Don’t Buy These 20 Things on Your Cruise – Here’s Why!

When I first boarded my cruise ship, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I was ready for the adventure—sun, fun, and relaxation.

But what I didn’t realize was that the cruise line had a few tricks up its sleeve to get me to spend more than I had planned.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what to avoid when it comes to cruise line purchases, and I’m here to share these tips with you so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.

If you’re new to cruising, you might not know that cruise lines are pros at getting you to spend.

What seems like a “deal” might not actually be one—and you could end up paying for things that you could easily skip.

I’ve found ways to enjoy my cruises without breaking the bank, and I want to pass these money-saving tips on to you!

1. The Shore Bus: Why I No Longer Book It Through the Cruise Line

If you’ve ever been to a port and seen the hop-on, hop-off bus tours, you know how tempting they can be.

But after my first cruise, I quickly realized that booking them through the cruise line was a huge rip-off.

Here’s what I found out:

• The bus tour that I paid $70 for was half the price if I had bought the ticket at the terminal.
• Plus, cruise line buses tend to operate on fixed schedules, meaning you’re stuck with times that don’t always work for your plans.

Now, whenever I’m in port, I always check local prices first. It’s crazy how much money you can save just by buying your tickets directly from the terminal.

I now get the same bus ride for half the price—and with the flexibility to choose the time that works for me.

2. Booking Directly with the Cruise Line: The Missed Perks

When I first cruised, I thought booking directly through the cruise line was the easiest way to go. But after a few trips, I realized that I was missing out on some amazing perks.

It’s so tempting to go straight to the cruise line’s website but trust me, you’ll get a better deal through a travel agent (TA).

Here’s why:

• Better prices: Travel agents often have access to special promotions and discounts that the cruise line doesn’t offer directly.
• Extra perks: I missed out on onboard credit (OBC), cabin upgrades, and even loyalty perks that my travel agent could’ve gotten me.

I wish I had known this sooner. After reading about other cruisers’ experiences, I realized that TAs know how to get you the best value.

So, if you want to maximize your cruise experience, skip booking directly through the cruise line and reach out to a trusted travel agent instead.

3. Cruise Line Transfers: Why I Skip Them Every Time

Here’s a classic example of how cruise lines try to get you to overspend: the transfer service.

It seems like the easy way to get from the airport to the ship, but trust me—it’s usually not the cheapest or fastest option.

• Overpriced transfers: I’ve paid $50 per person for a transfer that ended up being much cheaper when I booked a private ride or used an Uber.
• Fixed schedules: Cruise line transfers operate on fixed times, and I’ve had to deal with long waits or inconvenient departure times.

These days, I always check ride-share apps or book a private transfer for more flexibility.

It’s a small cost compared to what the cruise line charges and I get a faster, more convenient ride. Don’t fall for the “easy” transfer trap—book your own!

4. Shore Excursions: Why I Don’t Book Through the Cruise Line Anymore

Here’s one mistake I made early on: booking shore excursions through the cruise line. It seemed like the easiest option, but looking back, it was an expensive mistake.

Booking these excursions directly through the cruise line often means paying way more for the exact same tour you could book privately.

• I once paid $250 for a shore excursion that I later found out could have been booked for $100 less with an independent operator.
• Independent tours are also often smaller, more personal, and just overall more fun. The best part? You’re not crammed into a huge group of tourists!

What I wish I had known earlier is that independent operators often offer better deals and more flexible experiences.

So now, before I set sail, I always do my research on TripAdvisor, Facebook groups, and other forums to find the best deals and avoid the cruise line’s high prices.

5. The Overpriced Drink Package: Why I Skip It Now

I’ll admit it—I’ve fallen for the all-you-can-drink beverage package at least once.

It seemed like a good deal at first, but after a few cruises, I learned the hard way that drink packages aren’t always worth it.

Here’s why:

• You need to drink 6 to 8 drinks a day to make the package worth it. And when you factor in port days and the fact that you’ll probably be off the ship a lot, you’re just not using it enough.
• On top of that, I started to feel pressured to drink more than I wanted just to make sure I got my money’s worth. That’s a quick way to burn out.

The key takeaway I learned from other cruisers is to estimate your drinking habits.

Are you really going to drink that much every day? If not, it’s way smarter to skip the package.

Bring your own wine (where allowed), or just buy drinks individually. You’ll save a ton of money and only drink what you actually enjoy.

6. Cruise Line Travel Insurance: Not What You Think

Another mistake I made was buying travel insurance through the cruise line. It sounded convenient, but I quickly discovered that the coverage was limited and full of exclusions.

Here’s what I learned:

• Limited coverage: Cruise line insurance often doesn’t cover things like pre-cruise travel, private excursions, or even delayed flights.
• Cash vs. credit: Some policies only offer credit for future cruises if you need to file a claim, rather than cash payouts.

What seasoned cruisers recommend is separate travel insurance that covers the entire trip.

I started buying my insurance through a third-party provider, and I’m so glad I did.

It’s more comprehensive, offers real cash payouts, and covers my entire trip, not just the days onboard.

7. Spa Products: Why I Skip the Upsell

After a relaxing massage or facial, the spa sales pitch always comes next.

The staff will tell you all about the miracle products they just used on you, and before you know it, you’re tempted to buy.

• Upselling: I’ve been pressured to buy $200 worth of creams that I ended up never using.
• Cheaper elsewhere: I later realized I could’ve gotten the same products for less at my local beauty store.

Here’s my tip: enjoy the spa pampering, but be firm when they start pushing products. Don’t feel obligated to buy something you don’t need.

8. Overpriced Internet Packages: How I Wasted Money on WiFi

We all want to stay connected, especially when we’re on vacation. But let me tell you, cruise ship Wi-Fi is still not perfect.

I’ve made the mistake of buying an internet package thinking it would let me stay connected, only to realize I was overpaying for a slow connection.

• Slow speeds: I paid $200 for Wi-Fi once and could barely upload photos to social media. The connection was patchy and frustrating.
• Pre-booking = better deals: What I discovered is that most cruise lines offer discounted packages if you book in advance. If you wait until you’re onboard, you’ll pay double for a sluggish service.

Now, I always book my internet ahead of time, and when I’m in port, I’ll find a free Wi-Fi hotspot at a café or restaurant to check my emails or upload photos.

It’s a great way to save money and avoid the frustration of expensive, unreliable Wi-Fi.

9. Specialty Dining Packages: Is It Really Worth It?

Specialty dining on cruises sounds so tempting. The menus look incredible, and the idea of getting a fancy meal sounds like it’ll enhance your cruise experience.

However, I quickly learned that these specialty dining packages might not always be worth the money.

• Overhyped experience: Many of the specialty restaurants charge an extra fee on top of your cruise fare. And while the meals might be good, sometimes they don’t live up to the hype.
• Better options: I’ve found that I can get just as good a meal in the main dining room or buffet for a fraction of the price.

If you’re really craving something special, splurge on a single dinner instead of buying a full package. You’ll enjoy the experience without overspending.

10. Cruise Line Flights: Why I Don’t Book Through the Cruise Line Anymore

Booking flights through the cruise line seems like a convenient option, right? After all, they offer the “easy” solution with guaranteed connections to your cruise.

But after a few bad experiences, I learned that it’s often better to book flights separately. Here’s why:

• Awkward layovers: Cruise lines sometimes book flights with weird layovers or odd routings that just don’t make sense.
• Higher prices: I’ve ended up paying more for flights than if I had booked directly through an airline or used a third-party site like Expedia.

Experienced cruisers recommend booking your own flights for better control over schedules, lower prices, and more flexibility.

The cruise line might offer an “air guarantee,” but I’ve found that booking separately gives me a lot more options.

And if I’m flying in a day early (which I always recommend), I can ensure I get a more comfortable and flexible flight.

11. Cruise Line Hotels: Why They’re Not Worth the Extra Cost

Booking a hotel through the cruise line before or after your cruise might seem like a convenient option, but I learned the hard way that it’s often overpriced.

Plus, you won’t earn any loyalty points with the hotel, which is a big bummer if you’re a frequent traveler.

• No loyalty perks: If you book a hotel through the cruise line, you miss out on earning points with the hotel chain.
• Higher prices: I’ve found that the cruise line’s bundled packages often include things like airport transfers, which inflate the price even more.

If you want to save some cash, I recommend booking directly with the hotel. I’ve saved money and still got the perks I was looking for by going straight to the source.

Plus, if you’re not bundled into the cruise line’s package, you’ll often find more flexible options and better deals.

12. Bottled Water and Snacks: A Simple Trick to Save

We’ve all been there—thirsty and looking for a quick snack. But when you’re on a cruise, those mini bar snacks and bottled water can really add up.

• $5 for water: It might seem like no big deal, but paying $5 for a bottle of water every time you need a drink can quickly drain your wallet.
• $7 for a Snickers bar: And those mini bar snacks? $7 for a tiny candy bar is not the best deal.

Here’s a simple trick I use now: I always bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at the ship’s water stations.

Not only does this save money, but the water is clean and safe to drink.

I also pack a few of my favorite snacks in my carry-on, which means I don’t have to pay inflated prices for something I could have brought myself.

13. The “Luxury” Jewelry That’s Worth Pennies Back Home

I’ve walked through those fancy jewelry shops on the ship, too. The glistening “luxury” pieces on display look so tempting, but after buying one, I regretted it big time.

• Overpriced: Cruise line jewelry is usually marked up significantly, and once you get home, you might realize it’s worth far less than what you paid for it.
• Hype over value: They love to make you feel like you’re getting a special deal, but many of these pieces are just overpriced and not the investment you think they are.

Here’s what I do now: I avoid the ship’s jewelry counter altogether and buy from trusted jewelers on land if I want a real deal.

There are always better options that aren’t surrounded by a hard sell.

14. The Photo Package: Why I Regret Buying It

When I first boarded my cruise, I was swept up in the excitement of the photo package.

The photographers were everywhere, and I thought, “Why not? I’ll get a nice memory.” But let me tell you, I ended up regretting the decision.

• Hefty price tag: Photo packages can cost hundreds of dollars, and I found that I didn’t use them nearly as much as I thought I would.
• Regret: I ended up with only a few photos that I actually liked, but I paid for dozens that just didn’t make the cut.

What I’ve learned is that you should review photos mid-cruise and only buy the ones you absolutely love.

This way, you don’t end up overpaying for something you’ll never look at again.

15. That Cute Cruise T-Shirt and Mug? You’ll Never Use Them Again

We’ve all been there—you walk into the souvenir shop, and the cruise-branded T-shirt or mug catches your eye.

It seems like a great idea at the moment, but let me tell you, I’ve regretted buying those items more times than I can count.

Here’s why:

• Impulse buys: Many of us get caught up in the excitement of the cruise and buy things on impulse. But those T-shirts and mugs end up sitting in the back of the closet, never worn or used.
• Overpriced: The prices for these items are usually inflated, and they’re often not as special as they seem.

Here’s my advice: if you want a souvenir to remember your cruise, skip the logo shop.

Instead, look for something unique and personal from port—maybe a local craft or a keepsake that actually has meaning.

You’ll enjoy it more and won’t regret it down the road.

16. Casino Buy-Ins That Burn Your “Free” Onboard Credit

Here’s a classic mistake I made—using my free OBC (onboard credit) at the ship’s casino.

I thought it was a smart way to spend that “free” money, but let me tell you, it went fast.

• Worse odds: The odds in the ship casino are much worse than in places like Vegas. Even if you’re a seasoned gambler, you’re not getting the same payouts.
• OBC gone in an instant: I thought I’d spend a little here and there, but my OBC was gone before I knew it, and I had nothing to show for it.

Here’s what I’ve learned: instead of using OBC at the casino, spend it on things with real value—like drinks, Wi-Fi, or dining.

Casinos can be fun, but don’t let them take your free credit away faster than you think.

17. The Truth Behind ‘Discounted’ Watches on Cruise Ships

We’ve all seen the flashy signs in the jewelry shops, “75% off!” for watches. It feels like a bargain, right?

But after chatting with other cruisers, I realized these discounts are usually nothing more than a sales tactic.

• Inflated prices: Those “discounts” are often exaggerated because the original prices were set high to begin with.
• Buyer’s remorse: I’ve seen forum posts where cruisers bought a watch onboard only to later find it online for a lower price.

Here’s my tip: if you wouldn’t buy that watch at home, don’t buy it on the ship. Real deals don’t need big, flashy discounts to catch your attention.

18. Think You Scored a Deal at the Cruise Art Auction? You’ll Think Twice Later

Art auctions on cruises seem like a fun experience. You get a complimentary glass of champagne, and the auctioneer’s fast talk makes everything sound like a bargain.

But trust me, this is one of the easiest ways to overspend on something you’ll regret.

• Inflated prices: Many art pieces are marked up, and the “bargains” you think you’re getting are often not worth it once you get home.
• Low resale value: Most of the art I’ve seen at auctions doesn’t hold its value and won’t fetch much if you try to sell it later.

If you enjoy the auction experience, go ahead and watch, but keep your wallet closed unless you’re a real art collector.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but the reality of overpaying hits hard later on.

19. The Luxury Souvenir Package That’s Not Actually a Deal

Many cruise lines offer what seems like a “luxury package”—often for things like spa treatments, private tours, or special dinners.

It all sounds great, but the truth is that these packages are often overpriced for what you get.

• Package upsells: I was once tempted by a spa package that promised a “luxury experience” at a discounted price. But when I looked closely, the deal wasn’t as great as it seemed, and I was left feeling like I wasted money on something I didn’t need.
• Not the best value: More often than not, the individual experiences offered in the package can be booked separately for a better price.

Next time you’re offered a package deal, take a step back and ask yourself if you’re really getting value. It’s better to book things a la carte if you’re unsure.

20. Overpriced Toiletries and Medications

We’ve all been there: you forget to pack something essential, and the cruise ship’s onboard shop becomes your last resort.

But here’s the catch—those seemingly convenient purchases come at a steep price.

• Inflated Prices: Items like sunscreen, toothpaste, and over-the-counter medications can be marked up significantly onboard.
• Limited Selection: The variety may be limited, and you might not find your preferred brand or product.
• Better Alternatives: It’s often more cost-effective to purchase these items at port stops or bring them from home.

Pro Tip: Always pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, seasickness remedies, and any personal medications.

This preparation can save you both time and money during your cruise.

Bottom Line: Cruise Smarter, Not Harder

Cruising is all about enjoying your time away, exploring new places, and having fun.

But with so many upsell and hidden costs, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and end up spending way more than you need to.

By learning from my mistakes and avoiding these common traps, you can keep your cruise budget in check and still have an amazing experience.

The key is to be informed, do your research, and know where the real value lies.

Whether it’s booking through a travel agent, skipping unnecessary packages, or finding better deals on shore excursions, the more you plan ahead, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the things that truly matter.

So, next time you step on board, remember these tips, and you’ll cruise smarter, not harder. Spend less, enjoy more, and make your cruise experience even more memorable.