Things Not to Buy Onboard a Cruise (Save Your Money)
Cruise ships are built to make spending easy. Everything is charged to your cabin card, nothing feels like real money, and the final bill lands on the last night. Plenty of first-time cruisers leave with a total that’s much higher than they planned.
The trick isn’t to avoid spending altogether. It’s to know which onboard purchases are worth it, and which ones you can skip, bring from home, or buy cheaper in port.
Here are 12 things most cruisers regret buying onboard, plus what to do instead.
Why Onboard Prices Add Up So Fast
Onboard shops, bars, and services are priced for convenience. You’re a captive audience, and the ship knows it.
Items sold onboard often cost more than the same product at home, and the charge goes on your account instantly. That makes it easy to lose track of spending until you see the final bill.
Prices and policies vary by cruise line, so check your specific line before booking anything.
The Things Not to Buy Onboard Checklist
| Item | Why to Skip It | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled water | Costs add up quickly | Bring a reusable bottle and fill it onboard |
| Sunscreen and toiletries | Sold at a premium | Pack from home |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Limited selection, higher price | Bring a small kit |
| Photo packages (early) | Prices drop later in the sailing | Wait or take your own photos |
| Souvenirs onboard | Often pricier than in port | Buy local in port |
| Spa treatments at full price | Port-day deals are common | Look for discounts on port days |
| Internet packages (without comparing) | Cost varies widely | Check pricing before you board |
| Specialty coffee drinks every day | Charges stack up | Use included coffee or a package |
| Forgotten essentials | Premium convenience pricing | Use a packing checklist |
| Excursions booked onboard | Sometimes cost more | Compare with independent options |
| Casino chips for fun | Easy to overspend | Set a firm limit |
| Laundry service | Charged per piece | Pack lighter or use self-service |
1. Bottled Water
Onboard bottled water is convenient, but the cost builds up fast over a full week. Many cruise lines offer free drinking water at the buffet and dining venues.
The fix: Pack a reusable water bottle and fill it at the buffet or water stations. Check your cruise line’s current policy on bringing water onboard.
2. Sunscreen and Toiletries
Gift shop sunscreen, lotion, and toiletries are priced higher than they would be at home. You’re paying for the convenience.
The fix: Pack sunscreen, lip balm, and your regular products before you leave. Travel sizes are fine for a short trip.
3. Over-the-Counter Medicine
The ship’s medical center and shops carry basics, but the selection is limited and the price is higher. A headache or upset stomach is much easier to handle with something already in your bag.
The fix: Pack a small kit with pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, antacids, and bandages. Keep prescription medication in your carry-on.
4. Photo Packages Too Early
Professional photo packages are sold from day one, when prices are highest. Many cruisers buy before they’ve seen the photos.
The fix: Wait until later in the sailing, when prices often drop. Also consider taking your own photos, since most phones do a great job.
5. Souvenirs Onboard
Ship gift shops carry branded items and general souvenirs. These are often more expensive than similar items in port.
The fix: Buy local souvenirs in port, where prices tend to be lower and the items are more unique. Just check your cruise line’s policy on what you can bring back onboard.
6. Spa Treatments at Full Price
Spa services are a nice treat, but standard onboard pricing is high. Many cruise lines run discounts on port days, when most guests are off the ship.
The fix: Wait for port-day specials if your schedule allows. Book early for popular time slots.
7. Internet Packages Without Comparing
Onboard WiFi can be expensive, and pricing varies a lot between cruise lines and package types. Buying the first option you see can cost more than needed.
The fix: Compare pricing before you board. Consider whether you really need constant access, or whether limited use is enough.
8. Specialty Coffee Every Day
A daily specialty coffee drink is easy to justify one day at a time. Over a full week, it becomes a meaningful part of your bill.
The fix: Use the included coffee at the buffet or dining venues. If you love specialty coffee, check whether a drink package makes sense for your habits.
9. Forgotten Essentials
Forgetting a phone charger, adapter, or a basic item means buying it onboard at a premium. It’s one of the most common reasons for unplanned spending.
The fix: Use a packing checklist. A short list of essentials saves far more than it costs to prepare.
10. Excursions Booked Onboard Without Comparing
Ship-sponsored excursions are convenient and come with a return-to-ship guarantee. But independent options in port can sometimes cost less.
The fix: Compare cruise-line excursions with reputable independent tours before deciding. Always make sure you have plenty of time to return before the ship departs.
11. Casino Chips for Fun
Casino spending can climb quickly, especially when drinks are flowing and everything is charged to your account.
The fix: Set a firm limit before you walk in, and stick to it. Treat it as entertainment spending, not an investment.
12. Laundry Service
Onboard laundry is typically charged per piece. For a week-long cruise, the cost adds up quickly.
The fix: Pack a little lighter and plan for repeats. Some ships also offer self-service laundry at lower cost, so check before you board.
Onboard Purchases That Can Be Worth It
Not everything onboard is a waste. A few purchases are worth considering, depending on your trip.
- A drink package, if you drink enough to make it pay off
- Specialty dining, for a special occasion
- A shore excursion that’s hard to book independently
- A spa treatment on a discounted port day
The key is deciding before you board, rather than deciding at the checkout counter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not tracking spending daily — check your account balance regularly
- Buying on impulse at the gift shop — wait until the end of the trip
- Assuming everything is included — read what’s covered in your fare
- Skipping a pre-cruise budget — decide what you’ll spend before you board
- Forgetting about gratuities and drink package charges — they add to your final bill
What I’d Pack Differently
Based on current cruise-line guidance and common traveler feedback, the biggest savings usually come from packing basics at home. Sunscreen, medicine, chargers, and a reusable water bottle cover most of the items people regret buying onboard. A short checklist before you leave is the simplest way to save money.
FAQs
Is everything onboard overpriced? Not everything, but many convenience items are priced higher than at home. Checking prices before you buy helps.
Can I bring my own water onboard? Policies vary by cruise line, so check your specific line’s current rules. A reusable bottle you fill onboard is generally easy.
Is a drink package worth it? It depends on how much you drink. Do the math against your typical daily habits before buying.
Are port souvenirs really cheaper? Often yes, and they tend to be more unique too. Prices vary by port, so use your own judgment.
How can I avoid a surprise final bill? Check your onboard account balance daily, set a budget before you board, and review charges before the last night.
I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.
Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.
Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.
