15 Costly Cruise Ship Mistakes Passengers Keep Making (And How to Avoid Them)

Over 30 million people take cruise ships per year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). For most, it is a dream holiday to experience endless buffets, amazing ports, and exclusive entertainment. Yet, what do you think if that adventure becomes an expensive learning lesson?

First-timers (and seasoned cruisers alike) too frequently get sucked into traps that are easily avoidable. Mistakes like these can ruin your trip. Here’s how to sidestep the most common cruise ship mistakes like a pro. Read these tips before you go on your next sea adventure.

Skipping Muster Drills

There are just too many passengers who feel that muster drills are optional. They’re not. Missing these sessions would lead to confusion (or worse) in an emergency, so they’re required for safety.

Know where your muster station is aboard and learn how to get there. This 20-minute commitment can change your life.

Not Researching Port Stops

Research a bit before you discover all the must-see spots and local specialties. Apps such as Visit a City give you ready-to-go itineraries to ensure you see as much as possible at each stop.

Ignoring the Fine Print on Drink Packages

Cruise ships love ‘all you can drink’ packages, but what the fine print says is not what you may have. These packages bypass specialty coffees, premium spirits, or bottled water.

A study earlier this year found passengers overspend on beverage packages they don’t fully use. If you don’t drink more than 5 or 6 drinks daily, you’re probably better off paying as you go. Some ships even have drink specials that change daily or provide free mealtime coffee or juice in the dining areas.

Booking Excursions Through the Cruise Line Only

Booking excursions through your cruise line is convenient but expensive — your cruise line could be marking up the price by up to 50%! For example, a snorkeling tour in the Bahamas can cost around $120 on the ship, but for roughly $60, you can book the same with the local operator.

Research and find a local, independent, reputable tour operator, such as a company on Viator or TripAdvisor. Make sure they’re guaranteed to get you back on time. Many operators now include “miss-the-ship” insurance, which can ease your worries.

Packing Too Much

A typical mistake is to pack too many things. Cruise cabins are known for being small and having little storage. Heavy suitcases fill space and can slow you down through check-in and security.

Choose versatile and wrinkle-free clothing. Consider neutral tops and bottoms that you can mix and match. A solid packing list has just one pair of formal shoes for an evening out, a jacket in case it gets chilly, and sunscreen.

Overlooking Hidden Costs

Don’t be surprised by hidden fees! Specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities quickly add up. Check your cruise website; the budget you create for extras should be realistic.

If you want to unplug completely, skip the onboard Wi-Fi or wait until port days when the Internet is free via hotspots.

Don’t Arrive on the Day Before Embarkation

Flying in on the same day as your cruise departs is a gamble. You won’t receive a refund, and other typical travel mishaps (flight delays, weather mishaps, last-minute cancellations) can cause you to miss your ship.

Plan to get to your port city a day in advance. Besides saving the stress, it also gives you an excuse to check out that city. It’s a bonus to your vacation.

Forgetting Travel Insurance

Many travelers won’t even consider spending money on travel insurance until something happens. Without insurance, you’ll be out of pocket for all expenses, including dealing with a last-minute medical emergency or missing your cruise.

According to NerdWallet analysis, comprehensive travel insurance generally costs 6-7% of the total cost of your trip. Make it part of your cruise budget from the start.

Not Tipping Crew Members

Cruise lines include gratuities in their fees, so you may think you can dodge a tip or two if you’re a passenger. But a heartfelt tip or thanks will go a long way to thanking the crew for their hard work.

On average, stateroom attendants serve 30 to 50 rooms per day. It is a tiny gesture, but adding another $5–$10 will improve your service and overall experience.

Using Debit Cards over Credit Cards

Using a debit card for onboard expenses is not a good move. Cruise lines typically “hold” funds from your account, which can take days—or weeks—to release after your trip.

Credit cards are safer and don’t block unnecessary funds. Many even have travel benefits like insurance or rewards exclusively for cruising.

Forgetting to Bring Essentials

Replacing things like sunscreen, headphones, chargers, and so on is pricey. Sunscreen can cost anywhere from $15–20 for a small bottle at the ship’s store, twice what it might cost on land.

To save some cash and make sure you’re covered, pack sunscreen, hats, medications, and essential electronics and create a checklist in advance.

Skipping Specialty Dining

Fewer passengers than ever enter the specialty restaurants, choosing for the most part to stick to the main dining room, believing specialty restaurants aren’t worth the extra cost.

Look for discounts on a particular night or for lunchtime bookings. Sample these restaurants to try signature menus (typically by top chefs).

Ignoring the All-Aboard Times

Missing your ship at a port stop is a disaster. Even experienced cruisers misread the “back-on-board” times printed on the daily schedule.

Get an alarm or reminder set on your phone. Never rule out local traffic and time for walking to get you back in time.

Only Exploring Big Cruise Lines

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are significant. Nonetheless, it is worth considering niche cruise lines, which offer the most unique experiences.

Smaller ships can visit less crowded ports during your voyage. You can also access research routes on small lines like Azamara or Windstar.

Not Being Open to Adventure

Many cruisers do what they know and don’t try anything new on the ship or shore. Cruises are one of the most significant ways to go out and try something you might not otherwise do, like zip lining, cooking classes, or late-night silent discos.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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