Cruising offers the allure of all-inclusive luxury, with gourmet meals, entertainment, and relaxing facilities bundled into one price.
But experienced travellers warn that hidden costs onboard that can set you back a surprising amount.
Don and Heidi Bucolo, the US-based husband and wife travel team behind Eat Sleep Cruise, recently asked cruise enthusiasts on social media what they would avoid spending money on during their next trip.
A list was compiled from the cruisers’ answers, which revealed the biggest ‘rip-off’ services, products and experiences when it comes to a cruise ship holiday.
From overpriced souvenirs to dubious art auctions, their answers highlighted five costly mistakes first-time cruise passengers often find themselves making.
For those preparing to set sail, here’s a rundown of the top cruise ‘rip-offs’ to steer clear of.
Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind Eat Sleep Cruise , recently asked cruise enthusiasts on social media what they would avoid spending money on during their next trip
Professional photographs
One of the top answers Eat Sleep Cruise received for things cruisers refuse to spend money on is the onboard photography service.
Professional photographers are often stationed around the ship to capture moments during dinners, specialised events and formal nights.
However, the hefty price for printed photos is hard to justify, according to cruisers, who also admitted that ship-sponsored photos feel too posed or ‘fake,’ especially on embarkation day.
Most travellers now prefer to rely on their smartphones or cameras, which deliver high-quality images for free.
The experts advised: ‘Unless you’re or celebrating another special event that warrants a professional photographer, you likely don’t need to utilize the services of the ship’s photography studio.
The hefty price for printed photos is hard to justify, according to cruisers, who also admitted that ship-sponsored photos feel too posed or ‘fake,’ especially on embarkation day (stock image)
Art auctions
Onboard art galleries and auctions may seem like a refined way to bring home a unique souvenir, but travellers caution that such events are often a gimmick.
According to Eat Sleep Cruise, many ‘originals’ are simply prints enhanced with brushstrokes to mimic authenticity.
Some buyers have even filed lawsuits against cruise lines, claiming that art pieces were misrepresented or massively overpriced – sometimes by as much as 100 per cent.
In one notorious incident, forged pieces were sold to unsuspecting passengers, though refunds were later issued without legal battles.
The experts added: ‘In my opinion, the art gallery is a money grab for the cruise line. It completely fleeces the passengers who end up buying an art piece.’
Spa and salon services
Cruise ship spas, with their ocean views and luxurious amenities, can be tempting, but their high prices often leave passengers feeling more stressed than soothed.
Treatments like massages and facials often come with significant markups compared to services offered onshore.
The experts said: ‘I’d personally much prefer paying for a massage or haircut at home than going on a cruise and paying a premium – and spending precious time on the ship in a salon chair or a dark treatment room.’
Cruise ship spas, with their ocean views and luxurious amenities, can be tempting, but their high prices often leave passengers feeling more stressed than soothed
Bottled water
For many cruisers, spending money on bottled water during their holiday is seen as an unnecessary expense, as they claim the tap water on cruise ships is ‘perfectly fine’ to drink.
According to experts at Eat Sleep Cruise, passengers are getting the same ‘highly filtered’ water out of their cabin faucet that is provided at the buffet or main dining room.
They added: ‘I always bring my own stainless steel water bottle on cruises. I don’t need it much on the ship because in most spots, you’re never far away from a beverage station or bar.
‘Though, it’s especially handy when it’s time to head into port, because it’s always good to have some water on hand. Bringing your own water bottle reduces your trip expenses.’
Gambling
For many passengers, the onboard casino is a lively and exciting draw – but it’s also a notoriously huge moneymaker for cruise lines.
Cruise casinos often offer lower payouts than their counterparts landside, with games like bingo and blackjack delivering especially poor odds, according to Cruzely.
Passengers also warned about the allure of shipboard gambling, as the thrill of the environment can lead to overspending.
The experts revealed: ‘Casinos are a huge moneymaker for the cruise lines. This is why anytime you find a ship that doesn’t have a casino, it costs more than the average mainstream cruise (think Viking or Disney).’
For many passengers, the onboard casino is a lively and exciting draw – but it’s also a notoriously huge moneymaker for cruise lines (stock image)
