I've worked on cruise ships for years. Here are 6 things passengers should stop wasting money on.

• I've worked on cruise ships for years, so I compiled a list of things passengers should stop buying.
• If you drink a lot, it may make more sense to get the drink package instead of individual cocktails.
• Onboard gym classes and nail services are often pricey and not what you might expect.

Between the shopping malls, specialty dining options, and endless alcoholic beverages, it's easy to lose sight of how much you're spending while cruising.

As someone who has worked with major cruise lines for almost a decade, I've compiled a list of things tourists should stop wasting money on.

I've found the gym classes are often shorter and easier than travelers expect

Many guests try to combat the pounds some cruisers fear they'll gain by paying extra for 7 a.m. boot camp.

But these classes are usually on the easier side since every guest has a different fitness level, so if you're looking for a burn, you might be disappointed.

Also, they can get very pricey and may be shorter than the gym classes you're used to.

Buying individual drinks may cost you more in the end

Your alcohol consumption depends on how wild you want your cruise to be, but buying drinks one by one can add up fast.

Guests often don't think they'll drink a lot, then end up buying six mojitos at $17 apiece in the nightclub. I think the beverage package is the way to go and worth it if you are going to have three or more drinks per day.

Most onboard nail salons are quite limited

Save yourself the money and disappointment, and get your nails done before your cruise.

Many people are used to nail salons that offer extensive services, but most onboard options lack the bells and whistles you may be looking for. Plus, the prices for onboard salon services are always exceptionally higher at sea than they are on land.

It's risky to book unaffiliated tours

It's tempting to book an exhilarating excursion that's half the price of the ship's but be wary of unaffiliated tours.

First off, you could miss your ship: Cruises will wait for late tours booked through the ship but not for outside excursions.

Plus, affiliated tours are run by verified operators. You don't know what safety and security you'll get when you book independently, so spend your money wisely.

Art auctions aren't usually worth your time and money

As soon as you step on the ship, you're bombarded with art exhibits and raffle tickets to lure you into a three-hour auction where you'll likely walk out with something you didn't need in the first place.

Unless you are serious about art, the free glass of bubbly for three hours of your precious vacation is not worth it.

Plan what to pack carefully instead of paying for laundry

Most major cruise lines don't have self-service laundry facilities for guests to use, so you usually have to send your clothes away with a stateroom attendant if you want them cleaned. However, this option can be expensive and take a few days. 

Since most guests just cruise for a week, it doesn't really make sense to pay for this service.

Pack enough outfits for the cruise, keeping in mind people typically change multiple times a day depending on the activities and events.

This story was originally published on August 31, 2021, and most recently updated on July 22, 2024.