The following is a list drawn not just from my own experience over 20-plus years of cruising but the observations of hundreds of cruising fans who shared their tips in a robust conversation on the topic at our TPG Lounge on Facebook. Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise lineīy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. They get you on the ship at a low rate – then they blast you with spending opportunities.Īre you a newcomer to cruising looking to make sure you are spending your dollars wisely? Read on for our list of the 15 most common ways first-time cruisers waste money on ships. At some lines, the whole business model is built around getting you to spend more than you ever thought you could on board. (Don't we all?)Īs anyone who cruises a lot knows, cruise lines are masters at the upsell. Even now, after sailing on more than 160 cruise vessels, I still make unforced errors from time to time when it comes to onboard spending. But it wasn't the last time that I spent money on a ship in a way that I later regretted.

I do remember the way I felt: duped.įor more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. I can't remember the dollar amount that he wrote down, but I recall it was sky-high. It turned out the sail-away drinks on this particular ship weren't free. It was only then that the waiter whipped out an invoice pad from his back pocket. 'Free sail-away cocktails!' I reached out to grab one. I had worked my way up to the Lido Deck to take in the view, and I was almost immediately confronted by a beaming waiter holding out a tray of colorful umbrella drinks. It came about 15 minutes after I stepped on board a ship for the first time. I can still remember my first rookie mistake on a cruise.

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