From exploring new ports of call to soaking up the Caribbean sun on the pool deck during a day at sea, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on a cruise. While onboard, however, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping.
Plus, if you don't pack appropriately, you may have to pay inflated prices for everyday items that are a fraction of the cost at your local drugstore. There's nothing wrong with visiting the duty-free shops onboard, but it's important to think twice about your purchases.
From overpriced medications to useless specialty beverage cups, here are 7 things you should never buy on a cruise ship.
Read more: How to save money on a cruise: 23 money-saving tips
Watches
Cruise ships are notorious for sales that seem too good to be true, particularly when it comes to watches.
"...[T]he Invicta watches 'up to 75% off' sale is a bit of a scam and something everyone should be wary of. Last year on Odyssey [of the Seas] I [saw] a watch I liked and asked how much it was, it was $280 down from [a recommended retail price] of $650," shared GJ_123 on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum.
"Great deal right? But a quick check online on the Invicta Europe store I could get the same watch for £85! That included a 10% off code. And the [recommended retail price] was in fact something like £220, nothing close to $650!"
If you're in the market for a new watch, do your research before making the final decision. Typically, a few minutes on the internet can reveal whether you're getting the best price or not.
On that note, many previous cruisers also advise against purchasing gold chains on a cruise ship. On an r/Cruise Reddit thread, Chorodesk writes, "They have all sorts of strategies to make it seem like a good deal, and people think '[duty-free must mean savings]!', but [it's] not really, they just price that into their margin instead. They [dedicate] prime real estate on a cruise ship to selling this... they are not doing charity work."
"Pass on the vacation jewelry, solid gold ( very expensive) or plated ? You’ll never know until [you're] back home and your skin turns black," added cenotediver.
Spa treatments
While there's nothing wrong with treating yourself on vacation, spa treatments on a cruise ship aren't cheap. For example, on my upcoming Icon of the Seas cruise, Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner advertises a 75-minute Swedish Massage starting at around $153 per guest. However, the deal is only valid on embarkation day.
If I were to book a massage while at sea or docked at CocoCay, the price would increase to $175. Note these prices don't include Royal's 20% gratuity, bringing the total cost to $183 and $209, respectively.
A good tip for those who want to be pampered while on their cruise is to look for deals ashore. Let's say you're visiting Cozumel and booked a day pass to Mr. Sanchos Beach Club. One of the club's amenities is the Sea Sense Spa. The semi-open cabana allows you to enjoy your massage while feeling the ocean breeze. Plus, a 45-minute massage is only $88, while a 60-minute treatment costs $113.
Read more: 101 best things to do on a cruise
Over-the-counter medications
Before your cruise, build your own DIY first-aid kit. You should include everything from cold and flu medications to band-aids, acid reducers, pain relievers, cough drops, toothache gel, eye drops, and seasickness medication. Coming prepared means you won't have to scramble for remedies or pay inflated prices at the ship's onboard shops.
Not only that but cruise ships have limited inventory. If you have a preferred brand of medication, you may find it unavailable onboard. By assembling your own kit, you'll save money and ensure you have exactly what you need in the event you fall ill.
Don't forget to pack your prescription medication, too! It's wise to bring more than you'll need in case of delays or changes to your travel plans. For example, if you're going on a 7-night cruise, bring at least 10 days' worth of medication.
Read more: 7 Dollar Tree items I bought for my cruise that saved me money and stress
Consumer electronics
Be wary of buying electronics on a cruise. Though the duty-free price on items like GoPro cameras may be appealing, the savings aren't worth the hassle of dealing with product exchanges and warranties.
Life happens, though. If you realize you forgot your camera or something else important before getting on the ship, consider taking a rideshare to the nearest Target, Walmart, or BestBuy before heading to the port.
That said, if you forget a memory card, don't hesitate to purchase one onboard, so you can capture your family's memories on vacation! However, you shouldn't expect any jaw-dropping deals.
Read more: Frequent cruiser shares go-to tips for saving time and money while traveling
Art
Cruise ships have art galleries with artwork available for purchase. While you can peruse the works on your own time, there's typically an art auction where you can bid on artwork with other interested passengers.
Many cruise lines partner with reputable galleries, but not all artwork is created equally. Before making a large purchase on your ship, understand that the artwork's pricing may be inflated or not reflective of its true value.
Cruise.Blog writer Allie knew a friend whose mom purchased artwork on a cruise ship. Unfortunately, she later found out the piece she bought was fake. After getting the artwork appraised, the cruise line refunded her; however, a huge hassle could have been avoided had she skipped the art gallery.
Read more: The biggest cruise rip-offs that you should avoid to save money
Sunscreen
Something I learned very early on during my first cruise as an adult was that it's best to bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need. Growing up, my parents handled packing all the essentials. However, once I began cruising without them, I realized how foolish it was to underestimate the amount of sunscreen I'd need.
Prices onboard and in port are far more expensive than ordering a pack off Amazon or running to my local Walmart. For example, sunscreen at Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island in The Bahamas, runs around $27 for a single bottle! In comparison, a two-pack of 50SPF Banana Boat sunscreen costs $13.99 on Amazon.
If you don't use all your sunscreen, you can bring it home to use at sporting events, the pool, hiking, etc. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities to make use of leftover sunscreen and get your money's worth.
Please note that we have linked an Amazon item above, which contains an affiliate link. The affiliate link does not cost you anything extra, but Cruise.Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.
Souvenir beverage cups
From cruise line-specific cups to limited-edition merchandise celebrating a ship's launch, souvenir beverage cups are often a waste of money. While you might think you'll reuse collectible cups at home, they often end up tucked away in a cabinet.
Plus, if you have a drink package, these cups usually aren't included, meaning that you'll have to spend more money on top of the price of your package. Some drink packages include a reusable cup, too. If you get Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package, for instance, you'll receive a refillable soda mug that you can take home.
Instead, visit the onboard store and consider purchasing a ship model or other souvenir that will have more long-term value.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
