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13 Cruise Rip-Offs to Avoid on Your Next Cruise (and Save Hundreds!)

Cruise Insider - Videos
Cruise Insider - Videos
🏅Authority
👁️ 307K views📅 7 months ago⏱️ 21:00
Norwegian Cruise Line logo
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Group logo
Royal Caribbean Group
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🏅Authority Creator
Veteran Cruiser

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

✓Skip Wi-Fi packages and use free port Wi-Fi to save money.
✓Invest in a thermal suite pass instead of overpriced spa treatments.
✓Use your own phone or ask a crew member for photos instead of buying ship photos.
✓Book independent tours or use a hybrid strategy to save on excursions.
✓Bring cash before boarding to avoid high ATM fees onboard.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Surprise bills at the end of the cruise — Learn to spot overpriced perks and avoid them to save hundreds.
Overpaying for excursions — Book independently or use a hybrid strategy to balance cost and risk.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat are the biggest cruise rip-offs to avoid?
QHow can smart cruisers save money while still having an amazing time?

Topics Covered

Drink Package2 Sad BaconLoyalty Program1 Happy BaconValue Pricing3 Sad BaconSpa Fitness2 Sad BaconExcursions1½ Sad Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
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Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

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YouTube 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