12 Things You Should Never Buy On A Cruise Ship

Cruises might feel all-inclusive… until you see your onboard bill.

There are so many ways to spend money at sea. Some are totally worth it. Others? Not so much.

And the tricky part is, it’s not always obvious which is which.

A lot of these extras look tempting in the moment… but can end up being poor value once you know what you’re actually getting.

So, which cruise purchases should you think twice about before you buy?

1. Art from the Auctions

Cruise ship art auctions often present themselves as glamorous affairs, complete with Champagne and persuasive auctioneers encouraging quick decisions.

I’d even recommend popping along sometimes just to grab a free drink – no harm in that!

However, the art pieces themselves are frequently overpriced, and valuations might be less trustworthy than they appear. Art bought on board can also be tricky to authenticate or resell later.

If you’re keen on purchasing art, take some notes and research the artists once you’re back home – you’re likely to find better deals and more reliable information through reputable galleries or online.

If you want to splurge because you’ve seen something you love, and there’s a competitive bid for it, then by all means go for it.

I did once get a great deal on a gorgeous piece of art on a ship. It only costs $30! However, when I went to pay for it, I was offered framing and shipping, which would have cost around $500 on top!

I declined the framing and took it to a local framing shop, where it cost around £40 for a lovely frame. However, I did still have to pay $60 for postage. All in all, I still feel I got a good deal, even though it cost a lot more overall than the initial price.

2. Designer Jewellery and Watches

It can be tempting to splurge on designer jewellery and watches during a cruise, especially when you’re relaxed and enjoying your holiday.

But beware: onboard boutiques often have significant markups despite promises of duty-free prices.

If you bring goods worth more than £390 into the UK, you’ll need to declare them and pay VAT and possibly duty. In most cases, this is charged on the full value of the item, not just the amount over £390.

If you’re travelling to the USA, you may have heard that anything over $800 is only taxed at around 3%. That used to be the case, but this simplified rule has now been removed. Duty can vary depending on the item, and in some cases may be higher or applied more widely, so it’s worth checking the latest rules before you buy.

While a watch or necklace might seem like the perfect souvenir, you’ll usually find more competitive pricing – and better guarantees – through established jewellers back home or reputable online retailers. If you have a problem with an item you bought, it can be really tricky to return.

Enjoy browsing, but consider buying later. A souvenir that’s inspired by your cruise, even if you didn’t buy it onboard, is still worth having. And if you aren’t that fussed about genuine designer items, you’ll often find cheaper options in port anyway.

3. Drinks Packages

If you enjoy wine, cocktails, or other drinks regularly, buying individual beverages on board can quickly become a budget-buster. However, onboard drinks packages themselves are often more expensive if bought during your trip.

Cruise lines almost always offer discounted rates if you pre-book online, saving you potentially hundreds of pounds.

Plan ahead, think realistically about your drinking habits, and snap up those early-bird deals to ensure your bar tab stays manageable. If you’re buying your package onboard, you’re almost certainly overpaying.

4. Individual Cocktails

If you’re someone who loves sipping cocktails or enjoying several glasses of wine each day, paying individually can quickly add up.

Most cocktails on cruise ships cost around $12–$14, and once gratuity is added, you’re usually paying closer to $15–$17 per drink. A glass of wine is often $10–$14, while beers are typically $7–$9.

That means just 4–5 cocktails a day could cost you $60–$80+, and that’s before you’ve had a coffee, soft drink, or bottle of water.

Instead, it’s worth spending a few minutes doing the maths before your cruise.

If you’re planning to drink regularly, a pre-booked drinks package is often the smarter move financially. On many cruise lines, packages cost around $70–$100 per day, so it doesn’t take long to break even if you’re ordering cocktails or wine.

But it’s not right for everyone.

If you mostly stick to beer, don’t drink every day, or prefer a more relaxed pace, you could end up paying more for a package than you would buying drinks individually.

My drinks package calculator can help you work out what the best option is for you.

5. WiFi Packages

Onboard WiFi can be surprisingly costly and frustratingly slow. Things are getting better in terms of speed, thanks to Starlink satellite WiFi being added across fleets, but it’s still often nothing close to what you’ll get at home.

And yet, cruise ships often charge premium rates when you buy internet access, especially if you’re paying after setting sail. To dodge this, book your WiFi package before you leave home to get significantly better prices, if you absolutely need the WiFi onboard.

Alternatively, if your itinerary has plenty of ports, you’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants onshore offering free, reliable WiFi – perfect for uploading holiday snaps or catching up on emails without draining your wallet.

Or consider an alternative such as an eSIM, which could save you a lot compared to the cruise line’s own WiFi prices.

6. Spa Treatments at Regular Price

The onboard spa is a luxurious temptation, promising relaxation and indulgence – but it often comes at eye-watering prices, especially on sea days.

We’re talking treatments that can cost well past the $200 mark, so if you wanted several? Expect a hefty bill.

Instead, wait for port-day specials, when spa treatments can see good discounts. Or at least keep an eye out for promotions onboard to bring the cost down. A lot of spas will offer discounts based on the number of treatments you book – bulk booking means lower prices.

Even better, why not book a spa day ashore at a local resort, which often offers far better value and a memorable local experience? Your wallet (and your holiday selfies) will thank you.

And if you do visit the spa on a ship, beware of the upsells. That moisturiser they want to sell you after your facial? You can probably get the exact same thing for a fraction of the price at home.

Read more: The 9 Most Overpriced Extras On A Cruise

7. Souvenir Photos

Cruise ship photographers are everywhere, snapping photos that you might be tempted to buy later. However, these pictures often come with surprisingly high price tags, making them a poor value for money.

Instead, take your own photos with your phone or camera – ask fellow passengers or friendly crew members to snap a few shots for you.

All you’re going to miss out on is the fancy green-screen backdrops, and are they really necessary?

Opt for the DIY photos, and you’ll capture the same great memories without breaking your holiday budget.

However, some cruise lines will include photos depending on your fare – Princess Premier guests get three prints included plus unlimited digital pics! So then it can be worth it.

Suggested read: 8 Expert Tips To Capture Perfect Cruise Photos

8. Basic Toiletries and Meds

Onboard shops sell basic toiletries and medicines at a premium, capitalising on the desperation factor if you’ve forgotten essentials like toothpaste, sunscreen or painkillers.

Avoid these inflated prices by double-checking your packing list before sailing. Easier said than done, though, right?

If something slips your mind, and you aren’t utterly desperate, wait until you dock at the next port, where supermarkets and pharmacies offer far better prices and more variety.

You usually don’t have to wander too far into port to find a good option.

9. Casino Games

Cruise ship casinos promise excitement, glitz, and glamour, but the house advantage can be even steeper than usual.

Unless you’re genuinely keen on gambling as entertainment and have set a strict budget, it’s wise to steer clear, especially if you’ve been making the most of that drinks package you shouldn’t have bought on board.

Consider it a bit of fun if you choose to participate, but don’t expect to strike it rich onboard – you’re often better off saving your cash for enjoyable activities ashore.

Read more: What You Must Know Before Hitting The Cruise Ship Casino

10. Expensive Fitness Classes

Cruise lines will always have plenty of options for keeping fit onboard. There’s usually a running track and a gym that you can make use of, but they’ll also offer fitness classes at premium prices, leveraging your desire to stay active during your holiday.

While a sunrise yoga session or high-energy spin class might sound appealing, remember there are plenty of free alternatives onboard.

While the offer of unlimited classes for $99 might sound good on day one, after getting up at 6 am for the first couple, you might get bored with them.

Enjoy the gym facilities, join free group activities offered by cruise staff, or simply walk and jog the outdoor decks for equally good exercise and lovely sea views – without the extra charge.

Even if you just skip the elevator and use the stairs, you’ll probably burn off that dessert you’re half-regretting.

Again, Princess Plus and Premier fares include fitness classes, so check your fare to see if any are free.

11. Bottled Water Unless You’re Really Particular

Buying bottled water onboard quickly becomes an expensive habit, not to mention environmentally unfriendly.

Instead, bring your own refillable water bottle and top it up at the ship’s numerous water stations, which provide clean, safe drinking water.

Most ships have several places where you can refill your water bottle. You’ll always find one in the gym.

Refilling your bottle from the water dispensers in the buffet isn’t allowed for hygiene reasons, as these machines are designed to fill glasses. To get around that, all you’ll need to do is fill a clean glass with water and decant it into your bottle.

The tap water in your cabin is typically perfectly safe to drink, too. It might not be the freshest water, but it’s fine for a midnight sip if the air-con has given you a dry throat.

Doing this helps your budget, keeps you hydrated, and reduces plastic waste – an easy win all around.

12. Health Supplements

On your cruise programme, you’ll often see free health seminars advertised. These have names like ‘Eat More to Weigh Less’ or ‘How To Remove Your Aches And Pains’.

While these seminars may give you some useful information, you should be aware that the main point of them is to sell you extras. The ‘secret cure’ is often several hundred dollars’ worth of supplements that you just don’t need.

The same goes for the ‘footprint analysis’. If you genuinely do need insoles for your shoes, you can get them from the NHS for free or online for about £20.

Controversial One – Shore Excursions

I’ve not put this in the numbered list because I know how much it splits opinion. However, I’m pretty confident that I would never buy a shore excursion on board a cruise anymore.

A lot of people prefer to book via the cruise line for security reasons. They want to be absolutely sure that they won’t miss the ship, because they know that with an unofficial excursion provider, they’d be left behind.

But I recommend using third-party excursion providers like Shore Excursion Group because they can save you so much money.

And that fear about missing the ship? They guarantee that it won’t happen. And if it does, they’ll pay for your transport to meet the ship at the next port, and they’ll compensate you with $1,000 for the inconvenience.

Almost makes me want it to happen!

Final Word

At the end of the day, it’s your money.

If you want to splurge, go for it. That’s part of the fun of cruising.

But a lot of these extras are designed to catch you in the moment… when you’re relaxed and not thinking about the cost.

A little planning makes a big difference.

Skip the overpriced extras, spend where it actually matters, and you’ll enjoy your cruise more… without the shock when the bill arrives.

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