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Let’s get one thing straight: I love cruising. But like everyone, I have a hot take or two.. I recently made an Instagram post sharing some unpopular opinions about cruising, and thought… I might have one or two more.
Unpopular Opinion 1: Cruise ship shore excursions are way overpriced
I get why cruise line shore excursions cost more. They guarantee you’ll make it back to the ship, and for some people, that peace of mind is worth every penny.
For me though, the prices are often unjustifiable.
The same tour booked independently is usually far cheaper, sometimes half the price, and often with smaller groups too. The cruise line knows people are scared of being left behind, so they absolutely bake that fear into the price.
My workaround is simple. I avoid anything longer than about five hours. That still leaves plenty of time to explore, enjoy the port, and get back with zero stress. I’ve done this all over the Med and never once had an issue.
Unpopular Opinion 2: The Spa is a total rip-off
Cruise ship spas are dangerous places for your wallet.
I once won a $100 spa voucher and still walked out paying another $100 for a haircut. By the time you factor in the upsells, the “recommended” treatments, and the automatic gratuity, that free voucher didn’t feel very free at all.
Every appointment turns into a sales pitch. Better shampoo. Better conditioner. Scalp treatment. Special serum. Suddenly you’re saying no every two minutes while sat in a robe.
Unless you’re someone who genuinely loves the spa experience and doesn’t mind the price tag, I’d honestly skip it.
Unpopular Opinion 3: The onboard jewellery stores are a scam
I said what I said. If you see a piece of jewellery you love and you’re happy with the price, go for it. No judgement. But let’s not pretend these are bargains.
The markups are huge, the “duty-free” angle is massively overplayed, and the constant sales and countdown clocks feel more like a late-night TV advert than luxury shopping.
If you’re shopping for something meaningful or valuable, you’re almost always better off doing it at home where you can compare prices properly and take your time.
Unpopular Opinion 4: I won’t pay for speciality dining
This one really ruffles feathers. I’ve never had a bad meal in the Main Dining Room. Ever. The food is consistent, varied, and perfectly good for what it is. Paying extra on top of an already expensive cruise just doesn’t feel worth it to me.
Norwegian is the one exception. Their Free at Sea promo makes speciality dining genuinely affordable, and when it’s already included or heavily discounted, I’m much more likely to book it.
But if I’m paying full price? I’m sticking with the MDR and saving my money.
Unpopular Opinion 5: I choose the ship over the destination
Especially in the Mediterranean.
I know that sounds wild, but hear me out. I can get a cheap Ryanair flight to most European cities whenever I want. Cruising, for me, is about the ship experience just as much as the ports.
If that means skipping a port to enjoy a quieter ship, empty pool deck, or a long lunch with zero queues, I’m totally fine with that. Sometimes the ship is the destination, and I’m very okay with that choice.
Unpopular Opinion 6: I’m fine with an Inside Cabin to save money
An inside cabin doesn’t bother me at all if it means I’m paying less.
I don’t see the appeal of an oceanview. If I’m going to upgrade, I want a balcony. Otherwise, I’d rather pocket the savings and spend the money on experiences, drinks, or another cruise entirely.
I’m barely in the cabin anyway. It’s for sleeping, showering, and dumping shopping bags. As long as it’s clean and comfortable, I’m happy.
My 6 Unpopular Opinions About Cruising…
Did they surprise you? I know that some of them were a little surprising.
