- As a frequent cruiser, I'm selective about how much I spend on onboard extras.
- But some things, like comfort, cute coffees, and crafted cocktails, warrant a splurge.
- As a parent, I'm also willing to pay up for some "me time" while at sea.
Cruises are so back, and they're only predicted to get more popular.
The global cruise market, valued at $7.25 billion in 2021, is expected to grow about 11% from 2022 to 2028, according to Forbes.
One huge perk of this travel style is that it's pretty all-inclusive. Things like Broadway-style shows, multicourse meals, buffets, pool access, and onboard activities are built into the price of a typical sailing.
But ships also upsell and charge extra add-ons, upgrades, and perks. As a frequent cruiser who's sailed alone over 50 times and with family more than 30, I've increasingly become less likely to pay for these upcharges.
Instead, I save my hard-earned money for the upgrades that are actually worth it. Here are upcharges my family thinks are worth the splurge.
I tend to book a cheaper cabin category, but I'm willing to pay a premium to choose a quiet stateroom location
I rarely pay extra for a balcony room as I find that I don't use this feature enough to warrant the added cost. Instead, I opt for porthole-view rooms, which are generally less expensive.
But when selecting a room category during the booking process, I will pay more for a cabin located in an ideal spot on the ship.
Modern cruise vessels are huge, and I like a room that's centrally located on the ship, giving me easy access to everything I want to see and do. I'm also willing to pay a little more to select a cabin far away from elevators and loud entertainment venues.
After all, I need a good night's sleep to make the most of my days at sea.
Room service offers a level of convenience that makes the delivery fee palatable
One of the best things about cruising is the food, and thankfully, most ships have tons of eateries onboard that don't cost extra. However, room service often comes with an additional fee.
Although I wish all cruise lines offered complimentary room service, it's so convenient I'm willing to pay extra for it — especially for an early breakfast or a snack after a long day of adventures.
I love bringing my son along, and paying for childcare allows me to make the most of my vacation
Cruise-ship kids' clubs are a great selling point for families, and access to them is almost always included in the cost of the trip.
However, the complimentary clubs are typically only open to potty-trained children. For younger kids, many cruise lines offer onboard nurseries for an added cost.
For my family, the nursery fees have proved well worth the investment. My son sailed on dozens of cruises as an infant and toddler, and these vacations produced some of my fondest travel memories.
By paying to use the onboard nursery, my husband and I were able to enjoy date nights and connect during our getaways.
I'm frugal when it comes to food, but I can't resist splurging on unique beverages
I'm not a fan of overpriced "all-inclusive" cruise drink packages, and I try to take advantage of included beverages like tea, juices, and enhanced water as much as possible.
Nonetheless, I'm happy to spend extra on premium cocktails, wine-tasting sessions with the onboard sommelier, and other unique drink experiences.
I'm a sucker for a concoction mixed up by a robot at Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar or a latte with my favorite cartoon pal etched on top as served in Disney Cruise Line's Cove Café, and these liquid indulgencies often show up on my onboard cruise tab.
Onboard spa treatments get pricey, but the lush thermal suites are worth the added cost
Spa treatments can be far pricier at sea, so I'm particular about what I book.
I save basic treatments like massages and facials for when I'm back on land, where prices are more favorable, but I do try to book at least one day pass to the onboard thermal suite per cruise.
On many ships, these blissful retreats — which can have everything from heated loungers to aromatherapy showers — are a worthy investment for those seeking a quiet atmosphere.
They're the ideal spot to soak up some "me time."
As thrifty as I am, I never feel guilty blowing my budget on experiences in the cruise ports of call
By saving money at sea and not paying for unneeded extras, I can better allocate my vacation budget where it truly counts — in the cruise ports of call.
There's no shortage of memorable adventures to be found back on land: hiking in the Norwegian fjords, helicoptering to a glacier in Alaska, exploring Mayan ruins, and strolling through cobblestone streets in Italy
For my family, savoring authentic land-based experiences is our main priority, and I'm not afraid to spend a lot on these excursions.