10 Extra Cruise Expenses to Watch Out For
When I booked my first cruise, I was so excited. I thought I had paid for everything upfront — food, entertainment, lodging, and fun all rolled into one all-inclusive price. But the moment I stepped on board, I quickly realized that cruise lines have a lot of ways to get you to spend more. Some are subtle, and others are outright temptations that can be hard to resist. Here’s how I got lured into spending more money — and what I learned to help you avoid the same mistakes.
Double Tipping Without Realizing It
Here’s a rookie mistake I made: I tipped the bartender, not realizing that gratuities had already been added to my bill. Many cruise lines automatically add a service charge, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. After double-tipping a few times, I learned to carefully check my receipts before adding any extra.
I Fell for Priority Boarding
Waiting in long lines is one of my least favorite things about traveling, so when I saw the option for a “priority boarding package,” I thought it was worth it. Carnival Cruise Line’s Faster to the Fun promised perks like early stateroom access, express luggage delivery, priority dining reservations, and even a faster exit on disembarkation day.
It sounded like a dream — until I saw the price. And truthfully, the lines weren’t that bad. If I had just shown up after 1pm to board the ship, I could have avoided the crowds without spending a dime.
Robot Bartenders Made Me Buy More Cocktails Than I Needed
I knew beverage packages were a sneaky way to get you to spend more money, but I didn’t expect a robot bartender to be part of the equation. On Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, they had a bar with robotic bartenders that mix drinks with precision and put on a little show while they do it. It was mesmerizing! My kids love it!
I found myself ordering drink after drink just to watch the robot work. If I didn’t already have a drink package, I probably would have racked up a huge bill just for the novelty.
Thermal Spa Access Was My Escape From the Chaos
I love relaxing by the pool, but on a cruise ship, the main pool area is often crowded with kids and noise. So, I caved and bought a thermal spa pass. It wasn’t cheap, but I was lured in by the promise of peace and quiet.
The thermal spa had steam rooms, heated loungers, jacuzzis, and even therapy showers. I spent hours there, soaking in the tranquility. It was worth it in some ways, but I couldn’t help thinking they knew exactly how to get me — by preying on my desire for relaxation.
Spa Add-Ons I Didn’t Need (But Bought Anyway)
I had planned to treat myself to a simple massage, but the spa staff were relentless with their upselling. “Do you want to buy the massage oil?” “How about a facial add-on?” By the time I left, I had spent way more than planned on extras I didn’t even know I wanted until they suggested them.
Gift Shop Sales Hooked Me In
Cruise gift shops are clever with their sales tactics. One day, they had a “sidewalk sale” with $10 souvenirs. The sense of urgency was palpable — people were grabbing items left and right. I got caught up in the frenzy and bought things I didn’t even need, like an extra beach tote and T-shirts of cruise destinations I have never been to.
The Duty-Free Trap
“Tax-free shopping! Duty-free deals!” Cruise lines love to advertise the fact that you don’t have to pay sales tax on board. It’s tempting to splurge on big-ticket items like designer handbags and jewelry. I came close to buying a luxury watch, but after doing the math, I realized it wasn’t actually a better deal than I’d get back home during a sale.
Room Service Fees
What Happened to Free Room Service? I was so excited to enjoy breakfast in bed until I noticed a service fee on my bill. Room service used to be complimentary on cruises, but now many lines charge per item or add a delivery fee. Next time, I’ll stick to the main dining room or grab something from the buffet.
Specialty Dining Temptations
The main dining room on cruises offers plenty of good food for free, but the specialty restaurants are designed to lure you in. One evening, I splurged on a steakhouse dinner at a specialty restaurant. It was delicious — lobster, steak, and gourmet sides — but when I added up my expenses, I realized I could have enjoyed a similar meal in the dining room for no extra cost.
Paid Attractions Were Hard to Resist
Cruise ships these days are like floating amusement parks, but many of the attractions cost extra. My kids begged to try go-karting on Norwegian, and I couldn’t say no. These activities were fun, but they added up fast.
Corkage Fees Caught Me Off Guard
I thought I was being clever by bringing my own bottle of wine onboard, but when I brought it to dinner, I was surprised by a corkage fee. Next time, I’ll pack a corkscrew and enjoy my wine on the balcony instead. If you’re wondering whether cruise lines allow passengers to bring wine, most do permit one bottle per person. Just be sure to check the specific rules for your cruise line before boarding.
