Cruises are all-inclusive trips: you pay the booking fee and then you might not need to spend anything more.
Is it really like that? Well, not really. Cruise lines will always try to sell you some extras that are much more expensive than normal and can significantly increase the final cost of your trip.
The important thing is to be able to recognize them, and if possible avoid them.
To help you in this process, I decided to create a list of the 10 things that are considered overpriced by most passengers.
1. Art Pieces
You may think I’m crazy, but on some cruise ships, it is actually possible to buy pieces of art.
I am not sure which cruise lines exactly do it, I have definitely seen them for sale on MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival.
You can either find a small price tag next to a painting (or other art pieces) or buy them during auctions that are held during the cruise.
Now, I am not an art expert, but I have talked to several passengers who are familiar with the subject.
They all confirmed to me that the prices are quite inflated and that it doesn’t pay to participate in the auctions unless there is something you really like and you don’t want to miss.
2. Drinks
Are single drinks expensive on cruise ships? Well, many people consider them expensive but it really depends on where you’re from and how much you pay for them in your city.
Consider that cocktails on the most famous cruise lines usually range from $8 to $15, with some premium cocktails or top-shelf liquors costing even more.
On the other hand, coffees or sodas usually go from $2 to $5 per drink.
In addition, you have to consider that most cruise lines automatically add a service charge that is usually around 18-20%.
3. Designer items
Designer items such as handbags, wallets, or clothing can easily lead you into mistakes.
First of all, if you are offshore and don’t have an internet connection it is difficult to check the price of items.
I have noticed that sometimes the prices are in line with the prices ashore, other times things are more expensive, but I have also seen things at a lower price.
However, the real problem is that you can’t change the item and have no future assistance on it. It is not a physical store where you can go back to if you have any problem, once you buy it you have to keep it.
4. Transfers
When the ship arrives at the ports of call you will need a vehicle to reach the city center or places of interest.
In this case, you have two options: use public transportation or opt for the transfers provided by the cruise line.
As you can imagine, the second option is much more expensive than the first one. Therefore, if you want to save money, I advise you to avoid them. I have already told you about them in the article on the 20 tips & tricks to save money on a cruise.
5. Paid activities
On a cruise ship, there are many activities you can do for free, but many others come with an additional cost.
The ones you have to pay for are usually: specialty dining, spa services, fitness classes, and special adventure activities (like go-karting or escape rooms).
As I always say, if you’re in doubt just ask a team member if an activity is free or not. You can find the complete list here.
6. Jewelry
Just as with art pieces, even on jewelry, I have noticed a lot of weirdness in prices.
For some jewelry, prices are really inflated, and sellers are willing to make sudden price changes if they see that you are no longer willing to buy.
This is why jewelry is on the list of the 7 things you should never buy on a cruise. before you depart, it could really save you a lot of money.
7. Excursions
What can I say about cruise line-organized excursions? Some people love them and some people hate it.
They are definitely more expensive than privately organized excursions, but they also offer extra security.
For example, with official excursions, you are protected if there is a delay, whereas with private excursions the ship will leave without you and you will have to worry about joining it at the next port.
In addition, you have the assurance of not being scammed or getting inexperienced guides.
I know the cruise lines’ excursions are overpriced but I usually recommend them, obviously not in every single port.
8. Drink Packages
Drink packages are expensive. Many people say they are even overpriced and I agree to a certain extent.
The very important thing to consider is that you have to drink a lot in order to be able to really get the benefit of them.
Can you do it? I don’t know, it really depends on you. Consider that on vacation you are inclined to drink more than usual but still do the math well.
I usually add it to my booking if I find a good offer. Just make sure to read the 10 drink package mistakes you should never make on a cruise.
9. Internet Access
I have talked about the internet on cruises so many times and I always repeat the same thing: if you do not have an absolute need for it, avoid spending your money.
Remember that it’s a vacation and a little break from the digital world will only do you good.
In terms of price, it can be said that the internet on ships is very expensive, however, consider that it is a satellite connection which is quite different from what we normally use at home.
10. Photographs
One thing that is really overpriced on cruises is photographs.
In this case, cruise lines play a on the emotional and sentimental side of passengers.
They know that memories with the people we love are important and that we are willing to spend a lot to have them.
I always try to avoid them by bringing a good camera from home. However, I have to admit that a couple of times I have fallen for them and I have a few professional photographs that cost me a lot (I don’t regret it though).
BONUS POINT: Medical Services
I just want to spend a few more words regarding the medical service, just as a warning.
Medical service on a cruise can be quite expensive, we saw it in the article of the woman who got a huge bill for a simple seasickness.
Since it’s so overpriced it is always a good idea to have cruise-specific insurance. Check how to choose the right one in this article.
