Cruises: 10 Things You Might Not Need to Pay For

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10 Overrated Cruise Experiences You Shouldn’t Spend Your Money On (financebuzz.com)

Cruising Smart: 10 Overrated Experiences to Skip and Save Your Cash

Cruise vacations promise a world of adventure with the convenience of unpacking just once, but not every onboard amenity or shore excursion is worth your hard-earned money. From high-priced add-ons to seemingly luxurious experiences, some offerings simply don’t live up to the hype – or the hefty price tag.

If you’re aiming to enjoy a fantastic cruise without breaking the bank, it’s wise to know what to pass on. Here are 10 cruise experiences that often prove to be more costly than captivating.

1. The Casino

While the allure of a cruise ship casino might be strong, the value often falls short. Slot machines on ships typically offer tighter payouts than their land-based counterparts, and table minimums can be surprisingly high, ranging from $5 to $25 per hand.

This can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars lost over a few nights. Plus, you’re spending precious time at sea in a windowless room.

For a better experience, head to the deck for stunning ocean views, fresh air, and free entertainment like live music or stargazing.

2. Balcony Cabins

A private balcony sounds like the ultimate cruise luxury, but many seasoned cruisers agree they’re often not worth the significant extra cost, which can be $400 to $600 more than an interior room. While the idea of your own private vista is appealing, most passengers find they rarely use their balconies.

When sailing through breathtaking regions like Alaska or Antarctica, you’ll likely gravitate to the upper decks for an unobstructed, panoramic view anyway. To travel on a budget, consider a lower-grade cabin and save enough for another adventure.

3. Formal Night

The concept of a formal night may sound elegant, but for many, it’s more of a hassle than a highlight. Between the cost of gowns, suits, shoes, and accessories, outfitting yourself for a single evening can easily run into hundreds of dollars.

Furthermore, if you’re flying to your cruise, formal wear can take up valuable suitcase space. If fancy dinners aren’t your preference, consider cruise lines like Oceania or Viking, which typically do not enforce a formal dress code.

4. Spas

Cruise ship spas present an image of serene relaxation, but many travelers report them as being significantly overrated. A single massage can set you back $150 to $250, often exceeding prices at high-end spas on land.

What’s more, just when you’re starting to unwind, therapists frequently engage in high-pressure sales pitches for pricey products, transforming a peaceful moment into a commercial interaction. For true relaxation, skip the spa and find a quiet deck chair with a good book.

5. Drink Packages

Drink packages promise endless enjoyment, but they often prove to be a financial drain unless you’re a heavy drinker. On major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, a deluxe beverage package can cost anywhere from $56 to $105 per day, accumulating quickly.

Many cruisers discover they don’t consume enough drinks to justify the cost, particularly on itineraries with numerous port calls. A more economical approach is to forgo the package, enjoy a few à la carte drinks, and take advantage of happy hour specials or complimentary non-alcoholic options.

6. Booking Beach Days Through the Ship

A beach day sounds like the perfect cruise excursion, but booking one through the ship can be surprisingly expensive for what often amounts to just transportation and a chair. The premium you pay is primarily for convenience, not necessarily for a superior experience. You can typically hire a local driver or taxi at the port to take you to the same beach for a fraction of the cost, offering greater flexibility and allowing you to avoid crowded group tours.

7. Duty-Free Shopping

Duty-free shopping often appears to be a smart way to save, but it frequently fails to deliver the promised value. While you might find reasonable deals on liquor or tobacco, many items, particularly jewelry, are marked up from the start.

This means that even without tax, you could still end up overpaying. Prices on the ship and in popular tourist ports are rarely genuine bargains.

It’s often better to do your shopping at home where you can compare prices, or invest your money in unique local experiences instead.

8. Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Glass bottom boat tours often disappoint rather than delight. These tours typically cost $40 to $90 per person, but the view through the glass is frequently blurry, scratched, or simply underwhelming.

Marine life often keeps its distance, and the boat’s noise can scare fish away entirely. For a truly immersive underwater experience, consider a guided snorkeling excursion or simply bring your own snorkel gear and explore from the beach.

9. Photo Packages

In an age where nearly everyone carries a high-quality camera on their phone, cruise photo packages feel largely unnecessary. Prices can range from $150 to over $300 on lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean for a set of staged photos that may not even capture your personal style.

Photographers often snap pictures at awkward moments or against generic backdrops, resulting in images that lack a personal touch. Instead, take your own photos or ask a fellow passenger to capture a moment.

You’ll save money and create more authentic, cherished memories.

10. Segway Tours

While Segway tours might look like a fun way to explore, they often don’t offer great value, and Segways are more challenging to operate than they appear. The tours are usually short, with a significant portion of the time dedicated to learning how to use the device.

It’s also difficult to fully appreciate the sights when you’re focused on navigating curbs and cracks. Segways are also limited by stairs, hills, and narrow paths.

For a more immersive and affordable experience, opt for a walking tour or rent a bike.

The Bottom Line

Cruises present numerous opportunities to indulge, but not every extra is worth the cost. From drink packages to spa treatments, some experiences sound enticing but often leave travelers feeling underwhelmed and overcharged.

If you’re looking to cruise on a budget, being selective and savvy can make a big difference. A smart tip: many top travel credit cards offer perks like onboard credit, travel insurance, and even discounts on excursions, helping you enjoy more without overspending.