Every cruise group online swears they’ve cracked the code to saving money at sea. “You can beat the system,” they say—skip the drink package, dodge gratuities, and eat at the buffet. Sure, that’s fine for some. But me? I want to enjoy a carefree vacation, not feel smug about counting pennies.
On a cruise ship, I splurge where I shouldn’t and spend where I swore I wouldn’t. But somehow, I end up having the best time of my life. Some call it reckless—I call it experience. Want to know my guilty pleasures at sea? The kind that make accountants cringe and fellow cruisers secretly cheer?
Here are the money rules I break every cruise—and why I’ll never stop.
The One Thing That Makes Financial Advisors Cry
I’ve done the math and, yeah, it doesn’t add up. But guess what? I buy the drink package anyway. I always tell myself I’ll “take it easy” this cruise. But before I know it, I’ve got a piña colada in each hand before sailaway.
I love the freedom of swiping for drinks knowing they’re already paid for. The thing is, a week of not tracking spending is so liberating. I get it that not everyone agrees. Reddit threads and Facebook groups are packed with calculations and spreadsheets proving it’s a waste.
Would I save money going à la carte? Probably. Would I have half as much fun? Not a chance.
The Most Expensive Souvenir No One Asked For
Before every cruise, I swear I’ll skip the photo line—after all, I’ve already got a dozen decorating my refrigerator. Then I spot the cheesy backdrop, you know—fake palm trees, plastic leis, the works. Before you know it, I’ve handed over $30 for proof I once looked this relaxed.
Ask around Cruise Critic forums and you’ll hear split opinions. Some cruisers call it the ultimate waste of money; others admit it’s their favorite memento. Maybe it’s nostalgia, perhaps it’s vanity—but months later, when I spot that photo on my fridge, I smile and think, “yeah, that cruise really was awesome.”
So, what are you—team “worth every dollar” for the memories or “never again” because it’s a waste of money?
The Bright, Overpriced Temptation I Insist I Don’t Need—Until I Do
It always starts with the sailaway drink. Then bartenders offer to upgrade it to a “special souvenir drink.” Every time, without fail, those neon colors and flashing LED lights have me hooked. For me, there’s nothing like dancing to the DJ’s pumping beats with my obligatory glowing tumbler in hand as the ship departs.
Not everyone agrees that paying an extra ten bucks for a plastic cup is sensible. Some call it a total waste; others proudly show off glowing coconuts and pineapples lined up at home like trophies. A few even take them to the office—proof of having had a better week than everyone else.
So, what’s your count—one for the memory, five and counting, or firmly stuck in the “zero tacky cups” camp?
The Store I Swear I’ll Avoid—Then End Up Swiping Anyway
There’s just something about “cruise vacation mode” that makes me reckless with my wallet. Whether it’s the lure of “tax-free shopping,” sea air, or rum punch, I’m scouring the gift shop shelves, not for what I need, but what I want.
Many cruisers admit that they wander in “just to look,” then ten minutes later, they’re sizing up which hoodie looks the best. One woman on Cruise Critic laughed, “I’ve bought three ship bracelets, and I hardly ever wear jewelry at home.”
It’s probably why budget cruisers always warn, “Don’t even go in for a look.” So, would you dare to go in “just for a look,” knowing your willpower is stronger than that shiny display case?
The Dinner Gladly I Pay For, Even Though Food Is Already Free
Sure, I could grab a free steak upstairs. But honestly? The buffet can be mayhem. In a specialty restaurant, the lights are low, the wine’s real, and nobody’s yelling about pizza. In my book, that’s totally worth forty bucks. There’s something about sitting still, napkin in your lap, ocean outside, that makes every bite feel earned.
Specialty restaurants are one of those hot topics that divides Cruise Critic users. Some say specialty dining’s a scam, especially when the buffet’s free. Other cruisers, like me, call it sanity. “It’s the quiet that’s worth it—not just the food,” one cruiser said.
Maybe it’s indulgent—but tell me, would you rather save the money to stand in line for soggy fries or splurge on table service and a fine dining experience?
The Dumbest $200 I Spend Every Cruise (And Love Every Minute)
I always tell myself I’ll skip the spa. This time, I’ll stay strong, walk past, and save those two hundred bucks. Then it’s port day, I’ve stayed onboard, and the spa deals seem like “real bargains.” Suddenly, I’m in a robe, wondering why I even pretended to resist.
For many budget-conscious cruisers, spa treatments are financial nonsense. Even the so-called “deals” cost more than a massage on shore. However, for other travelers, no cruise is complete without a spa visit. I agree with one cruiser who said, “Deal or no deal, it’s the dumbest splurge you’ll never regret.”
What’s your take? Is a spa visit a “must-do” on every cruise, or is it a self-indulgence that’s gone too far?
The Cabin Upgrade That Makes Everyone Roll Their Eyes
I’ll never understand people who swear an inside cabin is “perfectly fine.” They gush about how dark it is, how they “slept so well,” like they’ve discovered a secret luxury closet. But waking up at 6 a.m. or 2 p.m. in pitch black doesn’t scream vacation—it screams time to escape.
Sure, I could save a few hundred bucks, but when that first sunrise shines through the window, every cent seems worth it. Or what about relaxing in the evening, listening to the waves swishing against the hull? Now that’s what I call a vacation.
One cruiser put it best: “I sleep through most of it—but when that light pours in, I forgive every penny.” So tell me, are you team balcony bliss or team hunker in the bunker?
The Lazy Morning That Costs Me $10 Every Time
My idea of a relaxing morning is not battling with hundreds of other cruisers in the omelet line at the buffet. I know it’s free. I also know I work hard all year. So, if I want to pay for coffee, bacon, and eggs delivered to my balcony, I’m perfectly fine with that.
Some cruisers brag on Reddit and Facebook groups about “never paying for room service.” Others will stick to the free complimentary early-morning pastry and coffee. Good for them—but I view my ten bucks as well-spent for the peace I enjoy.
My morning indulgence? Ocean views with toast and hot coffee. What’s your idea of morning relaxation? Dragging yourself to the buffet before the pancakes run out, or sipping cappuccino in a robe while the world quietly drifts by?
The ‘Safety Net’ I Pay For That Drives Budget Cruisers Nuts
I get it—independent tours are cheaper. But by the time you’ve spent hours scrolling reviews, messaging vendors, and juggling logistics—guess what? You’ve already paid in minutes and hours. Honest? My time’s too precious to waste on becoming a DIY tour operator.
The thing is, I’m not sprinting down the pier at 4:30 when the ship horn sounds. I’ve seen it happen on too many cruises—distraught passengers waving frantically as the ship pulls away. So I’ll gladly pay extra for someone else to watch the clock.
So, what’s your move? Pocket the savings and risk the sprint, or buy the safety net and sleep easy?
The Machine That Eats My Cruise Cash Faster Than Room Service
It’s strange how a cruise ship vibe affects passengers. I never gamble on land. But at sea, after a cocktail or two, I’m suddenly a “high-roller” in the casino with a $5 slot strategy. The thrill of lights flashing, machines spinning, and the gentle sway of the ship feels intoxicating.
Sure, I usually lose more than I win, and I never chase it—I can be reckless; never stupid. But I’m on vacation, and that means I’m doing stuff I don’t usually do. As one cruiser said, “I won eight bucks and felt like a legend for an hour.”
So, be honest—are you cruising and playing it safe, or are you after big winnings and that sea-day jackpot?
The Rule I Break Before We Even Leave Port
Every cruise, I swear this time will be a digital detox—no WiFi, no emails, no news. Then by the time we’ve pulled away from port, I’m already at Guest Services signing up for a premium package, cursing myself for those delusional “digital detox thoughts.” In reality, a bit of honesty with myself could have saved me money by pre-booking.
Cruisers love to preach about disconnecting. One shared, “Those seven days without WiFi were the most peaceful I’ve had in years.” But scroll through Reddit, and you’ll see they’re the minority. One confessed, “I lasted six hours offline before panic hit.”
So where do you stand? Is cruise WiFi a lifeline that cruise lines should be offering for free, or the dumbest $25 a day we’ll never stop paying?
The Dangerous Game I Play With My Onboard Balance
“Ignorance is bliss” has become my cruise motto. I used to check my onboard account every night, but now I avoid that app like it’s bad news. If I don’t open it, it’s not real, and I’ll deal with it at the end of the cruise.
One cruiser called it “tomorrow’s problem,” and they’re right—tomorrow always comes fast. Other, more “responsible” cruisers warn that not keeping on top of onboard spending is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Honestly, I’d rather enjoy my sea days than stress over numbers and a growing total I can’t undo. So tell me, are you the type who tracks every dollar or the one who lives blissfully in denial until disembarkation day?
The Tip Rule I Always Break—Gladly
Like them or loathe them, automatic gratuities are a part of the cruise fare. I’ll never understand cruisers who line up at guest services to remove them “on principle.” Let’s face it, the crew works hard to make our vacation enjoyable, and that deserves respect, not nitpicking.
But that doesn’t mean I’m tightfisted. When a bartender remembers my name or brings my drink before I ask, that’s worth more than 18%. I tip extra—gladly.
So, where do you land on the whole gratuities question? First to strike them off, pay just the gratuities, or go “above and beyond” and tip extra when necessary?
The Chore I Refuse to Do, No Matter the Price
Nothing kills a vacation faster than sink-washing socks and underwear. So I refuse to do it and gladly pay for the service mid-cruise. One cruiser joked, “I send out my T-shirts, shirts, and blouses just so they come back folded better than I ever could.” I totally agree.
So what’s your take—is paying for laundry pure laziness, or just smart luxury for those of us who know vacation time is worth more than clean socks?
The Financial Strategy That Would Horrify My Accountant
The irony is that, at home, I track every cent. At sea, I spend money like it’s imaginary. I’ve tried to be sensible, but somewhere between sail-away and the last sunset, logic goes overboard. One cruiser nailed it: “Cruise cash isn’t real—it’s just happiness points.”
Honestly, that’s how I justify every swipe.
They say money can’t buy happiness—maybe they’re right. But it sure can buy you a balcony sunrise, a quiet dinner, and that smile when you tip someone. Be honest, what’s your take? Is carefree spending part of the magic, or proof we all lose reason at sea?
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