accordingly.

15. The Premium Lobster Or Steak Supplement

Check out those premium à la carte add-ons like sushi and lobster, then compare them to the included entrées.

If the included item looks just as appealing, the supplement may be an easy pass. Check any service charge before ordering.

14. A Second Entree Bought From Fear Of Missing Out

Some lines charge for extra entrées or limit them. Check the rule before deciding to sample another dish.

If you’re ordering from curiosity rather than hunger, consider whether you really want the extra food and cost. Read more: food facts that change cruise dining expectations.

13. A La Carte Sushi Without Checking The Package Credit

Some dining packages are limited to a dollar amount, specific menu items or a one-time visit. A dish can cost more than the credit your package provides.

A casual à la carte lunch may also cost less than the value of a dining-package dinner credit. Look closely at what’s included before deciding how to pay.

12. The Dessert Shop After A Full Dinner

Although many treats are included, others charge an arm and a leg. Compare the included menu to the à la carte menu to determine whether a splurge is warranted.

Gelato, milkshakes and branded desserts may not tempt you quite so much when there’s included soft serve or a pastry nearby. Splurge on treats you’ll remember long after your cruise ends, not just another sweet because it’s there. Read more: less obvious ways cruise-ship food is prepared and served.

11. Pizza Delivery When Pickup Is Steps Away

There are often pizzerias where you can pick up slices, so check what’s included before paying for delivery. Why wait in your cabin if pickup is close and convenient?

Delivery can still make sense if you have difficulty getting around, want to avoid crowds or know you’ll be too tired to leave your cabin. Handy isn’t always worth paying for, but sometimes it is.

10. Paid Room Service For A Small Snack

Room service can be expensive, especially if you want to enjoy your balcony. Factor in delivery charges, beverages, tips, etc. before you decide if it’s worth it.

Some lines offer complimentary continental breakfast; other menus have different charges. Check yours. There may be a café or snack option where you can get a bite without paying for delivery.

9. A Branded Breakfast That Mainly Sells The Photo

You may be tempted by character or other themed breakfasts. Consider whether you’re paying for the entertainment value of the experience, not necessarily the food.

If you want the interaction, it may be worth booking. If not, breakfast in the complimentary restaurant may do the job perfectly well.

8. A Premium Coffee Package For One Morning Cup

Some lines offer packages that include lattes or cappuccinos. Before you get one, figure out where you’d get them and how often. If you’re only going to get one fancy coffee each day, it may be less expensive to pay for that each day.

Regular coffee is generally complimentary in the dining rooms and may be perfectly adequate. Check whether your package excludes a licensed café you were hoping to use. Read more: cruise habits veteran passengers still disagree about.

7. Fresh Juice For A Traveler Who Sleeps Through Breakfast

Juice-bar hours can be limited to breakfast and lunchtime. Find out when yours opens before paying for drinks you’ll sleep through.

Figure out if it’s worth it for the week, rather than assuming a package is as all-inclusive as it sounds.

6. A Soda Package When Included Drinks Are Enough

Iced tea is complimentary on many mainstream ships, as is lemonade, and drinking water is available. Check what your line offers before adding soda.

For those who don’t drink much soda, paying per can may be cheaper. You’ll also be less likely to drink more than usual because you’re trying to make the package pay off.

5. Bottled Water Delivered To The Cabin

Figure out how much bottled water you’d be likely to take with you on excursions. Check where you can refill a bottle for free.

Otherwise, you could end up with a stack of water left behind in your cabin when you disembark. Don’t buy the biggest pack just because the unit price looks good.

4. A Nonalcoholic Package For A Light Drinker

Refreshment packages may include sodas, specialty coffee, smoothies, juices and other drinks. They’re not always as all-inclusive as they seem, so check the exclusions.

Think about how often you’d use them. A couple of drinks bought separately may suit you better than paying for a whole bundle.

3. A Full Alcohol Package On A Port-Heavy Itinerary

Alcohol packages can be complicated. Know your own and your traveling companion’s habits before deciding on a package. Check onboard drink prices, especially service charges, then do some figuring.

Think about port-of-call schedules, especially if you’re going to be off the ship for the day. You’re still paying for the package during time you won’t be onboard to use it. Read more: first-timer cruise habits experienced passengers notice. Read more: pre-cruise checks travelers commonly forget.

2. The Premium Spirits Upgrade When House Brands Suit You

Premium alcohol packages cost more and allow you to upgrade to top-shelf liquors. Check the brands and drink-price limits against what you’d actually order.

Check whether room-service or minibar orders are included, as this can be a deal-breaker for some. Premium doesn’t necessarily mean every drink everywhere.

1. A Wine Package Without A Bottle-A-Night Plan

Wine packages vary widely in the kinds and numbers of bottles included. Factor in that you may not always want the same type of wine, or that one person may want wine when the other doesn’t.

Ask about keeping an unfinished bottle for another evening and check whether discounts overlap. Pick the quantity you expect to enjoy.

Ultimately, it comes down to how often you’d use whatever option you want to add. Don’t buy things for an idealized vacation version of yourself. Buy them for who you actually are and the trip you’re planning. Read more: cruise add-ons passengers often misjudge. Read more: boarding-day mistakes. Read more: cruise rookie mistakes that trip up first-timers.