By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Eat Sleep Cruise.

When the price tag on a cruise starts to balloon with add‑ons, the excitement of a sea‑bound vacation can quickly turn into a budgeting nightmare. Don and Heidi of Eat Sleep Cruise walk listeners through the most common rip‑offs that cruise lines push on travelers, showing exactly where the hidden costs lie and how to steer clear of them.

Priority‑Boarding Packages: Worth the Premium?

Many lines sell early‑boarding bundles that promise a smoother start to the trip. Carnival’s “Faster the Fun” costs about $150 for a week‑long cruise, while Royal Caribbean’s “The Key” can exceed $60 per person per day. These packages often bundle Wi‑Fi, priority guest services, and other amenities, but the primary draw is the ability to step aboard before the crowd.

Don and Heidi advise that most travelers can achieve the same result by completing online check‑in as soon as it opens and selecting the earliest available arrival slot. “We’ve been able to get on board plenty early without ever paying extra,” they note, emphasizing that a little planning can replace the pricey perk.

Photo Packages: A Digital Age Dilemma

Professional ship photographers charge $20‑$25 per digital image, and full photo packages can climb into the hundreds. While a free loyalty photo is a nice perk, paying for hundreds of digital files is rarely necessary when a smartphone camera can capture comparable shots.

Heidi suggests using a small phone tripod for group shots and asking fellow cruisers for help. “Very few people want physical photos anyway in a digital world,” she says, encouraging guests to recreate photo‑ops around the ship’s scenic backdrops without the markup.

Ocean‑View Cabins: A Window That Doesn’t Open

Upgrading from an inside cabin to an ocean‑view can add $300‑$500 or more, yet the “window” often does not open, offering limited practical benefit. Don and Heidi argue that the extra cost could be better spent on onboard experiences that truly enhance the vacation.

They point out that many ships now feature expansive public spaces with sea‑level views, making the cabin upgrade less essential for a scenic experience.

Specialty Dining and Drink Packages: Calculate Before You Commit

Specialty restaurants can run $50‑$75 per person, and a la carte venues add $10‑$20 for casual meals. Drink packages, once a simple convenience, now exceed $100 per person before gratuities and often include daily caps or brand exclusions.

Don recommends doing the math: it typically takes 6‑7 alcoholic drinks per day to break even on a drink bundle. He adds, “Make sure you understand the exclusions, price caps, and daily limits before you buy.” For specialty dining, he suggests pre‑selecting the restaurants you truly want to try and budgeting for them separately.

Booking Strategies: Avoiding Fare Pitfalls

Choosing the wrong fare can add hidden fees through non‑refundable deposits, strict cancellation policies, or bundled extras that don’t match your travel style. Don and Heidi recommend working with a certified travel advisor—specifically their partner MEI Travel—to compare fare options, locate promotions, and secure onboard credits or free gratuities that the cruise line’s website may not display.

They also stress packing basic toiletries, as onboard shops mark up items like toothpaste and sunscreen dramatically. If you forget something, waiting until you reach port for a local pharmacy is far cheaper than buying on the ship.

Final Thoughts: Smarter Spending for a Smoother Sail

By scrutinizing each optional cost and planning ahead, cruisers can preserve the joy of their vacation without surrendering to aggressive upselling. Don and Heidi’s practical advice—checking in early, using personal devices for photos, questioning cabin upgrades, and doing the math on drink and dining packages—empowers travelers to make informed choices. The broader lesson extends beyond cruising: in a consumer landscape increasingly driven by hidden fees, vigilance and preparation remain the best tools for protecting your wallet.

The full episode of Eat Sleep Cruise is available on OBBM Network TV.