13 Cruise Rip-Offs to Avoid on Your Next Cruise (and Save Hundreds!)
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
The rookie ends their all-inclusive vacation with a surprise,000 bill.
Many experienced cruisers skip it altogether, treating a voyage as a rare chance to unplug.
The smart move? Skip the overpriced alle cart treatments unless you find a deep discount and instead invest in the thermal suite.
Go for the free champagne, enjoy the show, and then slip out before the bidding starts.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Think your cruise is all-inclusive? Think again. From $7 ATM fees to $300 massages and $25 photos, cruise ships are filled with sneaky money traps designed to drain your wallet. In this video, I’m revealing the 13 biggest cruise rip-offs—and what smart cruisers do instead to save hundreds while still having an amazing time. Don’t be the rookie who ends their trip with a surprise bill—learn how to spot every overpriced “perk” before it gets you. You’ll discover: ⚓ The real truth behind Wi-Fi, drink packages, and “free” photos 💸 How to save on excursions, spa treatments, and shopping 🧠 Smart cruiser hacks that make your vacation stress-free and affordable 🕒 CHAPTERS: 00:00- Rookie vs Smart Cruiser 00:54- Wi-Fi Packages 02:35- Spa Treatments 04:24- Ship Photos 05:54- Art Auctions 07:12- Shopping Traps 08:40- Cruise-Line Excursions 10:25- Paid Onboard Thrills 12:00- Casino & Bingo 13:21- Specialty Dining 14:31- Bottled Water 15:33- Drink Packages 17:01- Solo Fees 18:04- ATM & Medical Costs 19:38- Bonus Tip – Onboard Shops 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more cruise news, tips, and travel guides to help you cruise smarter: https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseInsider?sub_confirmation=1 WATCH NEXT: ▶️ The Ultimate Cruise Guide: Tips, Secrets & Mistakes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0kY1ppZnLN1QaqjkgePJwdMcRx6Yi8th Disclaimer: Cruise line policies can change. This information is accurate as of NOVEMBER 2025 but you should always check the official website for your specific cruise line before you pack. #CruiseTips #CruisePacking #CruiseTravel