The 9 Most Overpriced Extras On A Cruise

Unless you book the very top all-inclusive holidays, there are always a lot optional extras that you might want or need to pay for.

And cruises are no different in this case. Your cruise fare covers a lot of things, but it doesn’t cover everything.

While it’s possible to cruise without paying anything extra, most people won’t, so budgeting for these extras is a good idea.

But what are the most overpriced extras? Where do you need to brace yourself for bad value before you sail?

I asked my Facebook audience what they thought the most overpriced extras for cruises were, and here’s the list in full:

1. WiFi

By some distance, WiFi was the cruise extra that was mentioned the most by past cruisers, and I’m not really surprised.

That’s because the WiFi on cruise ships can be very expensive compared to what you’re used to paying on land, but it’s nowhere near as good either.

WiFi packages vary by cruise line, but most will make you pay for a package lasting the duration of your cruise, meaning you’re typically locked into paying for it regardless of the quality of the service.

And you can expect to pay as much as £25 per day, sometimes just for one device as well. Cruise lines sometimes have plans that fit families or work for multiple devices but they still aren’t really great value.

Especially when you consider that you can get good-quality broadband on land for £25 for an entire month.

Which is why paying up to £175 for a week of slow, inconsistent WiFi access upsets many people.

Of course, WiFi via satellite is usually more expensive regardless of where you are in the world. And it’s not like cruise ships can drag internet cables around as they sail, like some sort of digital leash.

So there is some justification for higher prices, though they can still leave a sour taste in guests’ mouths.

The best solution is to just not pay for it – try to take a tech break and just enjoy the cruise if you can.

But that’s not always possible. I’m lucky that I take a lot of cruises, but I often have to work during them, even if it’s just an hour a day or so.

Taking advantage of free WiFi in port is one alternative but that depends on you being in port, and not having other plans for the day. A lot of people have to be online and so are forced to pay the high prices, and hope they get a decent speed.

WiFi is improving on cruise ships as more install Starlink satellite internet. This is more consistent with its speeds, and while it’s never going to feel like a fibre connection at home, it’s still perfectly usable most of the time.

But people are still frustrated by the high costs, especially when they have to pay for their entire cruise.

My advice is to only pay for the WiFi if you absolutely need it and you can’t manage with the free WiFi in port.

But if you need it, or you just want it and wouldn’t enjoy the cruise without keeping tabs on socials, then make sure you book it before you sail.

Packages are cheaper when pre-booked so you might as well budget for it early and book it before you board.

Read more: How to Stay Connected Without Paying For Expensicve Cruise Ship Wifi

2. Drink packages

Drinks packages are a hot topic when it comes to overpriced cruise extras, and honestly, I can see why so many people brought them up.

On paper, they sound like a great deal – unlimited drinks for a set daily price. But in reality, the cost can be eye-watering.

Depending on the cruise line, a drinks package can set you back anywhere from £25 to well over £100 per person, per day if you want alcohol included.

And here’s the kicker: most lines insist that every adult in the same cabin also buys a package, even if one of you isn’t much of a drinker.

So unless you plan to drink your body weight in cocktails, soft drinks, and speciality coffees every single day, it’s really hard to get your money’s worth.

And that’s before you discover the fine print – many premium drinks aren’t even included in the package, or you’ll have to pay a supplement for them.

I like a beer or cocktail (or five) on a cruise, but I don’t love feeling like I need to drink more just to justify the cost. It takes the fun out of things, doesn’t it?

When there’s a great deal then I’ll absolutely pay for the drinks package to avoid having to think about costs, otherwise I’ll just pay for drinks individually.

Drinks packages can make sense for some people.

If you love having lots of choice without worrying about the bill at the end, or if you’re someone who enjoys sipping on everything from cappuccinos in the morning to wine at dinner, then it might work for you.

Families with older teens who like soft drinks might also find value in a non-alcoholic package.

But always check whether the maths adds up, especially when you factor in port days, where you’re likely drinking off the ship anyway.

My drinks package calculator does all the maths for you. Just enter the drinks you plan to have and it will tell you if the package is worth it on your particular cruise.

And if you do decide to go for it, book it before you sail – just like with WiFi, it’s often cheaper to pre-purchase packages online than to buy them once you’re onboard.

But don’t feel pressured. Plenty of people happily cruise without a drinks package and don’t miss it one bit. You’re not missing out just because you skip the unlimited margaritas.

Read more: Everything You Must Know About Cruise Drinks Packages Before You Book

3. Spa treatments

Spa treatments are one of those cruise luxuries that sound so enticing – a massage overlooking the ocean, a relaxing facial while the ship glides through the water.

But the prices can be staggering, and the general consensus is that they’ve skyrocketed in more recent years.

Treatments onboard are often double or even triple what you’d have paid a few years ago on a cruise, or what you’d pay for something similar at home. It’s very rare that you’ll find a massage for under $150.

It’s not just the treatments themselves, either. Many cruisers report feeling pressured into buying expensive skincare products after their spa session, which adds even more to the final bill.

If you’re set on treating yourself, look out for discounts on port days when the spa tends to be quieter.

On a Costa cruise, I once bought a day pass to the spa on a sea day, only to find that it was so busy that the steam room and sauna was completely full and there were no beds to lay on either. I just stood there feeling silly for wasting my money!

You may choose to save your money and enjoy the hot tubs and relaxation areas that are already included in your fare.

And be prepared to stand your ground when they try to upsell products to you. Because they will, and they can be pushy. A firm no should be enough and if they continue to ask, feel free to let Guest Services know.

4. Photos

Cruise ship photographers are everywhere – snapping your formal night outfits, capturing your family as you board, and even lurking at dinner tables on some occasions.

While the photos are often lovely, the price tag can be shocking. Expect to pay upwards of £25 per photo, with bundles costing even more. P&O charges £250 if you want access to digital versions of all photos taken of you, for example.

Many cruisers feel that these prices are hard to justify, especially when most of us now carry a smartphone capable of taking great pictures.

While it’s tempting to buy a few as keepsakes, the cost adds up quickly.

If you do want professional photos, try to narrow it down to your absolute favourites, or wait until the end of the cruise when there are sometimes bundle deals available.

I love how they do photos on a Disney cruise. When you get your photo taken with the characters, there’ll be two photographers – one with the big camera, and one who will use your own phone or camera to take the picture for you for free.

5. Shore excursions

Shore excursions booked through the cruise line are convenient, but they often come with a hefty markup.

It’s not unusual to see prices of £60–£120 per person for tours that might cost half as much if booked independently.

For many, the high prices are simply not worth it, especially when local tour operators offer similar (or even better) experiences at a fraction of the cost.

That said, booking through the cruise line does give peace of mind, as they guarantee the ship won’t leave without you if the tour runs late.

A good compromise is to research your ports in advance. You might find that you can explore independently or book a reputable local guide for much less.

For cruisers who prefer to stick with the ship’s excursions, keep an eye out for discounts when booking multiple tours in advance.

Read more: Finding Affordable Shore Excursions: Tips and Tricks

6. Speciality dining

Speciality dining offers a chance to enjoy something a little different from the main dining rooms or buffet, but it often comes at a steep price.

While the food can be excellent, the cost of £30-100 per person for a meal that isn’t significantly better than what’s included in your fare can leave many feeling underwhelmed.

For some, it’s worth it to celebrate a special occasion or try a particular type of cuisine, but for most cruisers, the included dining options are more than good enough.

If you’re tempted, look out for pre-cruise deals or discounted offers once onboard. Sometimes you can book a package that includes speciality dining meals.

Otherwise, just make sure you’ve checked prices in advance where possible, so that if you’ve got a restaurant that you’re dead-set on enjoying, you can budget for it.

7. Private lounges & VIP areas

Private lounges and VIP areas that feature cabanas, exclusive bars or reserved sun loungers are becoming increasingly popular on some cruise lines – but they’re also dividing opinions.

Prices can vary anywhere between £25 and £100 per person per day, depending on the ship and package.

While some appreciate the exclusivity and guaranteed space, others feel these areas go against the inclusive nature of cruising.

If you’re someone who values peace and quiet, it might be worth splurging for a day, but for most, there are plenty of free spaces to relax without the extra cost.

Read more: Is Vibe Beach Club Worth It On NCL?

8. Drinks (especially bottled water)

The price of drinks onboard a cruise will vary greatly depending on who you’re cruising with, and while some are comparable to typical pub/bar prices at home, sometimes you’ll be paying a premium.

Honestly, bottled water seems to be the most egregious issue, sometimes costing as much as £4 for a bottle. If you like bottled water then that can quickly add up, especially on longer cruises.

Consider bringing as many drinks onto the ship as you’re allowed. Again, this varies by cruise line but will help mitigate the costs.

And a reusable water bottle is another great money-saver. You can either use the water fountains in public areas or just use the taps – the tap water on cruise ships is safe to drink (though not always the most pleasant).

As for alcoholic drinks, the same tips on bringing the maximum onboard that you’re permitted applies. And then if you plan on drinking a lot, maybe a package would actually be good value for you.

Read more: Can You Bring Bottled Water On A Cruise?

9. Onboard shopping

There’s something about being on holiday that can put you in the mood to splurge, and cruise ships are very good at encouraging that mindset.

With glittering displays of jewellery, shiny watches, and dramatic art auctions, it’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of treating yourself to something special.

But here’s the reality: many of those purchases, whether it’s a diamond necklace or a new timepiece, could be found for much less back home.

Cruise lines often market these items as duty-free bargains or “exclusive to the ship,” but a quick search online or at your local retailer might reveal that the so-called deals aren’t quite what they seem.

Art auctions, in particular, can catch people off guard. The pieces may look beautiful under the spotlights, and the auctions are presented as unique opportunities, but it’s worth doing your homework before bidding.

Many cruisers report finding the same or similar works available for a fraction of the price elsewhere.

If you’re considering a big-ticket item, it’s always worth taking a moment to pause. Snap a picture, do some research, and compare prices when you’re back home.

Final word

Cruises are a fantastic way to relax, explore, and enjoy a bit of luxury, but it’s easy to get caught out by the extras.

From drinks packages to spa treatments, WiFi to shore excursions, these optional add-ons can quickly turn a reasonably priced holiday into a costly one.

The key is to know what’s worth splurging on and what you can skip or find alternatives for.

A little planning and research go a long way – whether it’s bringing your own reusable water bottle, booking excursions independently, or deciding to enjoy the included dining rather than shelling out for speciality restaurants.

Remember, cruising is about enjoying yourself, and that doesn’t have to mean spending more than you’re comfortable with. By keeping an eye on your budget and prioritising the things that matter most to you, you’ll avoid unnecessary costs and make the most of your time at sea.

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