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

Michelle GlicksmanAug 29, 2024, 00:00 IST

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.

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.

My kit always has Advil, Tylenol, Neosporin, and Band-Aids.Michelle Glicksman

Drink packages are convenient, however, I rarely get my money's worth from them.

Before buying an unlimited package, calculate how many drinks you'd need to break even.Jallypix/Shutterstock

I refuse to buy lanyards on the ships.

I purchase my lanyards ahead of my trip, and it saves me a couple of dollars.Michelle Glicksman

Ships' art auctions can be entertaining, but I usually don't buy pieces without conducting proper research.

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

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

I have no trouble refilling my water bottles in cruise dining rooms and buffets.Michelle Glicksman

Photos are a lovely way to capture memories, but I don't feel the need to pay for an entire package.

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

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

Many large cruise ships have salons, but I get my nails done before my trips.Ground Picture/Shutterstock

I never buy the products sold in cruise spas.

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

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

I visited a Canadian province that felt like a dreamy, walkable mix of Europe and the Pacific Northwest

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