10 Overrated Cruise Experiences That Aren't Worth the Hype

Cruise vacations can be a great way to see the world while unpacking only once, but not everything onboard is worth your hard-earned cash. From pricey add-ons and shore excursions to themed events and so-called luxury amenities, some experiences sound better than they actually are. 

If you're looking to travel on a budget without sacrificing fun, it's smart to know what's worth skipping. Here are 10 overrated cruise experiences that often don't live up to the hype — or the price tag.

Cruise ship casinos lure passengers with the promise of excitement, but they often deliver poor value. Slot machines tend to have tighter payouts than land-based casinos, and table minimums can be surprisingly high, usually $5 to $25 per hand.

Multiply that cost by a few nights, and you could easily lose hundreds. Plus, you're gambling away precious time at sea in a windowless room. A better alternative? Head to the deck for ocean views, fresh air, and free entertainment like live music or stargazing.

Balcony cabins sound dreamy, but many cruisers agree they're not worth the extra cash as they are often $400 to $600 more than an interior room. Sure, having your own private view sounds nice, but most people rarely use their balconies while they travel.

When sailing through scenic spots like Alaska or Antarctica, you'll probably head to the upper decks for a better view anyway. If you're trying to travel on a budget, skip the splurge and book a lower-grade cabin — you might even save enough to book another cruise.

Dressing up for a formal night might sound glamorous, but it often feels more like pressure than pleasure. Between gowns, suits, shoes, and accessories, outfitting yourself can easily cost a few hundred dollars, just for a single evening. 

And if you're flying to your cruise, formal wear takes up valuable suitcase space.

If fancy dinners aren't your thing, consider sailing with lines like Oceania or Viking, which tend to skip the formal dress code entirely.

Cruise ship spas might look serene, but many cruisers say they're seriously overrated. A single massage can cost $150 to $250, often more than what you'd pay at a high-end spa back home.

And just when you're feeling relaxed, the upselling starts. Therapists often push pricey products, turning a chill moment into a sales pitch. If you want to truly unwind, skip the spa and find a quiet deck chair and a good book.

Drink packages promise unlimited fun, but they're often a waste of money unless you're a heavy drinker. On big ships like Royal Caribbean, you might pay anywhere from $56 to $105 per day for a deluxe beverage package, and that adds up fast.

Many people find they don't drink enough to break even, especially on port-heavy itineraries. A better option? Skip the package, enjoy a few à la carte drinks, and take advantage of happy hour specials or free non-alcoholic options onboard.

A beach day sounds like a perfect cruise excursion, but booking one through the ship can be quite expensive for something as simple as a ride and a chair. The catch? You're often paying a premium for convenience, not quality.

You can usually hire a local driver or taxi at the port to take you to the exact same beach for far less. Plus, you'll have more flexibility and avoid the crowded cruise group experience.

Duty-free shopping sounds like a smart way to save, but it often doesn't deliver the value it promises. While you might find decent deals on liquor or tobacco, many items, especially jewelry, are marked up to begin with.

So even without tax, you could end up overpaying. Prices on the ship and in tourist-heavy ports are rarely true bargains. Instead, do your shopping at home where you can compare prices, or spend your money on unique local experiences.

Glass bottom boat tours are often a letdown rather than a fun, easy way to explore marine life. These tours usually cost $40 to $90 per person, but the view through the glass is often blurry, scratched, or disappointing. Fish tend to keep their distance, and the boat noise can scare them off entirely.

If you really want to experience the underwater world, consider a guided snorkeling excursion or simply bring your own snorkel gear and explore from the beach.

In an era when everyone carries a high-quality camera on their phone, cruise photo packages feel unnecessary. Prices can range from $150 to over $300 on lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean for a set of staged photos you may not even love.

The photographers often snap you at awkward moments or in front of cheesy backdrops, and the results rarely feel personal. Instead, snap your own photos or ask a fellow passenger to take a picture. You'll save money and capture more natural, meaningful memories.

While segway tours look fun, they don't offer a great value, and segways are more difficult to handle than they look. The tours are usually short, and a chunk of that time is spent learning how to use the Segway.

Plus, it's tough to focus on the sights when you're busy dodging curbs and cracks. Segways also can't handle stairs, hills, or narrow paths. For a more immersive (and affordable) experience, opt for a walking tour or rent a bike instead.

Cruises offer plenty of chances to splurge, but not all extras are worth the price. From drink packages to spa treatments, some experiences sound appealing, but often leave travelers feeling underwhelmed and overcharged.

If you're trying to travel on a budget, it pays to be selective and savvy. One smart tip? Some of the best travel credit cards offer perks like onboard credit, travel insurance, and even discounts on excursions, helping you enjoy more without overspending.