When we asked our Life Well Cruised Facebook community to share the impulse buys they ended up regretting during or after a cruise, the responses poured in. Over 700 comments later, it is clear we have all made a few questionable cruise purchases and lived to tell the tale.
From spa splurges to onboard watches and drink packages that did not quite hit the mark, here are 10 of the most common cruise purchases real cruisers wish they could take back.
10 Impulse Purchase Cruise Passengers Often Regret:
1. The Post-Massage Product Push
Spa treatments can be one of the most relaxing parts of a cruise until the product pitch begins. Several cruisers shared that the moment of post-massage bliss was often followed by spending money on products they barely used afterward.
I started off this post with a personal one: “The Elemis cooling massage gel I bought after a spa treatment. $80… used only once. That single comment received over 150 likes, clearly striking a chord.”
Another member added that anything purchased after a massage tends to be a regret, saying they always feel too relaxed to say no. Even those who booked spa services in advance said the pressure to buy products afterward made the experience less enjoyable.
2. The Invicta Watch Regret
Invicta watches are heavily promoted on many cruise ships and often marketed as a deal too good to pass up. However, for many in our community, that purchase turned into a lesson in buyer’s remorse.
One person simply said, “Invicta watch(es)… never again,” while another elaborated, “A $600 Invicta watch for my husband in 2015, it has since fallen apart and is unusable.”
The consensus? Just because something is on sale does not mean it is a smart buy!
3. The Drink Package That Was Not Worth It
Drink packages can be great on certain itineraries, but the value may not add up when you are not making the most of them, especially on longer or cooler-weather cruises. As one cruiser explained, the drink package on a 10-day Alaska cruise was definitely not worth it for their group.
Many others agreed, saying they did not drink enough to justify the cost or that port-heavy schedules meant less time onboard to take advantage.
Related: 11 Reasons Not to Buy the Drink Package on a Cruise
4. The Pricey Photo Package
Cruise photos can be a fun way to remember your vacation until you realize you have paid top dollar for images you do not love. Several cruisers said the onboard photo packages sounded good in theory but ended in regret.
One Life Well Cruised community member summed it up by saying, “The photo package. We did not like most of the pictures, and they were $$$.”
If you are not sure you will want all the photos, consider purchasing just your favorites rather than the full bundle.
5. The Costly Ship-to-Shore Call
Before cruise Wi-Fi became more widely available, ship-to-shore calls were often the only way to contact people back home. However, they came at a steep price, especially when fuelled by celebratory drinks.
One cruiser shared a story from their honeymoon, explaining that back in the late 90s, their husband (after a few cocktails) decided to make a ship-to-shore phone call to his best friend. That was an expensive phone call. Those minutes did not come cheap.
6. Casino Losses That Added Up
Gambling at sea can be fun in moderation. However, it is easy to lose track of spending when you are just having a go at the slots.
One cruiser admitted, “Playing the slot machine. I swore I would only use $20, somehow I was down $200.” The takeaway here? Set a budget and stick to it.
Related: Cruise Casino Etiquette Rules All Cruisers Need to Know
7. The “Free” Show That Cost an Hour of Your Life
Not all cruise regrets come with a price tag. Some are about how you spend your time onboard. A few commenters mentioned onboard shows or activities they wished they had skipped.
One particularly memorable response was, “Not a money purchase, but we went to an 80s show and that is an hour of my life I will never get back.”
Even free activities come at the cost of time. If something does not interest you, it is okay to skip it!
8. Art and Jewelry Purchases That Did Not Age Well
Art auctions and onboard jewelry sales are heavily promoted on many cruise ships. While some people genuinely enjoy the experience, others walked away with purchases they later regretted.
One cruiser simply said, “Art,” while another added, “Jewelry on the ship.” Sometimes it is about the price. Sometimes it is the impulse itself.
A few people said they were excited, only to get home and wonder why they bought a piece they did not truly love.
9. The Beach Bag That Did Not Last the Week
It is easy to be tempted by inexpensive souvenirs in port or small shops onboard, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for. One cruiser shared that they bought a $10 beach bag, which ripped before the cruise was even over.
It is a good reminder to choose quality over quick buys, especially if you are counting on something to last beyond the trip.
10. Wi-Fi Package Regrets
A few people mentioned cruise ship internet as something they regretted purchasing. While Wi-Fi has historically been slow and expensive at sea, that is rapidly changing.
One cruiser simply said, “Internet service.” While this was a regret for some, not everyone agrees. In fact, many cruisers appreciate the ability to stay connected, especially with family and work, or even just to share vacation moments online.
Today, most major cruise lines have improved internet service significantly thanks to Starlink and other advanced technologies.
So here is the real question: Do you think cruise ship Wi-Fi is worth it?
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Final Thoughts: The Value of Experiences Over Things
Interestingly, some of the most talked-about onboard purchases were not excursions, specialty dining, or even onboard attractions. These categories were rarely mentioned in the hundreds of comments we received.
With so many people expressing regret over material items, it serves as a great reminder that what often brings the most joy are the experiences themselves.
Whether it’s a day exploring a beautiful port, a memorable meal shared with family, or an activity you tried for the first time on board, those moments tend to last far longer than a watch or a jar of spa cream.
Maybe, just maybe, those are the things really worth investing in on your next cruise!
