Cruises are all-inclusive vacations with many luxuries and extras that come at no additional cost. Many first-time cruisers are often surprised by these unexpected freebies. From complimentary beverages and attractions, there’s plenty to enjoy without spending extra money. These unexpected perks are part of what makes a cruise vacation such a great value.
Lobster and Steak for Dinner
Many first-time cruisers are pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food on cruises. It’s not just pizza and pasta. You can order upscale dishes in their main dining room. Most cruise lines will serve complimentary lobster and steak for at least one night of the cruise.
Impressive Buffet
Cruise ship buffets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite. Many rookie cruisers are impressed with the variety of dishes. You can enjoy everything from fresh salads to pasta to Mexican to Indian cuisine to Healthy Vegetarian dishes and, of course, lots of desserts. There are also many buffet themed nights. The best part? It’s all included in the cruise fare! And the buffet is open all day long!
Luxurious Room Service
Room service is an unexpected perk that many rookie cruisers love. From breakfast in bed to late-night snacks, it’s a luxurious perk for those who prefer to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their cabin. While most cruise lines now charge a fee for room service, continental breakfast is usually still free, so many seasoned cruisers take advantage of this to have fresh, hot coffee delivered every morning.
Broadway Style Shows
Many first-time cruisers are surprised by the quality of entertainment on board. Cruise lines have impressive productions with Broadway-style musicals, along with high-caliber guest performers for comedy, singing, and magic acts. Best of all, these performances are included in the cruise fare.
Well-Organized Kids Club
For families, the kids’ club on board is an amazing free perk. Many first-time cruisers are surprised by how well-organized Kids’ Clubs are on cruise ships. The Kids’ clubs are supervised programs with fun, educational activities and are typically divided by age groups. The best part is that childcare is completely free and included in the cruise fare, allowing parents to enjoy some time alone.
Theme Parties
Many first-time cruisers are pleasantly surprised to find out that the cruise ship hosts a variety of themed parties throughout the cruise, such as White Parties and Silent Disco Parties. There’s often no extra charge to attend. These events are fun and a great way to meet new people or for families to have fun together!
Lots of Organized Activities
First-time cruisers are often surprised by the long list of onboard activities in the daily planner. From trivia games and cooking classes to dance lessons, spa workshops, and port talks, there’s something for everyone throughout the day. These activities are usually free and included in the cruise fare.
Water Park
Many cruise ships have water parks with slides and splash pads, and first-time cruisers are often surprised by how impressive these attractions are. It’s not just one slide—many ships have entire water parks, including record-breaking slides. The splash pads are equally impressive, with elaborate water play zones and interactive water features. Best of all, these water parks are free for all guests to enjoy, saving you the cost of expensive water park tickets.
Rides
Some cruise ships have amusement park rides onboard. Many first-time cruisers are blown away by these attractions, such as roller coasters, go-karts, and bumper cars, which are available to guests for free or a minimal charge. These thrilling rides are a surprising treat for first-time cruisers. Check out 16 Cruise Activities that are Completely Free
Turn Down Service
Most cruise ships have luxurious nightly turn-down service, where your cabin is refreshed in the evening. Your cabin steward will tidy up your room, put out fresh towels, prepare your bed, and even leave little surprises like chocolates on your pillow or towel animals. First-time cruisers are always impressed when they first walk into their cabin to find it freshly turned down. Check out 8 Proven Ways to Get VIP Treatment on Your Next Cruise
Unexpected Free Food
Many first-time cruisers are surprised to find that it’s not just the buffet and main dining room where you can get free food on a cruise. There are many places on the cruise ship with complimentary food throughout the day. You can order freshly grilled burgers at the snack bar, enjoy chocolate chip cookies at the cafe, or grab soft serve from the poolside grill. Some ships even offer traditional afternoon tea. The best part is that all these extra foods are included in the cruise fare, with no additional cost. Check out 10 Food I’ll Never Eat at a Cruise Buffet
Adults-Only Pools
Many cruise ships have adults-only areas, such as a pool, hot tubs, and lounge area. These areas are great for relaxation and getting away from families and kids. First-time cruisers are often surprised to discover these spots on board. Check out Cruises Can Get Stressful, Here are 10 Ways to Make It a Relaxing Vacation
Amazing Service
One of the biggest surprises for first-time cruisers is the exceptional level of service provided by the cruise staff. The service goes beyond what most Americans are accustomed to, often resembling the high standards in hotels in Asia. Staff members go out of their way to anticipate your needs, and the attention to detail is impressive. Check out Should You Prepay Gratuities on Cruises? Pros and Cons
Free Champagne
Some cruise lines give complimentary champagne at special events like Captain’s parties and art auctions. It’s an unexpected treat for first-time cruisers! Check out 10 Ways to Score Free Champagne at a Cruise (How to Get Free Drinks!)
Free Beverage Stations
Cruise ships have free beverage stations throughout the day, where you can enjoy regular or decaf coffee, hot cocoa, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, and water. These stations are typically located in the buffet. First-time cruisers are often pleasantly surprised to learn that these drinks are free, and they don’t need to buy an expensive beverage package to enjoy them. Check out 8 Reasons Why Cruise Ship Beverage Packages are a Waste of Money