Whenever I’m traveling, I find it frustrating to pay for things that are overpriced, especially when I know I could get them cheaper elsewhere. Unfortunately, as a tourist, it’s all too common to end up paying exorbitant prices for things on a cruise. To avoid this, I’ve compiled a list of overpriced items that I never purchase on a cruise and strategies I use to avoid having to buy them. Also, I’m sharing my cruise port and sea days planner as a free printable below.
Overpriced Things to Avoid Buying on a Cruise
1. Toiletry Items
Toiletry items in the cruise gift shop will be overpriced. Things like sunblock, razors, toothbrush, and toothpaste can cost you a lot more than they should. It’s best to pack them from home to avoid getting ripped off.
In case you forget basic toiletry items like toothbrush, toothpaste and comb, try asking your cabin steward. Some cruise lines will give you these items complimentary upon request. If they don’t have it, they will direct you to the gift shop. I have a toiletry bag packing list that you can use to help you with packing for your cruise, so you don’t forget anything.
2. Bottled Water
I never buy bottled water on a cruise. First of all, they are overpriced so I don’t like paying for overpriced water when I know I can get free water at the buffet.
The best way to avoid having to pay for water is to bring a refillable water bottle from home. Then you refill it with water and ice from the buffet so you always have water in your cabin and when you go on shore excursions.
Some cruise lines will allow you to bring a few bottles of water on embarkation day; take advantage of that. If not, just bring your refillable bottle to avoid buying overpriced bottled water on the cruise. I like these easy to flip open water bottle with no straw.
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3. Champagne
I never buy champagne on a cruise. Why buy it when I know I can get it for free?
The secret is to attend an art auction where they serve free champagne without any obligation to purchase art. Additionally, you can check your daily planner for free champagne opportunities, such as a champagne toast with a raffle, hosted by the gift shop to attract customers.
You’re more likely to find free champagne on sea days than on port days. For more tips on how to get free champagne and drinks on a cruise, check out my article on 10 ways to get free champagne.
4. Manicures
I never pay for manicures while on a cruise because it’s quite expensive. It’s much more affordable if I get a manicure back home instead. What I usually do is get a mani/pedi done before going on the cruise so that I don’t have to worry about it while on board.
If I’m going on a longer cruise, I make sure to pack my own nail polish and nail file/cutter. It’s a simple hack that saves me money and time, and I can still enjoy beautiful nails throughout my trip.
5. Cruise Photos
Cruise line photos are one of the most overpriced things on a cruise, and they can be quite expensive, ranging from $25 to $35 per picture. It always feels wrong to pay that much for a picture!
The most frustrating part is that the photos you take are displayed in the photo studio, and you end up feeling guilty for not buying them because you know they will just end up in the trash at the end of the cruise.
Although I try not to spend too much money on these pictures, I always end up buying at least one because my kids love looking at them. I do it reluctantly, though.
If you’re interested in learning more about what’s worth splurging on during a cruise, check out my article on 9 things worth splurging on a cruise.
6. Cruise Shore Excursions
Cruise shore excursions are almost always more expensive than if you book them through an independent tour operator. That’s why when I go on a cruise I always do my research and compare the prices of the cruise shore excursions to those of an independent tour operator like Viator.
I’ve learned that booking directly with an independent tour operator like Viator can often save you money compared to booking with the cruise line. I always compare prices to ensure I’m getting the best deal.
Often times, the independent tour operator will offer the same or similar tour as the cruise line, and it’s usually run by the same local tour company. The only difference is that the cruise line charges a premium for their guarantee that the ship won’t leave you behind.
But, I’ve never had an issue with independent tour operators. After all, they do the same tour with cruise passengers every week!
7. Room Service
I don’t like having to pay for room service when I’m on a cruise. Nowadays, many cruise ships charge fees for room service, either a flat fee or a per item fee.
Personally, I believe that room service should be complimentary. That’s why, if there is an additional charge, I refrain from ordering room service.
8. Corkage
I don’t like paying corkage fees on cruises. Most cruise lines will let you bring a bottle per person on embarkation day, but they usually charge you a corkage fee if you bring your wine to the main dining room or lounge.
To avoid this fee, I ask the bartender for wine glasses or request them from my cabin steward. Then, I drink my wine in my stateroom or bring the wine glass with me to the theater. That way, I can sip my wine while watching the show without having to buy a drink!
9. Water Shoes and Snorkel Gear
When I go on a cruise to places like the Caribbean or Mexico, where I know I’ll be spending a lot of time on the beach, I always bring my own water shoes and snorkel gear. I’ve made the mistake of overpaying for water shoes in the past, so now I bring my own to save money.
I also prefer not to rent snorkel gear because of hygiene concerns and the cost. That’s why I always bring my own.
However, it’s important to check your cruise ship’s guidelines because there may be restrictions on using your own snorkel gear. For example, you may be allowed to bring it onboard but only use it at the port, not in the cruise pool.
If you’re going on a cruise soon, don’t forget to check out my Caribbean, Mexico or Bermuda cruise packing lists to make sure you don’t forget anything important!
10. OTC Medication
I also don’t like buying overpriced over-the-counter medication from the gift shop on a cruise ship. That’s why I make sure to bring my own OTC medication from home, including antacids, pain relievers, cough and cold medicine, and anti-seasickness medication.
To make sure I have everything I need, I pack a cruise first aid kit with all the essentials. Be sure to check out my cruise first aid kit and toiletry bag packing list with free printable checklist!
Cruise Essentials
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Cruise Lanyard
Bring cruise lanyards; to make your life easier so you are not constantly looking for your cruise card!
Towel Bands
Towel bands are great in keeping your beach towels in place! So, they are slipping off the pool lounge chairs!
Power Strip
Definitely bring a cruise-approved power strip so you have more outlets for charging your devices. Cruise cabins never have enough outlets! Please double-check with your cruise line, as some do not allow power strips and will only allow USB charger cubes.
Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to make cruise packing easier. These cubes will help keep your clothes organized. Unpacking is easy because you just need to take the cubes out of your luggage and put them in the drawers and shelves—so easy! Assign a color for each person in your cabin so you don’t get your cubes mixed up.
Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag
This anti-theft crossbody bag is perfect for travel. It features a slash-resistant design and RFID-blocking technology for added security. It even comes with a side pocket to hold your water bottle.
Luggage Tags
For safety, make sure every luggage and bags are labeled with a luggage tag. I like these custom luggage tags that you can order and personalize with your information.
Passport Neck Wallet
Keep your passport and other travel documents safe in this passport neck wallet.
Magnetic Hooks
Bring magnetic hooks to organize your cabin and keep it clutter-free. These hooks are for hanging baseball caps, cruise lanyards, goggles, bathing suits and towels.
Detergent Travel Packets
These detergent travel packets are great for handwashing bathing suits in the sink.
Anti-Seasickness
This anti-seasickness medicine is a go-to to combat seasickness on a cruise. If you have kids, make sure you bring the chewable version. If you are looking for a natural solution, try these acupressure bands.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise cabin sinks are notoriously small. Get a hanging toiletry bag to make it easier!
Cruise Travel Planner Printable
Get our comprehensive cruise travel planners to stay organized before and during your cruise. It includes pre-cruise and post-cruise itineraries, a cruise port planner, sea days planner, packing lists, cruise budget tracker and more!
- Caribbean Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Alaska Cruise Travel Planner (28 pages)
- Mediterranean Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Mexico Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
- Baltic Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- British Isle Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- Bermuda Cruise Travel Planner (29 pages)
- Bahamas Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
Cruise Travel Insurance
It’s smart to always buy cruise travel insurance. Get a quote for CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) if you are going on a cruise during hurricane season.
Wrinkle Releaser
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free and odor-free with these travel size Downy wrinkle releaser.
Shore Excursions
Cruise shore excursions are expensive, I suggest doing a quick price comparison with Viator to see if you can get the same tour for less.
Get Your Free Cruise Port and Sea Days Planner
Sign up once and you will get access to ALL exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, just save the printable image and then print it. Use it to plan your shore excursions on port day and activities on sea days. I hope you like it!
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