Cruises are supposed to be the easiest vacations in the world. Meals included. Beds made. Sunrise at sea, and someone else does the planning. But even on a paid-in-full trip, the costs seem to keep creeping in. And it’s not always obvious where your money is going.
Of course, cruise lines are masters of the upsell. You’ll see a rock-bottom fare and feel like a genius—until the upgrades start rolling in. Drinks, WiFi, prepaid gratuities, dining packages, and shore tours. Suddenly, you’re wondering how your “fantastic deal” ballooned by hundreds.
It’s not shady, just strategic. And cruise lines won’t remind you about price drops, loyalty perks, or things that should’ve been free. I’ve seen it firsthand, and when digging deep into Cruise Critic, Reddit, and Facebook group threads, so has everyone else.
Don’t be the cruiser kicking yourself on day three, realizing you’ve already blown the budget. These are the 20 money mistakes that seasoned travelers still make, but you won’t.
Here’s how to cruise smarter, save bigger, and dodge the many money mistakes cruisers make.
The Fare Dropped and You Paid More. Ouch
It’s the worst feeling—checking your cruise price a month after booking and realizing it’s now $200 cheaper. Yes, cruise fares fluctuate. And yes, most lines will honor a lower rate if you catch it before the final payment. But they won’t tell you.
One traveler on Cruise Critic shared they rebooked the same cruise three times and saved over $500. Another said they missed a drop by a few days and still cringe thinking about the hundreds of dollars they could have saved.
Check often. And if the price dips? Call. It could pay for your next cruise.
You Probably Missed the Discount—Just Because You Didn’t Ask
The fare you see online isn’t always the best you can get. Cruise lines quietly offer discounts for seniors, residents, military, teachers, and even past guests. But the discounts don’t show up automatically. You’ve got to ask.
One Facebook user said their travel agent saved them $200 just by applying a Florida resident rate they didn’t know existed. Others only found out after they’d already booked at full price.
Before you click “pay,” ask about hidden discounts. Asking about discounts could leave room in your budget for an extra shore excursion or an onboard specialty dining treat.
Said No to a Travel Agent? Say Bye to Free OBC
Booking direct feels simple—until you realize what you left on the table. Many travel agents (TAs) offer perks you won’t get from the cruise line. We’re talking about bonus onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, and even free dinner or WiFi. A TA can get you deals you will never find on a cruise line website.
One Reddit user said they booked with a big-name agency and got $200 OBC plus a price drop alert they never would’ve noticed. Another kicked themselves after finding out their friend paid the same fare, but got extras.
Skip the agent, and you could be leaving valuable perks on the table.
Want to get the best deals? Read my article on the many benefits of booking a cruise with a travel agent. It can save you money and stress, and it can even score you free perks.
Booked the Cheap Cruise? Enjoy the Nickel-and-Diming
Save now, pay later—big time. That rock-bottom fare might look dreamy, but once you’re onboard, the upsells start flying. Drinks, WiFi, gratuities, port taxes, and steakhouse dinners. Suddenly, your bargain cruise costs more than an all-inclusive one.
One cruiser on Facebook said they booked a “cheap” sailing, then spent nearly $600 just catching up on basics they thought were included. Another compared it to “death by a thousand surcharges.”
Sometimes the better deal isn’t the cheaper cruise—it’s the one that offers transparent pricing upfront and doesn’t drain your wallet onboard.
Read my article on the sneakiest cruise line rip-offs—and how to avoid overpaying for things that should’ve been free.
You Just Tipped—On Something That Already Includes a Tip
That $18 cocktail? It already had a tip baked in. Same with your spa treatment, specialty dinner, and latte from the café. Cruise lines are masters at adding on gratuities automatically. So, check the receipt. See that 18% add-on? No need to hand over a $5 bill as a tip.
One cruiser said they tipped $5 after every round before realizing gratuities were auto-added. “I basically gave away an extra $100 without blinking,” they wrote.
Tip more when it feels right, but don’t tip mindlessly. Cruise lines count on you not noticing.
Confused about cruise gratuities? You’re not alone. From auto-charges to double tipping, it’s one of the most debated cruise topics out there. Here’s what you really need to know before your next sailing.
Drink Package Math: It’s Trickier Than It Looks
Who would ever think about paying $80 a day for alcohol at home? Double that if you’re sharing a cabin. But cruise lines lull you into thinking it’s normal to pay over $1,000 a week on booze. Even with the hiked-up cruise ship drink prices, a cruise drink package isn’t always worth it.
Between port days, early mornings, and the fine print (hello, specialty coffee exclusions), many cruisers find they need to drink a lot to break even. The best advice from seasoned cruisers? Do the math to justify the cost. Typically, you must have 8 to 10 alcoholic drinks to make the beverage package worth it.
Of course, each cruise line has its own pricing policy and exclusions, so read carefully what’s included and what’s not.
Thinking about buying a drink package? Many passengers are ditching them, and not for the reasons you think. Discover these drink package mistakes every cruiser should avoid.
Free Room Service Breakfast = Most Ignored Cruise Perk Ever
Why elbow through the early-morning buffet chaos when you could be sipping coffee in bed with a balcony view? Most cruise lines offer complimentary continental breakfast delivered right to your cabin, yet so many cruisers forget it exists.
One traveler shared that they only discovered it on day six. They wrote that they could’ve had pastries in peace all week had they known. This free perk is perfect for early port mornings, lazy sea days, or just pretending you’re in a luxury suite.
And yes—it’s really free. You just have to order it. However, check your cruise line. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian, charge around $5 for breakfast. Many are free, and Disney Cruise Line has free room service 24/7.
You Just Racked Up a $300 Roaming Bill—and Didn’t Even Realize
Didn’t turn on airplane mode? Your phone just went on a spending spree without you. One of the biggest cruise ship horrors is a hefty bill when you get back home for data you never used. Background updates, roaming charges, and satellite data add up fast—even if you never touch it.
The golden rule: switch your phone to airplane mode when boarding, then reactivate your WiFi settings to connect to the ship’s internal signal. That way, you avoid paying hundreds of dollars in roaming charges and can still use the ship’s app and message friends onboard.
One Reddit user said they were billed $287 just for leaving their phone on during sea days. Another found out the hard way when their carrier flagged “unusual maritime data usage.”
You Earned Freebies—And Still Missed Them
You hit loyalty status. You switched lines and matched perks. But you forgot to claim them, and the cruise line isn’t reminding you. Free laundry, internet minutes, and welcome drinks disappear as fast as early morning sea mist if you don’t claim them.
One cruiser said they didn’t learn about their free gelato until disembarkation day. Another passenger shared how they missed out on priority boarding that they were eligible for “the whole time.”
You’ve earned these perks. Don’t let them slip by while you’re busy standing in line for something you should’ve skipped.
You Paid Triple for Stuff You Should’ve Packed
Been there, done it, regretted it when I forgot something simple and ended up paying three times the price on board. Some of the biggest mistakes are leaving behind sunscreen, seasickness meds, flip-flops, and OTC pain medication. Who wants to pay $20 for Tylenol or $26 for luxury lip balm?
One cruiser shared how they spent over $70 on basic items they already had at home, not realizing how much more it costs onboard. Another bought snorkel gear in port, “because rentals were about the same price as owning it.”
Another rookie mistake—forgetting to bring small bills for tips on board or ashore. What happens is you must buy gum or something else just to break a $20 bill. Easier to bring a small wad of small bills for tipping.
The ship’s shops aren’t for the forgetful—they’re for the desperate. Pack smarter, spend less, and save that cash for cocktails.
Airfare Sticker Shock? You Waited Too Long
Flight prices don’t care if you booked your cruise early. If you wait too long to book your flight, you might spend more getting to the port than on the cruise itself. Just like most cruise vacations, you can lock in the best airfares when booking early.
I’ve found that booking flights is a gamble. Book too early? You might overpay. Wait too long? Prices spike. And there’s no easy pattern to trust.
One traveler on Cruise Critic said they watched fares drop, then jump $300 overnight. Another kept refreshing for weeks, only to book in a panic when seats started vanishing.
The booking window is small, and the stress is real. If you see a price you can live with, grab it. Waiting rarely ends well.
Cruising With a Family or Friends? Did You Just Miss a Group Perk?
You booked five cabins for your group vacation. You planned the whole thing. But did you register as a group? If not, the chances are that you probably missed out on free perks—or even a free cruise.
One traveler said their agent got them extra onboard credit and free cocktail hours just by registering it as a group. Another only found out after the sailing that their group qualified for a bonus cabin upgrade.
Even small groups count. Don’t assume the perks are automatic, because they’re definitely not.
Specialty Dining? Don’t Pay Retail Like a Rookie
Those steakhouse and sushi nights seem luxurious and worth it, until you realize that you missed out on money-saving deals. Specialty dining almost always goes on sale, whether it’s online pre-cruise, first-day special deals, or in bundled packages. There are always ways to avoid paying menu prices in specialty restaurants.
One cruiser said they booked all three restaurants on day one and saved $60. Another learned the hard way after paying full price for every night.
Planning ahead helps you avoid unnecessary dining costs. Decide on where you want to dine and book early to lock in the best deals.
Here’s another tip: Check out my top tips for how to spend your first hour on board to get the best cruise ship deals.
You Paid $5 for Water—Again
Why pay premium prices for something that flows freely from the water dispensers in the buffet? Yes, cruise ship water is clean, filtered, and totally free. But plenty of people still buy bottled water out of habit, or worse, convenience. Cheaper alternative? Bring a refillable water bottle, fill it, and stay hydrated without spending a dime.
One traveler said they spent over $40 on bottled water before realizing the buffet had refill stations and that the water was perfectly suitable for drinking.
Unless you’re picky about brands, skip the markup. Bring your own bottle and refill multiple times a day throughout the cruise. Your wallet will thank you. You can use the extra money you save to go toward a few delicious piña coladas.
Spa Treatments at Sea-Day Prices? Don’t Be That Cruiser
Seasoned cruisers all know: spa prices are highest on sea days. So that $180 massage you wanted? Wait until a cruise port day and plan to spend the day on the ship. You might score that treatment for half price while everyone else is ashore.
Many cruisers on Cruise Critic say that they save 40% to 50% by staying on the ship while in port. Others recommend checking the daily specials in the cruise app before committing.
Ever thought about staying on board during a port day? You might be missing out on the best deals, quietest pools, and spa discounts of the whole trip. Here’s why savvy cruisers skip the crowds and stay on the ship.
Booked Excursions in Every Port? Your Wallet’s Crying
It’s a costly cruise mistake many first-time cruisers make—booking shore excursions in every port of call. I quickly discovered that not every stop needs a $150 tour. Some ports are perfect for wandering, beach days, or hopping a $5 taxi to a local spot.
One traveler on Reddit said they booked excursions in every port “just to be safe”—and barely enjoyed half of them. Another skipped the tours, grabbed a local map, and spent less than $20 exploring and enjoying local delicacies and culture.
Pick your splurges wisely. A mix of DIY and booked tours keeps things fun—and your budget intact.
Want to save cash and still explore? Check out my guide to the best walkable cruise ports in the Caribbean—these stops are perfect for skipping the pricey tours without missing a thing.
Cruise Rules Allow You to Bring Wine, But You Forgot. Expensive Mistake
Many cruise lines let you bring a bottle or two of wine, beer, or soda onboard. It’s one of the few legit ways to save on a drinks package—yet so many forget. In the end, you can save between $40 and $100 on wine.
One cruiser said they realized too late and paid $10 a glass for something they had sitting at home. Another always packs two bottles in bubble wrap—no corkage fee if you drink it in your cabin. Just check your cruise line policy beforehand.
It’s easy, it’s allowed (cruise-line dependent), and it’s a no-brainer. Just don’t forget it in the rush to pack flip-flops.
Overpaying for Snacks and Treats
Those minibar snacks? Cruise ship convenience at premium prices, and the perfect way to rack up a huge onboard bill. A tiny can of Pringles or a mini whiskey might cost the same as the full-size version back home.
One cruiser joked they paid “$7 for the saddest Snickers of my life.” Another said the minibar was their most expensive impulse of the trip. Removing temptation is a top priority for many cruisers—that’s why they ask their cabin steward to empty ASAP.
Bring your own treats or hit the buffet. That miniature bottle isn’t a bargain—it’s a lesson in cruise markup economics.
Onboard Booking Bonus? You Missed It
Thinking of cruising again? Booking your next cruise while onboard often scores you extra perks—like reduced deposits, bonus OBC, or locked-in pricing. But if you wait? Those bonuses vanish the moment you step off the ship.
One traveler said they booked an “open reservation” onboard just to keep the deal, and later applied it to a sailing they hadn’t even picked yet.
Even if you’re undecided, grab the offer. It’s one of the easiest cruise hacks you’ll regret skipping.
Impulse Buys That Spark More Regret Than Joy
The jewelry sparkles. The deals sound amazing. But many cruisers walk off with buyer’s remorse instead of the bling they love. Onboard shops sell big, especially gold, watches, and “duty-free” deals.
Some cruisers swear by their purchases. Others say they found the same item online later for half the price. One woman on Facebook said how much she regretted the impulse buy at the art auction that now collects dust in the attic.
If it brings you joy, go for it. Just don’t confuse vacation adrenaline with a smart buy.
Cruise Smarter, Spend Less, Enjoy More
Cruising should be a carefree experience, but that doesn’t mean you have to cruise blind. The truth is, most of these money mistakes aren’t about being reckless. They happen because cruisers assume things are included, forget to ask, don’t plan, or miss the fine print hiding in plain sight.
Now you know better. And that means more money for gelato in port, cocktails at sunset, or even your next sailing. Wishing you smooth seas, full wallets, and zero regrets.
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