In recent years it seems that cruise lines are trying to sell you more and more extras.
Not too long ago, all-inclusive cruises were pretty common: you’d get drinks, some excursions, and plenty of onboard activities included in the price.
Now? Most cruises only cover meals and a few activities, with everything else costing extra.
But with so many add-ons available, which ones are actually worth it? Here are seven that I think give you the best bang for your buck!
1. Wi-Fi package
One extra that I think is worth buying is definitely the internet package.
I don’t think anyone 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 worth seriously considering.
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.
On many cruise ships, there are restaurants that specialize in a particular type of cuisine and come with an additional charge.
Two of my favorites are Kaito on MSC and Wonderland on Royal Caribbean; I highly recommend them if you’re looking for a unique dining experience!
3. Spa Pass
A vacation isn’t really a vacation without some relaxation.
For this reason, I think the spa pass is a good extra to consider. Usually, the pass gives you access to the thermal area, where you can use the steam room, saunas, showers, and pools.
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
Drink packages are totally worth the price if you drink a lot. I always buy them when I go on a cruise.
Obviously, it depends on the person, but you should also consider that buying individual drinks is very expensive.
Also, consider that about 10 types of drinks are always free on a cruise, you can find the full list here.
5. Some Excursions
I don’t usually recommend booking all your excursions through the cruise line. They can be quite expensive, and in many ports, it’s easy to explore on your own or arrange tours independently for a fraction of the cost.
That said, there are times when booking through the cruise line is the smarter choice. If you’re visiting a port with safety concerns or you’re not a confident traveler, a ship-organized excursion can give you peace of mind.
Just remember, cruise ships don’t wait for late passengers! If you’re exploring on your own, make sure you manage your time well so you don’t get left behind.
In this regard, I recommend reading the article on what happens if you miss your cruise ship and also the one on the most dangerous cruise ports.
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 reasonable. If you can’t spend much, check out the article on how to get a free cruise upgrade.
7. Travel Insurance
The last extra worth adding to your trip is insurance. I hope you never need it, but doctors and medications on a cruise are extremely expensive.
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.
Just to give you an example, last year, I dislocated my wrist while I was on a ship. The phone consultation with the medical center alone cost me $80, and that was before even stepping foot inside.
Once I got there, I needed X-rays, pain relief injections, and a cast, which came to a total of $1,080 upfront. Thankfully, I had travel insurance and was able to claim it back, but without it, that would have been a very painful expense!
In this article I explained how to find the best cruise insurance.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
