In recent years it seems that cruise lines are trying to sell you more and more extras.
Until a few years ago, it was easy to find “all-inclusive” cruises. They even included drinks, some excursions, and many activities on board.
Nowadays, on the other hand, the price of the cruise only includes meals and some activities. All other things must be purchased separately.
But in this sea of “extra services,” which ones are really worth your money? I have selected 7 of them that I think are the best ones!
1. Wi-Fi package
One extra that I think is worth buying is definitely the internet package.
I don’t think any of us can live without being connected to the world and the Wi-Fi package is considered by many to be essential.
During my last cruises, I also noticed that the signal quality and speed have improved so much.
Many ships have started installing Starlink, which guarantees a significantly lower latency than the usual satellite connection.
Prices are still quite high, ranging from about $13 to about $25 per day, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. But given that you can access the internet at open sea I still consider it an extra to seriously consider.
2. Specialty Dining
The cruise price already includes food, both at the buffet and the main dining room.
The food is often delicious and will be enough to please all palates. However, If you are looking for a unique and exclusive dining experience, you might consider specialty dining options.
These are restaurants that usually specialize in a particular type of cuisine, and come with an additional charge.
Among the ones I liked best are Kaito on MSC and Wonderland on Royal Caribbean, I recommend them if you want to have a different dining experience.
3. Spa Pass
It cannot be a real vacation if there is no relaxation.
For this reason, I think that the spa pass is a good extra to consider. That type of pass gives you access to the thermal area so you can use the steam room, the saunas, the showers, and the pools.
In addition, massages can also be a good choice. They tend to be pricier than those you might find on land, but this is to be expected, most things on the ship come with a higher price tag.
4. Drink Packages
In my opinion, drink packages are totally worth the price. I always buy them when I go on a cruise.
Obviously, it depends on how much you drink, but you should consider that buying individual drinks is very expensive.
To get an idea take a look at the prices and the included beverages in the Royal Caribbean drink packages and the MSC drink packages.
5. Some excursions
I don’t usually recommend buying all the excursions. They are often very expensive, and you can easily arrange the tours on your own.
However, definitely consider the cruise line-organized excursions if you visit unsafe ports or if you are not an experienced traveler.
I want to remind you that the ships do not wait for you, so knowing how to plan visits is crucial.
6. Balcony
I don’t know if it can be considered an “extra” but the balcony is really something more that can change the whole vacation.
With the balcony, you can enjoy the sea, the sun, and the breathtaking view right from your cabin.
I always consider upgrading to a balcony cabin if the price is not too high. If you can’t spend much check out the article on how to get a free cruise upgrade.
7. Travel Insurance
The last extra that’s worth adding to your trip is insurance.
I hope you never need it, but doctors on a cruise have extremely high prices.
It is always good to consider travel-specific health insurance, especially if you will be abroad for a long time. It could save you a lot of money.
Last year I dislocated my wrist. The phone call to medical cost $80, and then I went down to medical.
I had X-rays, injections from pain, and a cast. It cost me a total of $1080 upfront. Then, I had to claim travel insurance which I am glad I had.
