Cruising can be one of the most relaxing and exciting vacations you’ll ever take—but it can also become unexpectedly expensive if you’re not careful. While most cruisers budget for excursions, drinks, and tips, there are some sneaky money traps that can derail your plans and leave you with major regret.
These aren’t just little slip-ups. We’re talking about real, wallet-draining mistakes that many cruisers—myself included—have made.
I even asked fellow travelers in the Life Well Cruised community to share their stories so you can learn from what not to do.
So, if you’re planning a cruise, here are 12 cruise money mistakes you’ll want to avoid like the buffet line at closing time.
1. Regretting Onboard Purchases
Let’s be honest—we’ve all made a vacation purchase we later questioned. But on a cruise, some of these regretful buys can really dent your budget.
Several cruisers reported buying jewelry onboard, only to later discover they could’ve snagged a better deal back home.
Yes, it’s duty-free, but that doesn’t always mean it’s a bargain. The same goes for those lively art auctions—some passengers love their new décor, while others felt the pricing didn’t quite match the value.
Then there’s the infamous “Inch of Gold” jewelry. It’s flashy, sure, and fun in the moment. But at about $3 per inch for gold-plated pieces, many felt it wasn’t worth the price tag once they were back on dry land.
One purchase that’s gained traction recently is pre-loved designer handbags. They’re tempting—especially when you stumble upon a rare find—but take a moment to compare prices online before handing over your cruise card. You might find the same bag for less through a reputable reseller.
Common regrets include:
- Buying jewelry that seemed like a “deal” but wasn’t
- Overpaying for artwork at auctions
- Falling for “Inch of Gold” (it’s not real gold, folks!)
- Splurging on vintage luxury bags without comparing prices
Real Talk: I once bought a necklace with a floating charm and returned it twice under warranty. Yes, the warranty worked—but still not worth the hassle.
💡 Tip: Snap a photo, sleep on it, and check online prices before buying.
2. Buying a Thermal Spa Pass and Only Using It Once
Booking a thermal spa pass feels like the ultimate self-care move when you’re excited about your cruise.
You picture yourself relaxing in heated loungers and steam rooms every day. But for many travelers, that dream only becomes reality once—or maybe twice.
These passes usually cost between $200 and $300 per person for a week-long sailing, which can be tough to justify if you’re spending most of your time in ports or running from activity to activity.
Several cruisers shared that they were better off buying a day pass, especially if their cruise was port-heavy.
Others simply forgot they had the pass or didn’t make time to use it enough to get their money’s worth.
Typical cost: $200–$300 per person
Reality for many: Only used 1–2 times
Smart alternative:
- Skip the full-week pass
- Try a day pass instead
- Tour the spa on embarkation day to see if it’s really worth it
💡 Tip: Before buying a full-week pass, look at your itinerary. Will you really have time to unwind at the spa each day? If not, consider waiting until mid-cruise to grab a discounted day rate—if it’s available.
3. Falling for Tourist Trap Restaurants in Port
We’ve all been there—you’re starving after a morning excursion, and that colorful café just steps from the pier is calling your name.
Someone waves you in, promising authentic food and cold drinks, and you figure, “Why not?” Unfortunately, many of those convenient spots are classic tourist traps.
They charge premium prices for mediocre meals, banking on the fact that you won’t be back to complain. Laminated menus, photos of the food, and pushy hosts are all red flags.
Red flags to watch for:
- Laminated menus with food pictures
- Staff pressuring you to sit down
- Prices that aren’t listed clearly
Cruise Confession: In Livorno, Italy, I ended up with frozen pizza and the worst Aperol Spritz of my life.
💡 Money Tip: Walk a block or two away from the port for better, cheaper, more authentic food.
Another common issue? Not carrying small bills or any cash at all. Whether it’s tipping a guide, paying for a locker, or needing change in a local shop, relying only on cards can cost you time—and money.
4. Forgetting to Bring Small Bills or Any Cash at All
It’s tempting to think that your credit card will get you through everything, but in many ports, cash is still king—especially in smaller markets, beach bars, or with local guides.
Plenty of cruisers have shared situations where they needed a few bucks for a tip or locker rental but were stuck with only large bills or cards.
In some cases, they were forced to buy a random item just to get change, and others were flat-out told that no change was available.
Having small bills (like $1s and $5s) makes everything easier—whether it’s tipping a helpful cab driver, grabbing a drink at a beach shack, or dodging awkward “no change” situations.
When you’ll need it:
- Renting lockers
- Tipping local guides
- Buying small souvenirs or snacks
- Avoiding “no change” situations
Pro Tip: Always pack $1s and $5s in a small envelope in your day bag.
5. Losing Money to Cruise Port Scams
Cruise ports can be full of charm—but they can also attract scammers who know exactly how to take advantage of tourists in a rush.
One common scam involves buying beauty products that turn out to be empty or switched for lower-quality versions.
Another involves people in costume or with animals asking for a quick photo—and then aggressively demanding tips afterward.
I’ve had someone try the “photo trap” on me once, and the pressure to tip was uncomfortable to say the least.
Some cruisers have even reported getting surrounded by a group after refusing to pay up.
To protect yourself, always check sealed products before leaving the store, and be cautious with spontaneous street interactions. If someone offers something for free, assume there’s a hidden charge attached.
Common scams include:
- Products swapped or empty containers
- Costumed characters demanding tips after photos
- Overpriced “free samples” or fake sales
How to protect yourself:
- Open and check all purchases before leaving the shop
- Avoid spontaneous interactions that seem too staged
- Carry small bills if you do decide to tip
6. Letting a Future Cruise Deposit Go to Waste
Booking your next cruise while still on board sounds like a no-brainer—extra perks, lower deposits, and maybe even onboard credit? Yes, please! But here’s the kicker: many cruisers, myself included, have let those deposits expire, leaving real money on the table.
Each cruise line handles future cruise deposits differently. Some, like Princess Cruises, offer refundable deposits.
Others, like Virgin Voyages, have tighter windows to use them—often within two years. I once had a Norwegian Cruise Line deposit that gave me four years to rebook, and guess what? I forgot about it. That $150? Gone.
What can go wrong:
- Forgetting the expiration date
- Thinking it’s refundable when it’s not
- Letting it sit unused and losing $100–$150
The lesson? If you put money down for a future sailing, track the expiration date like you would a flight confirmation.
Set calendar reminders and consider adding it to a spreadsheet or digital planner. A great deal is only a great deal if you actually use it.
Fix it:
- Set a calendar reminder
- Track the terms (some are refundable, some aren’t)
- Consider if you’ll realistically cruise again in time
7. Booking a Non-Refundable Fare Without Realizing It
Ah, the sweet temptation of saving a couple hundred bucks with a non-refundable cruise fare. Sounds like a win… until life happens.
Illness, schedule changes, or even global travel disruptions can leave you stuck with a booking you can’t use—and can’t cancel without losing your deposit.
This happens more often than you’d think. Many cruisers book months—or even over a year—in advance, assuming plans will stay firm. But when things change, that lower upfront fare suddenly turns into a sunk cost.
When it’s risky:
- Booking a year or more in advance
- Uncertain travel plans
- Family or health factors in play
Always check the fine print before confirming your reservation. If there’s a decent chance your plans could shift, that extra fee for a refundable fare might be the smartest money you spend on the whole trip.
Before you book:
- Read the fine print
- Consider if paying more for a refundable fare is worth it
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re loyal to a particular cruise line, sometimes their loyalty program offers flexibility perks that make those non-refundable fares less risky—but never assume. Read the terms.
8. Booking the Cheapest Cruise and Then Paying More to Fix It
Grabbing that rock-bottom fare feels like scoring a jackpot—until you realize everything else costs extra.
We’re talking Wi-Fi, drink packages, upgraded cabins, specialty dining, and more. By the time you’ve added it all up, your “cheap” cruise might cost more than a mid-tier line that bundles those perks in.
One cruiser shared that after upgrading their cabin, adding internet and beverages, and booking a few specialty dinners, their total spend shot past the price of a Celebrity or Holland America sailing—which already included many of those features.
I recently ran into the same thing while planning a family trip. Surprisingly, premium cruise lines were offering packages that bundled drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—and they weren’t that much more than the bare-bones options from budget lines.
- Add Wi-Fi
- Add drink packages
- Upgrade to a better cabin
- Pay for specialty dining
And just like that, your “cheap cruise” costs more than a premium one with those perks included.
💡 Smart Move: Compare total value, not just price. Lines like Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess often include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities in bundle deals.
9. Not Checking for Price Drops Before Final Payment
Here’s a cruise hack that’s pure gold: cruise fares change all the time—even after you book. If you don’t keep an eye out for price drops before your final payment, you could end up paying more than necessary.
Many cruise lines will honor a lower fare if the price goes down before your final payment is due. That’s free savings—if you catch it in time.
Cruisers who book with travel advisors often benefit from automatic fare monitoring. Some agencies will reprice your cruise and apply discounts without you having to lift a finger.
But if you’re booking on your own, it pays to check the cruise line’s website regularly or use online price tracking tools. Don’t assume the price you booked is the lowest it’ll ever be.
How to save:
- Monitor prices until your final payment
- Ask your travel agent to reprice your cruise if the fare drops
- Some cruise lines allow adjustments if you ask
💡 Bonus Tip: Some travel agents have access to exclusive rates or group deals that aren’t public. You might get extras like onboard credit, free specialty dining, or even discounted excursions—so it’s worth asking.
10. Forgetting to Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode
It sounds like such a small thing, but forgetting to switch your phone to airplane mode on a cruise can lead to a jaw-dropping bill.
We’re talking hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in roaming charges, even if you barely touch your phone.
Several cruisers have shared horror stories of background data running up charges through cruise ship cellular networks.
Emails syncing, push notifications, and location services can quietly eat through data without you even noticing.
To stay safe, switch to airplane mode as soon as the ship leaves port. If you plan to use cruise Wi-Fi, that’s fine—just keep cellular data turned off.
Even cruise-specific cell plans from AT&T or Verizon require activation before sailing to avoid charges.
Avoid the pain:
- Put your phone on airplane mode as soon as you board
- Only use the ship’s Wi-Fi (with a purchased plan)
- Turn off background data if you must connect
💡 Tip: If you want peace of mind, use an eSIM or Wi-Fi-only device during your cruise to completely avoid unexpected bills.
11. Skipping Travel Insurance Because “It Probably Won’t Happen”
This might be the most dangerous gamble of all: cruising without travel insurance. Many first-time cruisers (and even seasoned ones) assume they’ll be fine. After all, what are the odds of something going wrong, right?
Well… ask anyone who missed a ship due to flight delays, got sick mid-cruise, or had to cancel for a last-minute emergency at home. It happens more often than you’d think.
A fellow cruiser once told me about their Caribbean trip where a stomach bug forced them into the ship’s medical center—and the bill? Over $600. Not to mention the cost of antibiotics and time missed from port stops.
Travel insurance can cover trip delays, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and cancellations, and in some cases, even reimburse you for missed shore excursions. The best part? It usually costs just a small percentage of your total cruise price.
What it can cover:
- Trip cancellations
- Medical emergencies onboard
- Missed ports or excursions
- Lost baggage
What to do:
- Buy cruise-specific travel insurance
- Compare plans (not all policies are equal)
- Don’t rely solely on your credit card coverage
💡 Quick Tip: If you use a credit card that includes travel protection, double-check what’s covered—it may not include medical or cruise-specific issues. When in doubt, purchase a policy that’s tailored for cruise travel.
12. Buying Toiletries and Medications Onboard
Cruise ship gift shops are convenient—but rarely cheap. If you forget essentials like sunscreen, motion sickness meds, or lip balm, prepare to pay a premium.
One cruiser said they shelled out $20 for basic allergy meds. I had a similar experience with lip balm—left mine at home, and the only one onboard was a fancy $26 version from a luxury cosmetics brand. (Yes, it worked great. No, I wouldn’t pay that again.)
Real examples:
- $20 for allergy meds
- $26 for luxury-brand lip balm
- Limited options in small shops onboard
Solution: Make a pre-cruise checklist and pack:
- Pain relievers
- Sunburn care
- Cold meds & antihistamines
- Motion sickness remedies
Final Thoughts: Cruise Smarter, Not Costlier
Cruises are full of indulgences—and that’s part of the charm! But being smart with your spending doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, avoiding these common money mistakes can make your trip even more enjoyable.
By planning ahead, asking the right questions, and thinking beyond the sticker price, you’ll protect your wallet and your vacation vibes.
