8 Ways to Cruise Without Spending Any Money Onboard

By Brooke Franco

How to Cruise Without Spending Extra Onboard - *Photo by Canva*

Going on a cruise without spending extra money onboard can be tricky. Depending on your cruise line or ship, you may find there are activities and experiences that you want to take advantage of; however, they come with an additional cost. With some advance planning and setting realistic expectations about your budget, taking a cruise without a shocking bill at the end of your vacation from your onboard purchases is possible. Following are eight ways to take a cruise without spending any (or little) money onboard.

1. Research Before You Get Onboard

Time and time again, this is one of our top tips for cruisers - do your research on everything that your ship has to offer before you ever step foot onboard!

In this case, explore the amenities included with no extra costs, such as pools, gyms, sports courts, and other complimentary activities and facilities. You will find that some cruise ships with waterslides and activities like rock climbing and go-karts come with an extra cost to participate, and some do not. Before you sail, know what activities are charged extra so you won’t be surprised or disappointed that you can't participate because of the price. Also, be aware that treatments and use of spa facilities usually come with an extra cost, as well as certain fitness classes.

Take a look at the entertainment options that are free to all guests. Many cruise lines include production/theatre shows, music events, comedy shows, and other entertainment as included activities. However, you may find there are certain exceptions where it will be a cost to attend these events. Before you cruise, check out what will cost extra for entertainment.

We also recommend researching what ship services cost extra, like Wi-Fi. Some cruise lines include Wi-Fi at no charge for all guests; however, some sell it at an extra charge with daily or full-cruise packages. If you need Wi-Fi during your cruise, research the ship’s availability and cost before sailing or look for a cruise lines that is including this in the upfront cost or as a booking amenity.

If you have any questions about what activities on your ship are extra, we recommend asking your travel agent, contacting the cruise line, or speaking with Guest Services if you are on the ship.

2. Look for Deals with Onboard Credit

When you are searching for cruise deals, look for extra perks being offered by the line or by your travel advisor, like onboard credit or drink package inclusions.

Onboard credit can be used for activities, dining, drinks, spa services, or any extra-cost events onboard the ship. Take advantage of this added perk with your booking by splurging for something special or partaking in charged activities. Sometimes, the credit cannot be used for casino or shopping purchases, so check for any restrictions on where or how the credit can be used.

If you plan on consuming specialty drinks or alcoholic beverages, check to see if beverage packages or drink credits are included with your cruise deal. This can help save you big and eliminate any extra costs onboard.

3. Choose a Premium or Luxury Line

If you want to cruise knowing you won’t have many extra costs over your fare, consider sailing with ultra-premium or luxury operators. Many of these cruise lines offer more of an all-inclusive price tag that encompasses specialty dining, entertainment, activities, drinks, Wi-Fi, and more. This minimizes your chance of any extra expenses onboard.

While sailing with this type of cruise line may seem counterintuitive to some hoping to spend less on their cruise, it can sometimes make more sense and save you money in the long run. Yes, you'll dole out more upfront for your cruise fare, but if you do the math, you may find that you're getting more in return than you would on a line with a la carte options and lower upfront fares. For example, some premium or luxury operators incorporate airfare, pre-cruise hotels, and transportation into their fares, as well as onboard amenities. You may find this inclusion saves you money from booking all of these pieces independently.

Be sure to consider higher-end lines, and keep an eye on luxury cruise deals to save big.

4. Opt for Included Dining & Research Beverage Options

Be sure to go into your cruise knowing what onboard eateries are included with your sailing. Explore the Main Dining options, buffets, casual eateries, and more to see which ones are included and which will cost you extra to dine. The included options will vary based on the cruise line, so research is the key to not being surprised once onboard.

Do note that some included ship eateries may have menu items with an extra charge, such as premium foods or add-ons. These are noted on the menu, or you can the dining staff if you aren’t sure or have any questions.

Depending on which cruise line you are sailing, alcoholic beverages and sodas will likely cost extra. Typically, water (non-bottled), drip coffee, and some juices are free to all guests. Again, this will depend on the cruise line.

If you plan on drinking sodas, alcoholic beverages, or specialty coffees, research and plan for what options are included or available via the beverage packages. Sometimes, cruise lines will offer special pre-cruise booking savings for beverage packages that will save you money compared to purchasing items onboard. If you opt for a beverage package, be aware of what beverage brands or liquors are included in your package so you will not be charged additional for specific premium brands.

5. Take Advantage of Onboard Activities and Events

Review your daily cruise planner and focus on the free programs and events offered on the ship. Take part in activities like towel animal folding, nature talks, movies by the pools, trivia contests, all-ship dance parties, game shows, and more. Whether you are sailing on a small ship or the largest cruise ship in the world (hello, Icon of the Seas), you are bound to find plenty of shipboard programming that will keep you entertained with no extra costs.

Related: 9 Things That Are Completely Free on a Cruise
You can even attend events you may not necessarily visit if you are trying not to spend money onboard. Hit up the art gallery or retail stores to check out merchandise without purchasing. You may even get a free prize or glass of champagne just for attending!

6. Utilize Loyalty Programs

If you are a regular cruiser with the line you are sailing on, check if you can leverage loyalty programs for discounts or onboard credits. Because of your loyalty and status with the cruise line, items and services that usually cost extra may be free to utilize based on your loyalty status. You may be eligible to receive special perks like stateroom upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi or dry-cleaning, access to special events, free drinks, and more. This will depend on your cruise line, loyalty status, and the program benefits, but loyalty to a line usually comes with some nice budget-saving perks.

7. Pack Wisely

Unexpected onboard expenses on a ship can be very pricey. When you are packing for your cruise, prepare for a variety of scenarios.

Consider things like the weather, and prepare by bringing items such as an umbrella or poncho so you don’t have to buy these items at a pricey gift shop. Also, consider packing toiletry items like band-aids, pain relievers, bug spray, sunscreen, and over-the-counter medicines you might need. If you find you are missing something when you get on the ship, you will likely find it onboard for sale, but it may be more expensive than purchasing items from a store at home.

If you are not purchasing a beverage package and don’t want to spend extra on the ship, check out your line’s allowance for bringing drinks onboard. Many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages and a sealed wine or champagne bottle up to a certain amount. This will depend on your cruise line, so consult your cruise line’s website or call guest services before boarding to familiarize yourself with cruise line policies.

Similarly, if you are not purchasing a drink package, consider bringing a refillable water bottle. That way, you can refill the bottle at the ship’s water stations without having to purchase expensive bottles onboard.

8. Plan for Days in Port

Make plans before you sail and research options for port days. Tours and other active shore excursions can get incredibly pricey. We recommend that you take time to look into your ports of call before you sail to find free or low-cost things to do at each destination.

If there is a certain activity or a bucket list experience that can only be done via a shore excursion, we recommend looking at independent tour operators (like our great verified third-party shore excursion providers) that sell tours for a reduced price compared to the ones offered by cruise lines.

If your cruise happens to stop at a cruise line’s private island or destination, these ports are great places to visit without spending any extra money. Once again, plan ahead before you get there and understand which amenities/activities have no additional cost. The majority of these islands and destinations have included dining, beaches, activities, and other beautiful locales to see, which are all included.

Final Thoughts

Following these strategies and a little extra pre-cruise planning, you can enjoy your vacation without incurring extra costs. We recommend always setting a vacation budget ahead of time and sticking to it. As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail. A few minutes to research can save your wallet. Bon voyage!

Search for your perfect cruise using Cruiseline.com’s Find a Cruise tool. You can also use the

FREE price alerts to receive an email notification every time the price of a specific cruise changes. Set as many alerts as you like for all the ships and sailing dates you have booked or are considering. Stay updated with all cruise deals and special offers when you sign up for our Deals Email.

10 Ways to Save on a Cruise

How to Save Hundreds on Your Next Cruise (Even If You Already Booked)

Top 10 Cruise Deals