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Over the past three decades, cruise ships have evolved into massive floating cities, eclipsing aircraft carriers. Some are even longer than popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. 

For nearly 20 years, Royal Caribbean has consistently pushed the boundaries of size, amenities, and onboard experiences, holding onto the title of building the largest cruise ships in the world since Freedom of the Seas in 2006 (they briefly lost the title from 2003-2006 when the RMS Queen Mary II launched). 

Although it might not seem important, travel insurance is a must when embarking on a cruise vacation. A good insurance plan provides peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies at sea. 

One guest learned just how expensive cruise ship medical centers can be on a recent voyage aboard Norwegian Escape. 

Recently, I returned from my third European cruise. Having primarily sailed throughout the Caribbean as a child, I've become a more destination-focused cruiser in my adulthood. However, instead of exploring the sun-soaked Greek Isles or warm Mediterranean, my partner and I traded in our summer dresses and flip-flops for jeans and sneakers and headed north to Norway. 

Over the past 12 months, I’ve taken five cruises and spent $2,400 on drink packages — and I have no regrets.

Cruise drink packages are expensive, but they're not always a smart investment. Personally, though, I've found that cruising without a drink package feels more limiting. I hate constantly keeping an eye on my onboard statement when I'm supposed to be relaxing. 

In January, Laura Butler, a traveler in her mid-50s, left the "corporate grind" behind to live on cruise ships full-time for around $200 per week. 

"The first reason, and to me one of the biggest reasons [for this lifestyle change], is [the] cost," she said in her first YouTube video, "I have been able to figure out how to travel on cruise ships as [my] home base being less expensive than it is to live on land."

Cruise ship drink packages are pricey add-ons that make your onboard experience feel more inclusive. However, the convenience comes at a cost. Sometimes, paying $80 per day for drinks isn't economical, especially if you're a light drinker or on a port-intensive cruise. 

Having been on over 30 cruises, I've learned savvy ways to keep my onboard spending to a minimum while still indulging in fun cocktails — vacation is no fun if you're constantly stressing about every dollar!

Here are five things I always do to save money on drinks while on a cruise. 

Would you live on a cruise ship?

Some may dream of setting sail on an endless vacation, while others can't fathom being stuck at sea for more than a week or two.

However, for Laura, a traveler in her mid-50s, the idea of living full-time on a cruise ship wasn’t just a fantasy — it became her reality in January 2025 after she left the "corporate grind" behind. 

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work on a cruise ship?

From cabin stewards who keep staterooms tidy to bartenders serving up crafted cocktails, there's no denying that crew members help everything run smoothly.

That said, life at sea is vastly different than regular 9 to 5 jobs. It takes a special kind of dedication, adaptability, and resilience to thrive on a cruise ship. 

Whether you've sailed on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Disney, you've likely seen cabin doors decorated with fun magnets.

Door decorating has been a popular cruise tradition for years. It adds a personal touch to your stateroom, makes it easier to find your cabin, and is a fun way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations.