We pulled out of Aruba before sunrise, the horizon glowing like a promise. On the balcony, coffee in hand with a warm danish on a small plate, the ocean breathing gently below. That quiet, lazy start to the day is one of the reasons we choose Royal Caribbean over others. It’s not just that the ship is great, it’s that something as simple and lovely as free continental breakfast delivered to your room is actually included. Pastries, fruit, coffee and juice can arrive without a cent extra charged, and it sets the tone for the whole trip. It’s easy to forget how big that small thing feels once you’ve experienced it. (Royal Caribbean Blog)

And then there’s everything else the cruise lines try to sell you. Some things are delightful, some are worth doing once in a lifetime, but many fall into the category of optional luxuries you don’t need to have a great time. The trick is knowing what actually adds value for your kind of traveler and what just adds to your bill.

The Drinks Package: Float Your Boat or Sink Your Budget

Almost every major cruise line sells a version of a “drink package.” This lets you pay a flat daily fee for unlimited beverages from bars, lounges and sometimes specialty coffee stops. It feels smart at first glance, like you’re buying peace of mind. (The Points Guy)

Here’s the reality:

• On big lines like Royal Caribbean, these premium packages can top about $100 or more per person, per day before gratuity is added. (The Points Guy)
• On Carnival, the Cheers! package averages around $60 per day plus an automatic 18% gratuity if you buy before you sail. (Voyage Travel by Cynthia)
• Other cruise lines vary, but most expect the same rule: if one adult in the cabin buys it, all adults must. Sharing isn’t permitted. (New York Post)

That means cost can double fast if you’re cruising with a partner. If you’re the type who wants a mimosa with breakfast and a glass of wine at dinner, you might not get your money’s worth. But if you’re the person who relishes lounging by the pool with a fruity cocktail in hand all day, it can make sense. It’s all about whether your drinking patterns match the price tag.

One nuance worth knowing is that some lines offer soda-only or non-alcoholic refreshment packages for significantly less, while others have specialty coffee add-ons. Even a package that sounds great might end up costing as much as your cruise fare by the time tips are tacked on. (The Points Guy)

So here’s the simple rule we’ve adopted: Decide before you sail how many drinks you’d actually order in a day, then do the math. That’s almost always the cheapest way to decide whether the package earns its keep.

Spa Services: Relaxation or Relentless Upsell?

There’s something so tempting about booking a massage or a facial on a sea day. The spa spaces aboard cruise ships are serene and gorgeous, all teak and white towels. But most cruisers don’t realize that the staff are incentivized to sell products and upgrades, and that can turn a peaceful hour into a high-pressure negotiation.

Most ships automatically add 20% gratuity to spa charges, and then comes the consultation, where they suggest creams, serums and lotions you absolutely must buy. Personally, whenever we do book a treatment, the first thing I say is something like, “I know you’re expected to offer products, but I’m not interested.” That disarms the salesperson and lets you enjoy the massage without a sales pitch.

The bottom line: spa services can be a treat, but they should be a planned indulgence, not an impulse buy.

Cabin Upgrade Bidding: The Gamble That Isn’t Always an Upgrade

Once upon a time, cruises would offer upgrades to better cabins if there was space. Today most lines use an upgrade bidding system. You submit a bid before you sail and maybe move to a different room if they accept it.

But here’s the catch: sometimes you’re moved to a cabin that’s technically “better” on paper but worse in practice. Think deck 10 above the Lido Deck where music and machinery make it feel like someone parked a drum set outside your door at 5 a.m. Or a “junior suite with an obstructed view” where the railing awning blocks everything beyond a 30-degree slice of sea.

The trick isn’t just seeking a higher deck or a suite — it’s understanding where on the ship that room actually sits. A lower deck near the stairs might be perfect for a traveler who wants to move around quickly on port days without waiting for elevators.

Excursions: Ship Tours vs Local Adventures

Cruise-line excursions are popular for good reasons: if you’re late, the ship waits for you, even if a bus breaks down. That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on. But they’re also often priced higher than independent local tours, and you’re stuck in a herd, with a set schedule that might not match your interests. (Reddit)

Independent drivers, guides and tour companies can offer:

• More flexible itineraries
• Personalized pacing
• Support for local businesses

For many ports of call, especially in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, going outside the ship’s excursion list can save money and give you a richer experience.

It is always worth checking out sites like Tripadvisor for the ports you will be visiting for local tour companies offering either private tours or small group excursions. We always use these services and never had an issue – so far 

Prepaid Photo Packages: Smile for the Camera, Maybe Not for the Price

Cruise photo packages can range from $150 to $300 or more depending on the line and the length of the sailing. You might think that sounds steep, but if you plan to get formal photos every night and a few candid spots, it can add up. The tradeoff most people don’t consider is how often they actually stop at the photo studio or request staged shots, versus simply capturing moments with their own camera or smartphone.

If you’re someone who loves physical prints or fancy backdrops, the package might be great. If your goal is just memories, and you’re happy to use your own device — free.

Duty-Free Shopping: Not Always the Bargain It Seems

Walking through the onboard shops, with glittering displays of watches, handbags, jewelry and perfumes, can feel like stumbling into a treasure trove. But duty-free doesn’t automatically mean cheaper. In many cases, especially with brand-name items, the “sale price” onboard can be equal to or higher than what you’d find at home, especially in department store sales. (Travel with Josh and Taylor)

Cruise ships bank on the fact that you don’t have Wi-Fi at the moment of temptation. That’s when they win.

Room Service: Free Breakfast, Fee for Everything Else

Here’s an upgrade worth celebrating. On Royal Caribbean, continental breakfast delivered to your room is free, even in a standard fare. It’s a small joy that never fails to feel luxurious, especially as the ship glides into a new port. (Royal Caribbean Blog)

But once you step beyond the free breakfast menu, many lines charge a service fee — about $7.95 per order on Royal Caribbean, and similar on other lines — on top of the price of any food. (Cruise Critic Community)

That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of so room service doesn’t become a creeping expense.

Internet and Wifi Packages: Still an Optional Luxury

Internet at sea used to be awful, but many cruise lines have jumped into better connectivity, including Starlink on some ships. Still, reliable high-speed wifi isn’t included in your fare. Most lines offer packages that range from roughly $15–$30 per day or more, depending on speed and devices. (The Points Guy)

If your goal is just to send messages and check photos once a day, you might not need the top tier. If you’re working or streaming, a premium package could be worth it.

What’s Worth Buying (Yes, There Are Things Worth It)

After all of these optional spends, there are a few things that often deliver real value, depending on your style:

• Priority tender or boarding passes if you have tight port schedules
• Specialty dining when you want a slower, elevated experience
• Shore transfers when distances are large and logistics are tricky
• Fitness classes if health and routine are part of your vacation rhythm

These aren’t wasteful when chosen intentionally.

Cruising is a world of choices. The base fare already includes a lot — your cabin, most meals, entertainment and often youth programs — so extras should be chosen with purpose, not impulse. (Royal Caribbean)

In the end, what feels like a splurge for one person can be a thoughtful enhancement for another. That’s what makes cruising so flexible and so fun. You don’t need all the add-ons to love your trip. But when you pick the ones that match who you are, your vacation feels tailored instead of nickel-and-dimed.

Conclusion

What do you think? Have you found services that are not worth the price, or better yet ones that you would not cruise without? Drop me a message, I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations. You can contact me on my social media links below. 

See you at the dock!

Ted and Fauna