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If you have an upcoming cruise, there are a few common money mistakes you will want to avoid.

In this post, I share things that actual cruisers, including myself, have experienced, from overpaying for spa passes and onboard purchases to falling for scams in port. These are not just small slip-ups. They are the kinds of mistakes that can drain your vacation budget and cause frustration along the way.

I also reached out to members of the Life Well Cruised Facebook community to hear their honest stories.

With that said, let’s go over the money traps that might seem like good ideas at the moment but could end up costing you more than you expected.

11 Cruise Money Mistakes to Avoid

1. Regretting Onboard Purchases

Many cruisers shared that they regretted some of their purchases while on a cruise. This is definitely subjective, but there are a few items that come up often.

Some cruise passengers mentioned buying fine jewelry in the onboard shops, only to later realize that the deals were not as good as they initially seemed. Even though the items were duty-free, several cruisers said they found similar or better prices back home.

Art auctions were another area where people felt disappointed. While some guests truly enjoyed the artwork they purchased, others said the value was not what they expected. Still, many said they were happy to have a piece they liked to display in their home.

One item that came up repeatedly was “Inch of Gold” jewelry. This is a gold-plated product that usually sells for around three dollars per inch. It is not real gold, and while some people felt they overpaid, others were still satisfied with their purchase.

I actually bought a necklace years ago with a floating heart charm, and although I returned it a few times under their lifetime warranty, I was surprised that the company did honor it.

Another trend on ships in recent years is pre-loved luxury handbags. These can be tempting, especially if you spot a rare vintage piece.

However, before making a purchase, it is worth checking online to compare prices. You may often find the same item for a lower price through trusted resale websites.

2. Buying a Thermal Spa Pass and Only Using It Once

Many cruisers mentioned that they purchased a thermal spa pass, thinking they would use it daily, but they went only once or twice. These passes usually cost between two hundred and three hundred dollars per person for a seven-day cruise, which can add up quickly.

The issue often comes down to the itinerary. If your cruise is packed with port days and off-ship excursions, finding time to relax in the spa can be hard. Many people said they would have been better off purchasing a day pass than committing to the full-week package.

3. Falling for Tourist Trap Restaurants in Port

Many cruisers admitted to getting caught in tourist trap restaurants during their cruise port visits. This has happened to me more than once as well.

These restaurants are often located right near the port and tend to have someone outside encouraging people to come in. That is usually a red flag.

One of my worst experiences happened in Livorno, Italy. All we wanted was a good pizza and an Aperol Spritz, but we ended up at a restaurant with laminated menus showing photos of the food.

That should have been a clue. What we were served looked and tasted like frozen pizza, which was a big disappointment considering we were in Italy.

Beyond the food itself, another mistake people often make in port is not bringing small bills or cash. Several cruisers shared that they needed to rent lockers during excursions, and if they did not have cash, they had to buy something from a shop just to get change.

In some cases, if they only had large bills, they were told that no change was available. This turned out to be more than just inconvenient; it sometimes cost them extra money.

4. Forgetting to Bring Small Bills or Any Cash at All

One common mistake many cruisers make is not bringing small bills or carrying cash when they go ashore. While many places accept credit cards, there are still plenty of situations where cash is necessary.

Cruisers shared that they sometimes needed to rent lockers or tip local guides during shore excursions. They were forced to buy something from a shop without cash to get change.

In other cases, they only had large bills and were told that no change was available, which made simple transactions unnecessarily complicated.

Having a few small bills on hand can make a big difference in port, especially when it comes to tipping, small purchases, or avoiding awkward situations that can cost more than expected.

5. Losing Money to Cruise Port Scams

Scams in cruise ports are more common than many people realize, and unfortunately, a few cruisers shared that they had firsthand experience with them. I have also encountered a couple of these myself over the years.

One scam to watch out for is what I call the “switcheroo.” Some travelers have purchased expensive skincare products or cosmetics in port shops, only to discover once back on the ship that the container was either empty or did not match what they thought they were buying.

If you purchase items like this, it is important to check the packaging carefully and ensure the product inside is exactly what you paid for.

Another common scam happens when someone invites you to take a photo with them, often while dressed in costume or posing with an animal. It may seem like a fun, spontaneous moment, but there is often an unspoken expectation that you will give them a tip afterward.

If you do not, they may become aggressive or cause a scene, which can be upsetting. This is a good reason to carry a few small bills with you and be cautious about who you interact with in port.

Related: 6 New Tourist Scams that Are Targeting Cruise Travelers (Right Now)

6. Letting a Future Cruise Deposit Go to Waste

Booking a future cruise while onboard can be a smart move, especially when cruise lines offer incentives like extra onboard credit or reduced deposits. However, several cruisers, including myself, have let those deposits expire and lost the money altogether.

Not all future cruise deposits work the same way. Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, offer refundable deposits. Others, like Virgin Voyages, offer non-refundable deposits with a limited window, usually two years, to book and complete your cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line now offers future cruise deposits that never expire, but that was not always the case. A few years ago, I had one with Norwegian that was valid for four years.

Unfortunately, I never used it, and in the end, I lost about one hundred and fifty dollars.

If you decide to put down a future cruise deposit, keeping track of the terms and your timeline is very important. Set a reminder for yourself so that you do not miss the opportunity to use it before it expires.

7. Booking a Non-Refundable Fare Without Realizing It

Many cruise guests have been caught off guard by non-refundable fares. These fares are often less expensive, which makes them appealing when booking a cruise. However, some people do not realize that these deposits cannot be refunded or transferred if plans change.

This is especially important when booking a cruise far in advance, sometimes a year or more before sailing. If something unexpected comes up, you could lose the entire deposit.

In many cases, the difference in price between a non-refundable and a refundable deposit can be several hundred dollars or more. For some people, the savings might be worth it, but others regret not having the flexibility to change or cancel without a penalty.

Before booking, always review the fare conditions carefully. Make sure the policy works for your situation, especially if your travel plans are not completely set in stone.

8. Booking the Cheapest Cruise and Then Paying More to Fix It

Booking the lowest-priced cruise can seem like a smart decision at first. However, many cruisers have found that after adding all the extras they wanted, the total cost became much higher than expected.

These extras often include drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, upgraded cabins, and other amenities that make the cruise more enjoyable.

In many cases, people realized they would have been better off booking a cruise with a premium cruise line that already includes some of these perks.

I recently looked into cruise options for a family vacation in January. I was surprised to find that cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, Princess, and Holland America were offering very competitive pricing.

These cruises often included packages with drinks, Wi-Fi, and even gratuities, making them an excellent overall value.

Before booking your cruise, looking beyond just the base fare is important. Consider what is included and what you will need to pay for separately. The lowest price is not always the best deal once everything is added up.

9. Not Checking for Price Drops Before Final Payment

One of the easiest ways to save money on a cruise is by checking for price drops before making your final payment. Surprisingly, many cruisers forget to do this and pay more than necessary.

Cruise prices can fluctuate, and some cruise lines will honor a lower rate if you catch the price drop before your final payment is due. If you are working with a good travel agency, they can often track prices for you and automatically apply any eligible reductions.

Many travel agencies also have access to exclusive group rates and special promotions that are unavailable when booking directly through the cruise line’s website. Whether you book online or speak with an advisor, having someone monitor your reservation can make a big difference.

If you are booking your cruise on your own, it is a good idea to regularly check the cruise line’s website for price changes. However, if you prefer extra support, using a travel agency can help ensure you do not miss out on savings.

10. Forgetting to Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode

Forgetting to put your phone in airplane mode while on a cruise can result in a surprisingly high bill. Several cruisers have shared that they were charged anywhere from one hundred and fifty dollars to over fifteen hundred dollars during a seven-night cruise simply because their phone stayed connected to a cellular network at sea.

Even if you do not actively use your phone, background data and roaming charges can add up quickly. Texting, checking emails, or even receiving a few notifications can trigger charges.

To avoid this, it is best to put your phone in airplane mode as soon as you board the ship and leave it that way for the duration of the cruise unless you use the ship’s Wi-Fi.

Phone plans are starting to improve for cruise travelers. Recently, AT&T and Verizon have introduced cruise-specific plans, and some eSIM options may work on ships as well.

11. Buying Toiletries and Medications Onboard

Forgetting basic items like sunscreen, aloe vera, or motion sickness medication can lead to surprisingly expensive purchases on the ship. Many cruisers shared that they paid far more than expected for everyday essentials.

One person mentioned spending over twenty dollars for a small allergy medicine bottle, which is not unusual on a cruise ship.

I have my own story about this as well. I always pack lip balm for every cruise, but I completely forgot to bring it on one sailing with MSC Cruises.

When I went to the onboard shop, they had no basic options. The only lip balm I could find was a luxury brand in the cosmetics section. It cost me twenty-six US dollars.

In fairness, it was very good quality. However, I would have preferred to bring one from home for a fraction of the cost.

To avoid this, list must-have toiletries and medications before your cruise. Packing these items can save you money and stress later on.

Related: What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise – The Ultimate Guide

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Have you ever made a money mistake on a cruise ship? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

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