What are the biggest onboard ripoffs I should avoid?

[CruiseyQ]

Hi! I've never been on a cruise before and am concerned about staying on budget while on vacation. I know certain things are going to cost me extra onboard, but I'm hoping some cruising vets could list some of the biggest onboard ripoffs that I should not even bother paying for. Wifi? Drinks?

 

Thanks for your help!

[Ethel5]

Hi! I've never been on a cruise before and am concerned about staying on budget while on vacation. I know certain things are going to cost me extra onboard, but I'm hoping some cruising vets could list some of the biggest onboard ripoffs that I should not even bother paying for. Wifi? Drinks?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

What one would consider a rip off, another would cherish!:)

[Warm Breezes]

I guess what is a value to one person would be a ripoff to someone else. You need to set your own priorities based on stuff that would have value to you. For example, I would not buy the alcohol package because I only drink 2-3 drinks per cruise. It would be a rip-off to me, but not to someone who drinks 10+ drinks a day. I would not buy a soda package for DS because he doesn't drink soda...but he does drink tea and lemonade. Therefore the soda package would be a rip off for him but not but for someone who drinks a lot of soda. I did by the wifi package the last 2 times we sailed so I could contact my older teens daily who were left home alone. That was a value for me for those sailings, but would have been a rip-off for me on sailing where my kids were with me and I had no one I needed to keep in contact with. Only you can decide what would be a rip-off for you.

[bethco]

If you don't have to be online because of business or some situation at home, then I would say avoid on ship internet. I find wifi with my iPhone and get a small data package from my carrier.

 

Only you will know if the drinks packages are worth it to you. Depending on the cruise line you are on, they may need to be purchased by everyone in a cabin 21 and over or may be purchased on an individual basis. I'm a big diet coke drinker so I always get a fountain soda package. But I can't drink enough alcohol on a daily basis to make the other packages anywhere close to worth the price.

 

Playing Bingo can run your onboard expenses up in a hurry as well, though my daughter did win enough one day to pay for her bingo costs for that trip plus a little bit more.

[sparks1093]

If you are going to buy art or jewelry onboard or on the island then you need to have a good understanding of the price of those items, otherwise you could pay more for something than you would have paid at home. As for the rest of the items onboard as mentioned it all depends on what you want from the cruise. What I do is set a budget for each category of spending and keep track of it as we go (i.e. drinks- $750, photos- $150, souveniers- $300).

[thehappycruiserchick]

I would say the photos will cost you a pretty penny if you buy a lot of them. Not saying that they should be free but if they were half price people would buy a lot more. It's sad too because they throw out the photos that haven't been purchased.

[SteveH2508]

Bingo, Art, Jewelry, 'gold' by the inch, Photos, are all rip-offs IMHO.

 

Drinks packages are completely dependent upon how much and what you drink - only you can tell that one.

[srlafleur]

If by "rip-off" you mean "can I get it cheaper elsewhere", then spa treatments are a big rip-off. Some people are perfectly fine with that and look forward to the onboard massages, etc. and that's fine for them.

Bingo is way cheaper at the local church, I imagine (I don't play bingo).

I think much of the "duty-free" stuff (jewelry, perfume, etc., not so much alcohol or ciggies) can be gotten elsewhere just as cheaply on sale and depending where you live.

The art auctions are definitely a rip-off. I seriously doubt anything is actually valued as high as they say it is, and nothing is an original, considering you see exactly the same pieces on every ship, every line, every year. But, some people buy, and that's fine, too, as long as it's something they like and not for an "investment."

The photos can actually be a good value, considering you're not paying a sitting fee and can have as many taken as you want with no commitment to buy. If you do want one, you can buy only the best one. No need for a package of wallets and 5x7s just to get the one 8x10 that you want.

Edited August 14, 2014 by srlafleur

[culinarc]

In a day and age where you can plan your own excursions on your Ipad, the biggest ripoff to me are ship priced excursions. I always book my own and it is always cheaper. You usually follow the ship bus in your own private or sometimes shared van and then pass it and get there first. Most local companies also come with nice perks. I think the ship's tours for the most part do a good job. But if you look around once you get there you can often get a much better deal.

[whataboutport]

If by "rip-off" you mean "can I get it cheaper elsewhere", then spa treatments are a big rip-off. Some people are perfectly fine with that and look forward to the onboard massages, etc. and that's fine for them.

Bingo is way cheaper at the local church, I imagine (I don't play bingo).

I think much of the "duty-free" stuff (jewelry, perfume, etc., not so much alcohol or ciggies) can be gotten elsewhere just as cheaply on sale and depending where you live.

The art auctions are definitely a rip-off. I seriously doubt anything is actually valued as high as they say it is, and nothing is an original, considering you see exactly the same pieces on every ship, every line, every year. But, some people buy, and that's fine, too, as long as it's something they like and not for an "investment."

The photos can actually be a good value, considering you're not paying a sitting fee and can have as many taken as you want with no commitment to buy. If you do want one, you can buy only the best one. No need for a package of wallets and 5x7s just to get the one 8x10 that you want.

 

This is a really good point. I was going to say the photos are a rip off, but now you've got me thinking.

[ronandannette]

What one would consider a rip off, another would cherish!:)

 

I completely agree with this. And nobody's actually getting "ripped off"; everyone that purchases something extra does so of their own free will. Just because the cruiseline has something on offer doesn't mean you HAVE to buy it.

 

If you are a first-timer, I would suggest that the easiest places to economize are those where you "won't know what you're missing". If you're sailing Carnival, don't buy FTTF. You'll get on board and receive your luggage just fine with out it. Don't eat in specialty restaurants; you'll enjoy the MDR's and buffet, I promise. Don't buy a drink package. Buy your beverages one-at-a-time and be aware of the costs (unless you're VERY sure you'll drink enough to make the packages worth it). If you're sailing on a cruiseline that allows you to carry-on beverages (either liquor or soft drinks) take advantage of that. Don't sign up for any extra-cost activities like Pilates or Wine Parings. There are lots of other things to do on board. Don't pay extra for access to adult retreat areas or spa suites. There are plenty of quiet outdoor areas on each ship to lounge as well as a number of different hot tubs. You'll have fun getting to know the ship and finding them all. Don't buy an internet package; take the opportunity to get away from it all and if absolutely necessary utilize free hotspots while in port. Don't rent a cabana if you're going to a private island; there's lots of free beach chairs and you'll have more fun out and around exploring anyway.

 

If you are going to buy art or jewelry onboard or on the island then you need to have a good understanding of the price of those items, otherwise you could pay more for something than you would have paid at home. As for the rest of the items onboard as mentioned it all depends on what you want from the cruise. What I do is set a budget for each category of spending and keep track of it as we go (i.e. drinks- $750, photos- $150, souveniers- $300).

 

This is VERY GOOD advice. Both on the ship and on the islands they will try and convince you that the bargains are too good to miss. Many know better.

 

And personally regarding ship photos, I've never taken a cruise without buying at least one for a keepsake. We do certainly buy fewer each trip than we used to in the early days though. Do be aware that you can pose for as many as you like and need not buy any if you choose.

Edited August 14, 2014 by ronandannette

[fortinweb]

Hi! I've never been on a cruise before and am concerned about staying on budget while on vacation. I know certain things are going to cost me extra onboard, but I'm hoping some cruising vets could list some of the biggest onboard ripoffs that I should not even bother paying for. Wifi? Drinks?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

It appears that you have already started your first cruise with a negative attitude. To go into this EXPECTING to be "ripped off" certainly won't make your cruise better. I remember my first cruise. All I could think of was how excited I was to finally get to experience what a cruise was like. I certainly didn't go into it expecting to be take advantage of. Why set yourself up like that?

 

The only way to be completely safe from "rip offs" is to never, ever go anywhere or do anything where things cost money. Perhaps you should book an inside room (the better cabins, especially balcony or suite cabins, are "rip offs" according to some people), and only come out late at night when the shops, bars, casino, and specialty restaurants are closed so you won't get "ripped off" there. On port days, stay hidden in your room to avoid the "rip off" excursion prices, both through the ship and through private contractors. Also avoid taking public transportation, eat in local restaurants, or visit any of the shops on shore, where you will surely get "ripped off" because it's a tourist place and prices will be higher than at home.

 

Don't eat in the main dining room, buffet, or any other dining venue. Don't let your stateroom attendant in your room to clean up. Doing so means you should tip the waiters and stateroom attendants, and tipping is a "rip off" according to some, especially to some from the UK or Australia.

 

Don't buy any trip insurance since this is a "rip off" according to some who feel it's a waste of time since they have never been sick or gotten hurt on a cruise before.

 

I could go on, but you get the picture.

 

Like I said before - when I go on a cruise, I am excited and am looking forward to having a good time, do things I wouldn't do at home, buy things I usually wouldn't, and try to have the best time possible. I certainly don't take a cruise with the attitude that I am going to be ripped off and taken advantage of, and that I need to be on guard every minute. If that is how I felt, I'd just stay home hiding under the bed all the time where no one could ever "rip me off".

Edited August 14, 2014 by fortinweb

[Lionesss]

I look at it as not a good value for the money.

 

Bingo

 

Pictures

 

Spa specials

 

Dining packages (although we may do one specialty every couple cruises.

 

Sea Ya

[Hlitner]

A lot of what is sold onboard might qualify as a "rip off" in some folks minds. But nobody is forced to bid at art auctions, buy overpriced excursions, lose their annual income in the casino, etc. It is all about choices. If a cruise (or any consumer) is happy being ripped off...we are happy for them :). But if you choose to spend carefully on only items worth the money, then you will be fine.

 

Hank

[JimAOk1945]

You can stay within your budget if your careful about what you put on your onboard account. It mounts up quickly since on board purchases are all cash-free.

[SteveH2508]

As others have already said - it is about value judgements to YOU.

 

1. What does it cost? (if not a US citizen then remember to convert to your local currency)

2. What would it cost me at home? (for example - the spa treatments are quite competitive compared to London, UK prices apparently (or so DW tells me):rolleyes:)

3. How much do I want it?

 

E.G.

Will I ever look at that photo again?

Will that piece of 'art' look OK on my wall?

Will I ever look at/wear that sombrero/stuffed donkey/logo-ed T-shirt again?

 

It is all too easy to get carried away with the Sail-and-Sign card and the holiday atmosphere.

 

Keep in mind the main mantra - the cruise lines are the best at separating you from your vacation dollar - if it advertised as a great deal - it is - usually for them!

[dancinman66]

Shore tours for more than two people

For one and sometimes two are ok value but not over that

 

 

Definitely the photos are ripoffs

 

Bingo when you don't win

Spa treatments not ripoffs but overpriced - they are worth it

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[toberman]

Nothing on a cruise is a 'rip off'.... it's a matter of choice.

 

If you want a balcony cabin instead of an inside, it's a choice even though the inside was cheaper.

If you decide to use a ship tour , it's a choice even though you may have gotten it cheaper.

If you want to play Bingo, it's a choice even though your church can do it cheaper.

If you want to go to the steak house for dinner, it's a choice even though you could get it better and cheaper at home.

 

Everyone has different wants and needs when on holidays...

Actually, going on a cruise as opposed to an AI resort is a choice.

 

Have fun whatever you decide.

[Lovely other]

As others have already said - it is about value judgements to YOU.

 

1. What does it cost? (if not a US citizen then remember to convert to your local currency)

2. What would it cost me at home? (for example - the spa treatments are quite competitive compared to London, UK prices apparently (or so DW tells me):rolleyes:)

3. How much do I want it?

 

E.G.

Will I ever look at that photo again?

Will that piece of 'art' look OK on my wall?

Will I ever look at/wear that sombrero/stuffed donkey/logo-ed T-shirt again?

 

It is all too easy to get carried away with the Sail-and-Sign card and the holiday atmosphere.

 

Keep in mind the main mantra - the cruise lines are the best at separating you from your vacation dollar - if it advertised as a great deal - it is - usually for them!

 

I don't know which spa your wife frequents at home but I lived in London until very recently and never came across a spa with prices as ridiculously high as onboard cruise ships ;)

[AZ Ocean Lover]

Small dollar stuff but it adds up - bring over the counter meds or other toiletries that cost a fortune in the gift shop. I just remember being floored at the price of Altoids. I think the spa prices are outrageous compared with what I can get on land and I've never had a spa service on a ship that was better than a spa service on land.

 

I know other people like the more formal pictures but I'm not one of them. The cheesy backgrounds really turn me off. Take a camera and capture the moment. It will mean more to you later.

 

Really based on what you like to do you will know when you are paying too much. Don't let it ruin your cruise, however. Sometimes you just need to spend the money.

[SteveH2508]

I don't know which spa your wife frequents at home but I lived in London until very recently and never came across a spa with prices as ridiculously high as onboard cruise ships ;)

 

She goes to the spa - I go to the casino - if they balance then it helps to keep the peace!;)

[celebrity]

Art auctions. I have read numerous posts about people being ripped off.

 

The port and shopping guide is a close second.

 

The third is bingo. The price keeps going up and if don't have that stupid machine, kiss your chances goodbye.

[Seago2]

Art auctions. Spa services. Watches. Jewelry. Bingo. Ship based shore excursions.

 

If you want to stay within a budget, eat only in the MDR. If you drink, drink in port, not on the ship. Only buy a couple of pics (wait til the end of the cruise to decide).

 

One thing that is not a rip off, and in fact is an excellent deal, is the Carnival bathrobe. Fantastic thick terry, nice long length, and I think it's $60 right now. I buy one very year.

[bplazo]

The watches and jewelry. I would also not buy the soda package.

[sail7seas]

What one would consider a rip off, another would cherish!:)

 

 

 

I agree that we each have to decide what is worth how much to us and use the self control to not spend more than we can afford.

 

Set a reasonable budget, save your money in advance so you know you won't to worry about buying a bucket of beer if that is what you want. What fun is a vacation if all you do is worry how much does this or that cost? Don't go crazy spending like you never would dream of at home but allow yourselves a few treats and extras. It's a vacation! :)