13 Things Expert Cruisers Never Waste Money On

Cruising can be an incredible value, but it’s also packed with opportunities to overspend. While your base fare covers accommodation, meals, and most entertainment, countless tempting extras are waiting to chip away at your budget. So we asked the real experts: experienced cruisers who’ve learned from experience.

We posed one simple question: What do you never spend money on during a cruise? The responses were clear, candid, and surprisingly consistent. Whether it’s your first voyage or your fiftieth, these 11 cruise expenses are ones that savvy travellers regularly avoid.

1. Cruise Line Shore Excursions

Whenever you visit a port during your cruise, you have two main choices: explore on your own or join a shore excursion. You can book these excursions directly with the cruise line or opt for a third-party company. 

Booking through the cruise line ensures you’ll return to the ship on time, but it can be quite expensive. The same excursions are often available at a lower price through third-party companies.

Veteran cruisers often plan their own outings or book with reputable local tour companies. You’ll usually get better value, more freedom, and a far more memorable day.

2. Cruise Ship Photos

Remember those photographers snapping away as you board the ship? Many cruisers say “no thanks.” With smartphones capable of capturing great photos, there’s little need to pay for staged, sometimes awkward images taken by onboard photographers.

Not only are these photos overpriced, but they also tend to feel overly posed or artificial. Unless you’re marking a major occasion like a wedding or anniversary, most cruisers prefer to take their own snaps and save the cash.

3. Chef’s Table Dining

Chef’s Tables on cruise ships like those from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and P&O Cruises are fine dining experiences. They usually feature a multi-course meal with wine or cocktails. The setting is intimate, with only one or two tables.

A night at Chef’s Table is a treat with delicious food and a cosy atmosphere. Yet, the price can be very high. For example, Carnival’s Chef’s Table is $150 per person on some trips. Other venues, like the Empire Supper Club on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, cost even more at $200 per person.

Instead, think about trying other speciality restaurants on your ship. They often offer a similar quality of food but in a less exclusive setting and at a lower cost. You could enjoy two or three meals elsewhere with the money you save! If you’re craving a multi-course meal, some cruise ships have buffets offering a wide variety of dishes to sample. Save your cash and still enjoy a rich and varied dining experience.

4. Robotic Bar

Royal Caribbean features the Robotic Bar on many of its newer ships. Here, robotic arms mix your drink.

The Robotic Bar is a fun gimmick, but it can get old quickly. You might find it easier to visit a regular bar, and a human bartender might even be faster. If you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you won’t be wasting money here, just time.

5. Spa Offers

Be cautious if you come across any special spa offers on your cruise. These offers may seem tempting, promising you a peek into available treatments or a discount on one of them.

If you truly want a spa experience on your cruise, it’s best to book a regular treatment. When booking, clearly state that you are only interested in one treatment and will not pay anything extra. This might seem direct, but it avoids uncomfortable situations where staff might try to convince you to buy expensive products by commenting on your skin.

By being upfront, you’ll have a more relaxing and pleasant spa experience without the pressure to spend more.

6. Butlers

Imagine upgrading to a fancy suite on a cruise ship because it boasts butler service. It sounds posh, doesn’t it? But what does a butler actually do that your usual stateroom attendant doesn’t?

The truth is, a lot of guests aren’t sure how to make the most of having a butler. On cruise forums, it’s one of the most talked-about topics. You’ve probably wondered, what can you ask a butler to do?

Instead…Consider sticking with a regular stateroom. You’ll have an attendant who takes care of the basics. You can handle your own laundry and packing – it’s not that hard. Plus, a butler isn’t dedicated just to you. On most ships, they look after several suites. They won’t be there every time you call. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have a Royal Genie for multiple guests, and NCL’s The Haven butlers also serve many.

7. Cabana Rentals

Cruise lines often have the option to book cabanas or villas on their private islands or resorts in the Bahamas and Caribbean. These islands offer lovely beaches, delicious BBQ meals, and adventurous excursions. However, your time on the island is usually limited, often just around six hours, which might make renting a cabana seem less worthwhile.

For example, Disney’s Castaway Cay cabanas start at £470 ($600) per day, making it a pricey choice compared to the cost of an entire short cruise. While cabanas come with perks like private space, consider if it’s truly necessary. Remember, the ship is docked on the island, so you can always return to your room for some shade or a break.

Instead, save your money by waking up early, heading straight to the island, and snagging a lounger. You will be sailing away in just a few hours and won’t miss much by skipping the cabana!

8. Art Auctions

Cruises often host art auctions, and a surprising number of people attend these events. Many guests might be enticed by the free welcome glass of sparkling wine offered, especially if they haven’t opted for a drinks package. However, these auctions can be somewhat dull and may not offer great value.

Artworks sold at these auctions tend to be overpriced. Usually, you’re not bidding on original works; instead, you’ll receive a print. The art you purchase isn’t given to you on the ship but shipped as a replica from a warehouse on land.

When you consider this, you might find it’s better to buy your art elsewhere rather than during your cruise.

Save both your money and time. If you fancy a glass of champagne, buy one outright. And if you’re keen on spending money for fun, consider the casino. At least there, you have a chance to win something of actual value, maybe even some extra cash!

Related reading: Family Speaks Out After Cruise Art Auction Leaves Them Feeling Scammed

9. Wi-Fi and Internet Packages

For many, a cruise is the perfect opportunity to disconnect. Ship Wi-Fi is notoriously slow and often very costly, making it an easy line item to skip.

If you need to check in while in port, use your mobile data plan (but make sure it includes roaming). Just remember to switch back to airplane mode before setting sail to avoid surprise charges.

10. Jewellery

That sparkling jewellery store might call your name, especially with raffle flyers being handed out on day one. But seasoned cruisers know the prices are often inflated and the “deals” aren’t always as good as they seem.

Unless you find a truly special item you can’t get elsewhere, it’s usually better to admire from afar and move on.

11. Bottled Water

Many cruisers skip bottled water entirely, and for good reason. The water on cruise ships is filtered, safe to drink, and the same as what’s served in restaurants and bars.

Bringing a refillable water bottle not only saves money but also cuts down on plastic waste. It’s especially handy on shore days.

12. Drink Packages

Drink packages can sound like a no-brainer, but unless you’re knocking back 6 to 8 alcoholic drinks a day, you might not be getting your money’s worth. For light or moderate drinkers, the maths often doesn’t stack up.

Instead, keep an eye out for happy hours, daily specials, or just pay as you go. Still unsure? Try using my cruise drink package calculator to see if it’s really worth it for you.

13. Raffles and Duty-Free Shops

You’ll often find “free” raffles at the ship’s jewellery or watch shops—but these are usually designed to get you browsing expensive goods.

Unless you’ve done your homework and know the value of what you’re buying, it’s best to steer clear of these flashy sales tactics and high-markup items.

Final Thoughts

Cruising can be one of the most enjoyable and cost-effective ways to travel, if you know where to draw the line. By skipping these common money traps, you can enjoy the journey without the post-cruise financial regret.

Stick to what brings you the most value, and don’t feel pressured to upgrade, add-on, or overspend. The best cruises aren’t built on extras, they’re built on great experiences, good company, and a bit of sea breeze.

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