10 Items You Should Avoid Buying On a Cruise Ship

When you’re enjoying your vacation days at sea, you might be tempted to spend a little bit of money on some items or souvenirs to bring home. However, there are some things you shouldn’t spend on, as you may regret buying them later on. While some items may have an 80% discount, you need to think twice about whether it’s worth spending your money on them.

This blog will list ten items you need to steer clear of on a cruise ship. Instead of splurging on unnecessary purchases, you can use those savings to make your cruise experience a whole lot better, like trying specialty dining or exploring more exciting shore excursions.

1. Bottled Water Packs

Many cruise lines encourage passengers to purchase cases of bottled water for delivery straight to their cabins, making it sound like a convenient option. However, the cost is inflated compared to what you’d usually pay at home, and the truth is, you don’t need it.

Cruise ships use advanced desalination and purification systems to ensure the tap water is safe, clean, and often better tasting than bottled alternatives.

By bringing a reusable water bottle, you can refill it at buffet stations, dining rooms, or bars throughout the ship without paying extra. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces plastic waste that would otherwise pile up during your vacation.

2. Overpriced Wi-Fi Packages

Staying connected at sea can be pricey, with Wi-Fi packages costing anywhere from $15–$30 daily. Unfortunately, even at these rates, the internet is usually slow and unreliable, especially when you’re far out in open waters.

Streaming a movie or even loading social media can be frustrating. Unless you need internet access for work or emergencies, consider using the cruise as a chance to unplug and relax.

If going completely offline isn’t an option, a better alternative is to wait until you dock at a port, where local cafés, hotels, and shops often provide fast and inexpensive Wi-Fi, or simply buy a local SIM card if your phone supports it.

3. Shore Excursions Through the Cruise Line

One of the biggest money traps on cruises is booking excursions directly through the ship. While it may seem safer and more convenient, you’re actually paying a hefty markup for the same tours you could book with local operators.

Whether it’s snorkeling, city sightseeing, or adventure activities like ziplining, independent providers usually offer the same experiences at half the cost.

Many of these businesses are well-reviewed and cater specifically to cruise passengers, ensuring you return to the ship on time. A little research beforehand can save you hundreds of dollars and give you a more personalized, authentic experience in port.

4. Branded Souvenirs

Gift shops onboard often feature merchandise with the ship’s logo that looks fun in the moment but tends to lose its appeal once you’re home. These items are not only generic but also priced far higher than their actual value.

A better approach is to wait until you’re on land and look for souvenirs that reflect the culture and uniqueness of the places you visit.

Handmade crafts, locally produced food items, or traditional artwork often cost less, hold greater meaning, and provide a story you’ll want to share long after the cruise is over.

5. Spa Treatments on Sea Days

Cruise ship spas are undeniably inviting, but they come at a premium, especially on sea days when all passengers are onboard. Massages and facials can easily cost $150–$300, often more than double what you’d pay at a local spa.

On top of that, the staff frequently tries to upsell expensive products after your session, making the experience feel less relaxing and more like a sales pitch.

If you want to pamper yourself, book on a port day when fewer guests are around and discounts are more likely, or wait for daily specials advertised in the ship’s newsletter. This way, you can enjoy some luxury without overspending.

6. Alcohol by the Glass

Ordering drinks one at a time may seem harmless initially, but your bill can add up fast with cocktails costing $10–$15 each. Because everything is charged to your room card, it’s easy to lose track of spending until the end of the cruise. If you know you’ll be drinking regularly, consider purchasing a beverage package.

It might look expensive upfront, but it usually pays for itself after a few days. Some cruise lines also allow guests to bring a bottle of wine onboard, which is a cost-effective way to enjoy a drink without paying premium prices for every glass.

7. Jewelry and Watches

Cruise ships advertise “duty-free” jewelry and luxury watches as exclusive deals, but these items are often overpriced or mass-produced. The so-called discounts are often inflated, making it look like you’re saving money when you’re actually not. Unless you’re an expert who knows the true market value of fine jewelry, it’s safer to skip these purchases onboard.

If you’re interested in buying jewelry, wait until you’re in port, where reputable local shops may offer more authentic, unique, and fairly priced options that you can properly evaluate before buying.

8. Photos Taken by Ship Photographers

Cruise lines station photographers all over the ship, snapping shots during embarkation, dinners, and special events. While it’s fun to pose, the photos usually sell for $20–$30 each, and buying a full package can run into hundreds of dollars. This makes for a steep expense, especially when modern smartphones can capture high-quality images for free.

Instead of relying on ship photographers, take your own pictures or ask fellow passengers to help capture memorable moments. You’ll not only save money but also have more candid, personal photos to remember your trip by.

9. Casino Credits With Your Cruise Card

Charging casino credits to your cruise card might seem convenient, but it often counts as a cash advance, which comes with hidden fees or higher interest charges. This means you’re paying more just to gamble with your own money.

A better strategy is to bring a set amount of cash to the casino and stick to that budget. Not only does this keep your spending under control, but it also makes the casino more fun since you won’t be hit with financial surprises when you get your final bill.

10. Toiletries and Essentials From the Ship Store

Forgetting basic items like sunscreen, toothpaste, or pain relievers is common, but buying them on the ship will cost you significantly more than on land. Convenience stores onboard sell these essentials at marked-up prices, sometimes three to five times higher than normal retail.

To avoid paying a premium, pack a small kit with your must-have items before boarding. If you run out of something mid-cruise, you can easily find it at a pharmacy or shop when the ship docks at port. This simple step saves you money and ensures you’re not stuck paying inflated prices for everyday necessities.

Bonus: 5 More Items to Avoid Spending Your Money On

Think the list stops at ten? Not quite! Cruise ships are full of clever ways to tempt you into spending, and a few of them deserve an extra spotlight. Here are five more common onboard “deals” that sound good, but will leave your wallet lighter afterwards:

Art Auctions

Cruise ship art auctions often market pieces as “exclusive” or “investment-worthy,” but in reality, many are mass-produced prints with inflated price tags. The excitement of the auction atmosphere makes it easy to overspend, especially when cocktails are flowing. If you love collecting art, you’ll find more authentic and fairly priced options at local galleries in cruise ports.

Specialty Coffees

Yes, that $6 caramel latte is tempting. But with unlimited regular coffee and tea available at buffets and dining rooms, it’s a small luxury that adds up quickly. If you’re a daily coffee drinker, consider a specialty coffee package instead of paying by the cup, or simply bring your favorite instant coffee mix to enjoy onboard.

Laundry Services

Full-service laundry on a cruise can be shockingly expensive, sometimes charging per item rather than per load. Instead of handing over your socks for $2 each, pack a small bottle of travel detergent and do a quick wash in your cabin sink. Many ships also have self-service laundromats, which are far more affordable.

Premium Dining Every Night

Specialty restaurants are a highlight on many ships, but they come at a cost, often $30–$60 per person. While trying one or two can be worth the splurge, dining exclusively in specialty venues is unnecessary since the main dining room and buffets already offer gourmet-level meals included in your fare. Save the premium dining for special nights instead of making it a daily habit.

Onboard Shopping “Sales”

Cruise ships love their “limited-time” sales on perfumes, handbags, and gadgets. The markdowns may look attractive, but they’re rarely true bargains. In fact, the same items are often cheaper online or at duty-free shops in port. Unless you’ve done price research beforehand, it’s best to skip these so-called deals.

Find Your Next Cruise Destination With Travel With Brigitte

If you want to spend your hard-earned money on more important things, we recommend spending it on finding the perfect cruise vacation you’ll ever have. Travel With Brigitte is here to make booking your next cruise easier. Our team can give you the necessary details to ensure your booking is to your liking. Your satisfaction is our goal, as we always strive to deliver the best possible service!