10 Things We STOPPED Paying For on Cruises (Save Hundreds!) 🚢
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Want to save money on cruises without sacrificing your vacation experience? 💰 After dozens of sailings, we've discovered that many popular cruise extras, upgrades, and add-ons simply aren't worth paying for anymore! Cruise lines offer plenty of opportunities to spend extra money, but those additional cruise costs can add up quickly. From expensive photo packages and spa treatments to specialty dining, drink packages, shore excursions, and priority boarding, knowing what to skip can help you keep more money in your vacation budget. In this Calm Sea Cruise guide, Pat shares 10 things we no longer automatically pay for on cruises, why we've changed our spending habits, and the money-saving alternatives we choose instead. Whether you're planning your first cruise or you're an experienced cruiser sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America Line, these practical cruise money-saving tips will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and cruise smarter! ⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: Stop Overpaying on Cruise Extras 00:50 10. Cruise Photo Packages 01:40 9. Cruise Ship Souvenirs 02:25 8. Expensive Spa Treatments 03:15 7. Art Auctions and Onboard Shopping 04:15 6. Cruise Bingo and Paid Games 05:06 5. Specialty Dining Every Night 05:56 4. Beverage Package Upgrades 07:14 3. Cruise Line Shore Excursions 08:32 2. Cruise Line Airport Transfers 09:35 1. VIP and Priority Access Packages 🚢 MORE CRUISE TIPS & MONEY-SAVING ADVICE Looking for more ways to save money on cruises, avoid common cruise mistakes, and plan a better vacation? Watch our Cruise Tips & Money-Saving Secrets playlist for practical advice on cruise cabins, shore excursions, specialty dining, embarkation, and much more! ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzYEp6eOW5gUVsAmEmjHDlO5vBfm5W3Cg 💡 CRUISE SMARTER AND SPEND LESS Getting the best value from your cruise isn't about skipping every extra expense. It's about understanding what's already included in your cruise fare and choosing which upgrades and experiences are actually worth the additional cost. For those of us cruising after 50, making thoughtful spending decisions means enjoying more of what matters most while avoiding unnecessary purchases. Whether you're trying to avoid hidden cruise costs, deciding if a drink package is worth it, or looking for ways to save on your next cruise vacation, these tips can help you make better decisions before you sail. 💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What's one thing you used to pay extra for on cruises that you no longer purchase? Are there any cruise extras you would never give up? Share your experiences and money-saving tips in the comments below! Your advice could help another cruiser plan a better vacation. 🌊 SUBSCRIBE TO CALM SEA CRUISE Join Pat and Kathy for real cruise experiences to help you cruise smarter 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@CalmSeaCruise 🍪 LOVE CRUISE FOOD Watch Calm Sea Cooks 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CalmSeaCooks 🧳 CRUISE ESSENTIALS & PACKING LISTS Shop the gear we actually use for packing, filming, and living life at sea. 🛍️ Start here 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/calmseacruise 🎒 Packing & Travel Gear 👉 https://amzn.to/4p9JbCv 🪶 Cruise Essentials 👉 https://amzn.to/45QcTVA As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 📄 FREE CRUISE PACKING CHECKLIST 👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_A7u6wHQMUnO_zLO2ZLSUKWxcoRD0ScZ/view 💳✨ American Express Platinum Card We use the American Express Platinum Card for many of our travel benefits. ✈️🚢🏨 If you’re interested in an American Express Card, you can check out the current offers and Card benefits using our referral link: 👉 https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/platinum-card?ref=PATRIL9MRH&xl=cp01 🎁 We may earn Membership Rewards points if you apply through our referral link and are approved for a Card. You may also be eligible for a referral offer. Terms apply. 💬 STAY CONNECTED 📸Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/calmseacruise 📱TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@calmseacruise 🎓 CREATOR & RETIREMENT RESOURCES Thinking about sharing your own travel experiences or planning your next chapter? These are the resources we’ve personally used: ▶️ YouTube After 40 Build Your Channel 👉 https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/courses/youtube-after-40?ref=8ea664 ▶️ Retirement Travel Jumpstart 👉 https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/courses/retirement-travel-jumpstart?ref=8ea664 #CruiseTips #CruiseMoneySavingTips #SaveMoneyOnCruises #CruiseExtras #CruisingAfter50