10 Cruise Extras That Are Actually Worth the Money (Real Advice From a Frequent Cruiser)
Cruises are often advertised as all-inclusive vacations.
And compared to many other types of travel, they can be an incredible value.
But once you’re onboard, the upsells start appearing everywhere.
Specialty dining.
Wi-Fi.
Drink packages.
Spa treatments.
Excursions.
Cabin upgrades.
After years of cruising, I’ve learned that some of these extras are absolutely worth the money, while others are easy to skip.
The difference comes down to one simple question:
Will it actually make your vacation better?
Here are 10 cruise extras that, in my experience, can genuinely improve the cruise experience and be worth paying a little extra for.
Quick Verdict
Worth paying extra for:
- Specialty dining (occasionally)
- Wi-Fi (depending on your needs)
- Thermal spa passes
- Independent excursions
- Drink packages (if you drink enough)
- Balcony cabins
- Travel insurance
- Early/priority experiences (situational)
- Shore-based SIM cards
- Memorable experiences over “stuff”
1. Specialty Dining
You definitely don’t need specialty dining every night.
In fact, most cruise lines offer plenty of good food that’s already included in your fare.
That said, for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a nice evening onboard, specialty dining can be worth the extra cost. The atmosphere is usually quieter, the service is more personalized, and the meal often feels like an event rather than just dinner.
We don’t do it every cruise, but when we do, it often ends up being one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
2. Wi-Fi (When Staying Connected Matters)
I can personally go a few days without internet.
My mom? Not a chance.
If she’s cruising, Wi-Fi is making the budget.
Over the years, cruise internet has improved dramatically, and having the ability to stay connected, message family, check social media, or look up information in port can be incredibly convenient. It’s not a must-have for everyone, but if staying connected is important to you, it’s one of the extras that can genuinely improve your cruise experience.
3. Thermal Spa Pass
This might be one of the most underrated cruise upgrades.
On our MSC cruise, my mom and I purchased access to the thermal area, and she spent so much time there that it quickly became one of her favorite parts of the trip.
Between the heated loungers, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas, it felt like a quiet escape from the crowds. If you enjoy relaxing and know you’ll use it throughout the cruise, a thermal pass can offer surprisingly good value.
If you’re wondering what cruise spa treatments and thermal passes actually cost, take a look at our Carnival Cruise Spa Prices guide for a real-world pricing breakdown.
4. Independent Shore Excursions
This is one area where we’ve saved money without feeling like we sacrificed the experience.
Cruise line excursions are convenient, but they’re often significantly more expensive than booking independently. Over the years, we’ve taken several independent tours that were smaller, more personal, and less crowded than the ship-sponsored alternatives.
The key is doing your research. Read reviews, choose reputable operators, and leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. When done right, independent excursions can offer some of the best value of the entire cruise.
One of our favorite independent tour experiences was in St. Maarten. You can read more about the island and our recommendations in our full St. Maarten cruise port guide.
5. Drink Packages (If the Math Works)
Drink packages can be a great value—but only if you’ll actually use them.
For some cruisers, they’re absolutely worth it. For others, they’re an expensive extra that never pays for itself.
I’ve done cruises with and without a drink package, and it really comes down to your habits. If you’re ordering cocktails throughout the day, enjoying drinks by the pool, and having wine with dinner, the numbers can work in your favor.
But if you’re only having a couple of drinks a day, you’re usually better off paying as you go.
6. Balcony Cabins (My Personal Favorite)
If I had to choose just one cruise upgrade, it would probably be a balcony cabin.
There’s something special about having your own private space to enjoy the ocean. Some of my favorite cruise moments have been simple ones—grabbing a coffee in the morning, sitting outside, and watching the sea go by.
They’re not cheap, and they’re not necessary for everyone, but if you know you’ll actually use it, a balcony can completely change the cruise experience.
Still trying to decide between an inside cabin, ocean view, or balcony? Our cabin comparison guide breaks down the pros and cons of each option.
7. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never need.
And honestly, that’s exactly why it’s worth considering.
I haven’t always purchased it myself, but my mom never skips it. Between trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and unexpected medical issues, it can provide a lot of peace of mind for a relatively small cost.
You may never use it—but if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have it.
8. eSIMs and Local Data Plans
This is one of the most underrated ways to save money on a cruise.
Instead of paying for expensive internet packages, we often use local data when we’re in port. For checking messages, maps, or social media, an eSIM can be cheaper and often faster than cruise Wi-Fi.
It’s not something everyone needs, but for staying connected ashore, it’s a surprisingly useful option.
9. Experiences Over Stuff
One thing I’ve learned after years of cruising is that I rarely remember the souvenirs I bought.
What I do remember are the experiences.
A great excursion, a special dinner, a relaxing day in the thermal spa, or sitting on a balcony watching the ocean are the things that stick with me long after the cruise is over.
If you’re going to spend extra money, spend it on memories—not more stuff to bring home.
10. The Right Splurge (Not All Splurges)
Not every upgrade is worth paying for.
In fact, some of the best cruises we’ve taken were fairly budget-friendly.
But I’ve found that choosing one or two upgrades that genuinely matter to you can make a much bigger difference than trying to buy every add-on the cruise line offers.
Whether that’s a balcony cabin, a special excursion, a thermal spa pass, or a nice dinner, a well-chosen splurge can elevate the entire vacation without blowing your budget.
Final Thought
One of the biggest mistakes new cruisers make is assuming every extra onboard purchase is a money grab. Some certainly are, but others can genuinely improve the overall vacation experience.
After years of cruising with my mom, I’ve learned that the best upgrades aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones—they’re the ones you actually use. For us, that usually means a balcony cabin, reliable internet, and occasionally a thermal spa pass. For someone else, it might be specialty dining, shore excursions, or a drink package.
The key is simple: don’t pay extra because the cruise line tells you to. Pay extra for the things you’ll actually enjoy and remember. A balcony you sit on every day is worth more than a specialty dinner you barely remember. Likewise, a thermal spa pass you use throughout the cruise can provide more value than a souvenir that ends up forgotten a few weeks later.
The smartest cruise spending isn’t about buying everything. It’s about selecting a few upgrades that genuinely enhance your vacation and create memories that last long after the cruise is over.
