I’ve been on more than 20 cruises. Here are the 9 things I never buy on board.

I rarely ever buy a drink package, regardless of which cruise line I’m sailing with.

Shutterstock

After going on more than 20 cruises, I’ve learned simple ways to save money on ships.
I never buy drink packages, spend money on spa products, or splurge at onboard art auctions.
If I save money during a trip, I always put it toward my next adventure.

Cruise ships are my happy place.

I’ve been on more than 20 of them since the ’90s, sailing with over five different cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Carnival, and Regent Seven Seas.

I inevitably spend money each time I’m on board, but there are several things I’ve learned to avoid buying during my voyages. After all, if I save money during a trip, I can put it toward my next adventure.

Here are the activities and items I never splurge on during cruises.

Ships often sell over-the-counter medications, but I can get them for less at my local pharmacy.

Before buying an unlimited package, calculate how many drinks you’d need to break even.

Jallypix/Shutterstock

The cost of beverages can add up quickly when you’re lounging by a ship’s pool, sipping piña coladas, and ordering several rounds.

Unlimited drink packages might make sense for cruisers who don’t want to worry about their bar bill. If that’s the case, I advise purchasing one prior to embarkation, when there are sometimes better pricing incentives. The moment you step on the ship, prices usually increase.

Before you buy a package, figure out how many beverages you’d need to drink each day in order to get your money’s worth. Often, it doesn’t even out, especially if you’re off the ship exploring during port days.

I refuse to buy lanyards on the ships.

I recommend thinking twice before making a big-ticket purchase.

Michelle Glicksman

I love art and used to enjoy going to art auctions on the ships. I even bought some pieces way back when. But now, I admire the pieces on display and only purchase one if it really speaks to me.

Although I’ve heard some art-selling auctioneers say the works they’re selling are an investment, some have also been accused of misrepresenting the value of their wares.

I usually don’t have a strong enough Wi-Fi connection to look into the artists and get a fair appraisal before buying a piece, and I don’t want to spend hours of my trip trying to find one.

Buy the art if you love it and are happy with the price, but don’t do it to try to fatten your pockets.

Instead of spending money on a water package, I bring my own reusable bottles.

I recommend snapping your own pictures instead of paying for a photo package.

Michelle Glicksman

It’s tempting to document every step I take on my voyages.

Everywhere I look on cruise ships, I see photographers ready to snap my photo, whether I’m eating dinner in the main dining room or disembarking at a port. The ship staff also sometimes sets up photo backdrops in the evenings.

I’ve noticed that these photos are often the same size, typically 8 inches by 10 inches, and expensive.

If you love photos, a package may be worth it, but purchase it prior to embarkation when you have a chance to find a better deal.

Alternatively, you can snap your own pictures and invest in one or two professional photos on the ship instead of buying an entire package.

I prefer to get manicures and pedicures before embarkation rather than during my cruise.

Almost every time I’ve gotten a treatment at a cruise spa, the staff tries to sell me products.

Michelle Glicksman

If you want a massage to help you relax during your time away, go for it. You might even be able to score better deals than what’s listed on the menu if you attend a spa open house or book a treatment when the ship is in port.

Just be prepared for the spa staff to try to upsell you products during or after your treatment. I’ve found that a lot of these items are marked up, and I’ve always been able to find them for lower prices at home.

I wait to buy jewelry and watches until I’m off the ship.

Research pricing for jewelry and watches before you board the ship.

Michelle Glicksman

Buy a piece of jewelry or a watch if you love it. However, I’ve found that prices are often much higher on ships, even if the onboard stores selling them advertise special deals.

If you’re going to buy expensive jewelry, do your research and ensure the items’ quality meets your expectations.

This story was originally published on March 21, 2023, and most recently updated on August 28, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

source:https://www.businessinsider.com/what-you-should-not-buy-on-cruise-ship-to-save-money