For many first-time cruisers, the thrill of stepping onto a ship for the first time can quickly become a lesson in budgeting. One big mistake is thinking that everything onboard is free. A new cruiser might happily grab a colorful cocktail from a waiter, only to be surprised by a big bill soon after. This situation illustrates how inexperienced travelers can easily spend too much on their first trip.
Cruise lines know how to upsell and they often rely on passengers to spend well beyond the initial ticket cost. From drinks and excursions to SPA treatments and onboard shopping, chances to splurge are everywhere. To help newcomers steer clear of these mistakes, here's a list of 15 common ways first-time cruisers waste money, based on years of cruising experience and advice from seasoned travelers. Let's dive in!
Are you making these cruise costly mistakes?
Source: Colin Lloyd/Unsplash
1. Overbooking shore excursions
While shore excursions are a popular way to explore ports of call, booking too many can quickly drain your budget. Many destinations, such as Barcelona or Venice, are easy to navigate independently. For example, Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia is accessible via the metro for just a few dollars, with entry tickets costing around $27 for adults. In contrast, a cruise line excursion to the same site can cost over $100 per person. Researching independent exploration can save both money and provide a more personalized experience.
2. Relying solely on cruise line excursions
Booking excursions through the cruise line is convenient, but it's not always the best value. Independent tour operators often offer smaller, more intimate experiences at a fraction of the cost. For example, a private tour with a local guide might cost less than a crowded bus tour organized by the cruise line. Use the cruise line's excursion list as a guide, but explore independent options before committing.
3. Purchasing a drink package unnecessarily
Drink packages can be a great deal for heavy drinkers, but they're often a waste of money for those who consume less. For example, Carnival's "CHEERS!" package costs up to $119 per day, meaning you'd need to drink heavily to break even. If you prefer a few beers or glasses of wine, paying as you go is usually more economical.
4. Skipping a drink package when it makes sense
On the flip side, if you're a frequent drinker, a package can save you money. Wine drinkers, in particular, can benefit, as glasses of wine on cruise ships often cost $10-$15. Ordering just 8 glasses a day can make a package worthwhile. In addition, many packages include nonalcoholic beverages like specialty coffees and sodas, adding extra value.
5. Not bringing your own drinks
Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own beverages, which can significantly reduce onboard spending. For example, Disney Cruise Line permits adults to bring 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers at embarkation and each port. Royal Caribbean allows one bottle of wine per adult and up to 12 nonalcoholic drinks. Check your cruise line's policy to take advantage of this cost-saving option.
Source: Patrick Schöpflin/Unsplash
6. Opting for a soda package
Soda packages are often unnecessary unless you're a heavy soda drinker. At Royal Caribbean, a soda package costs $12.99-$15 per day, while individual sodas are around $3. You'd need to drink at least 5 sodas daily to make the package worthwhile, which may not happen on port-heavy itineraries.
7. Forgetting essential toiletries
Cruise ship stores charge premium prices for basic items like sunscreen, aspirin, and Band-Aids. Packing a small kit with over-the-counter medications and other essentials can save you from overpriced onboard purchases. Don't forget extra camera batteries if you plan to take photos.
8. Ignoring points cards for onboard spending
Maximizing credit card points is a smart way to offset cruise expenses. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® offer extra points for travel and dining purchases, making them ideal for onboard spending.
9. Paying full price for SPA treatments
Cruise ship spas are notoriously expensive, with treatments like massages costing upwards of $199. Savvy cruisers wait for port-day discounts, when SPAs often lower prices to attract customers. Check cabin newsletters or SPA promotions for deals.
10. Double-tipping for SPA services
Some cruise SPAs automatically add an 18%-20% gratuity to treatments. Always ask if a tip is included before adding an extra 15%-20% to avoid double-tipping.
Source: Life Of Pix/Pexels
11. Overspending on onboard shopping
From jewelry to tanzanite, cruise ship stores are filled with tempting but overpriced items. Remember, you're a captive audience, and prices are often inflated. Think twice before making impulse purchases.
12. Neglecting airplane mode on your phone
Leaving your phone on while cruising can lead to exorbitant roaming charges. Always switch to airplane mode and use Wi-Fi packages for internet access. Some phone companies offer cruise-specific plans, but Wi-Fi is usually the most cost-effective option.
13. Buying overpriced photo packages
Ship photographers are everywhere, but their services come at a premium. Single digital photos can cost $20, with packages running into the hundreds. Consider taking your own photos to avoid these charges.
14. Not using points for flights
While using points for cruises can be challenging, booking flights with miles can save significant money. Research credit card rewards programs to maximize your savings on airfare.
15. Missing out on casino comps
If you enjoy gambling, introduce yourself to the casino manager and inquire about player rewards. Programs like Norwegian Cruise Line's Casinos at Sea offer perks like free drinks, dining credits, and even future cruise discounts based on your play.
Ditch cruise port chaos: secure hassle-free parking with ParkingNearAirports.io!
Source: Vincent Gerbouin/Pexels
It's pretty clear that everyone wants to save as much money as possible and get excellent services at the same time, especially while traveling. Prefer to get to the cruise port by your own car? If so, please draw special attention to this part of the article.
We suppose you have used to choose on-site parking if you prefer to get to the cruise port by your own vehicle. Most people think that it's much more convenient and faster, as it's the nearest area to the place a ship leaves from. However, they probably forget that this type of parking is too costly. Besides, you will have to face the following unpleasant moments:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way down the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees with no service.
Sounds terrible, right? Is there any solution in such a situation, you may ask? We're happy to say – of course, there is one! If you choose to use the services provided by off-site parking, you won't definitely regret it. So let's take a closer look at this parking type.
What is actually off-site parking?
Source: Denniz Futalan/Pexels
Obviously, no one wants to face all of such difficulties we described above, and you can easily avoid them if you choose an off-site parking option. So let's take a look at how it works.
When you come to the entrance, the staff member pulls your baggage out of your car and loads it to the shuttle, which will take your bags and you later to the cruise port you're leaving from. Then they will find a parking spot and park your car there for you.
Please don't worry about the few miles, which usually separate the parking lot and the cruise port. Off-site parking usually provides free shuttles to and from the cruise port for its customers. Thanks to this, you have no worries about getting stuck in traffic on the way to the cruise port during the peak times. So all you need to do is choose the best time for you and inform the parking lot staff.
In addition, this type of parking is much cheaper, and this is good news, as nobody wants to waste money. Therefore, off-site parking is the perfect option to receive excellent service and save money at the same time.
You can find the best deals right here!
Source: Joseph Barrientos/Unsplash
If you're looking for the best deals for cruise ports, you're in the right place.
We are glad to inform you that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, provides the services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas. Besides, we offer the best prices on airport car parking and bundles hotel and parking packages.
Our partners are the most reliable parking providers outside the top cruise ports in the United States. We offer their services for passengers who are looking for safe and secure parking for their vehicles.
In addition, we can arrange valet parking, self-parking, or a vehicle to pick you up from the hotel to the terminal and vice versa. Just let us know the dates, choose your preferred services, and we'll get it done for you.
It only takes a few minutes to make a reservation. Get the most affordable rates and experience hassle-free off-site parking.
To understand it better, let's take a good example. Imagine that you live in New Jersey, United States. If you're planning a trip to Norwegia, you can choose cheap parking near Cape Liberty Cruise Port. If you're coming from any other state or city, the situation is the same. So it depends just on where you're leaving from.
Also, please don't forget about the cruise port coupons. Such a coupon can easily help you save money at the beginning of your trip, making the price for parking almost two times less. So if we talk about the Cape Liberty Cruise Port (CLZ), you can use special Cape Liberty Cruise Port parking coupons.
You can find the best deals, Cape Liberty Cruise Port parking rates, and other essential parking information for US cruise ports on our official website.
