As someone that cruises for a living, there are a few things I'd never buy for my cruise.
There are many choices in what extras you can purchase for a cruise. Many are aimed at adding convenience, or simply an experience you cannot otherwise enjoy.
To be clear, I'm not someone who shy's away from spending money on add-ons. There are many I've come to relish, and some I pick up once in a while.
In my opinion, the items on this list are either cruise add-ons I think overall are not worth it, as well as some that simply do not mesh with my style of cruising. Consider this a glimpse into my thought process, and perhaps it's something consider before you purchase something in the Cruise Planner.
Arcade credits end up being wasteful
I have two kids, but I never buy the pre-purchased arcade credits prior to the cruise.
Royal Caribbean sells arcade credit packages that save a few dollars off the total price, but my issue with arcade credits is how you actually get to use them.
You won't know which arcade games are actually on the ship until you board, which means your kids might love or hate the options there. More problematic is the fact quite often there are a subset of arcade games that are out of order.
It's not unusual for a handful of games to be broken, thus reducing the choices available.
The other problem is that all games have different credit requirements, and I've found with the arcade packages you end up with unused credits and it becomes a challenge to use them all.
Instead of buying arcade credit packages, I'll just swipe and play games a la carte. It ensures I don't have any leftover credits, and there are games to play my kids actually enjoy. Plus, if we run out of time or just never make to the arcade, I'm not worried about losing that arcade credit investment.
Photo packages are restrictive
I think a photo package might be a good purchase for larger families, but it's something I stopped buying.
I have no issue with the photo package value, but I've found we stop taking that many professional photos while we cruise. On an average cruise, if we take two or three photos, it's a miracle. This is partly because we cruise often enough we aren't worried about getting photos since we can always get another later, and partly because of the long lines in the evening for photos.
The other lesser known detraction of a photo package is someone in your cabin needs to be in the photo for it to be included. Meaning, if you're traveling with friends or family, unless one person from your cabin is in the photo, that would not be included in the package, even though they are part of your traveling party.
If you're new to cruising or do not cruise very often, a photo package can be a great purchase. But I stopped buying it.
Bus tours are disappointing
Of all the shore excursions you can take, a bus tour is arguably the least worthwhile purchase.
Bus tours sound like it could be a good way to see a port, but you're going to be in a large group and the bus may not stop at the places you want to stop at. Moreover, the time you have at each stop inevitably is either too short or too long. What if you want to linger longer and explore more? Or completely skip that tourist trap souvenir shop near the scenic view?
Plus, you may not need a bus tour to enjoy your day. You could take a cab, walk and explore on foot, or book a smaller tour without the crowds.
I don't like the idea of animal encounters
My views on the use of animals for purpose of tourist meets has changed, and I don't have any desire to book a tour involving captive animals.
I'm referring to dolphins and other marine wildlife that you can meet in an enclosure. I have no problem with whale, bear, or other animal watching tours in the wild.
Besides the crazy high prices charged for these excursions, I find issue with them and won't book any.
The Key isn't as good as it looks
Royal Caribbean's VIP program to get you special benefits for a price simply sounds better than it really is.
I have found repeatedly guests can achieve similar results on their own with a bit of advanced planning, and I think the money is better spent elsewhere.
Priority embarkation on embarkation day? Just get an early check-in time when check-in times become available 45 days before the cruise starts and you'll be among the first to board the ship.
Chops Grille lunch on embarkation day? Book it on your own.
Priority for signature activities? It's always for the less desirable activities (Flowrider, rock wall, etc) and the times are never convenient. It's either early in the morning or around dinner time, and these are times when lines are naturally shorter anyway.
The appeal of The Key is to buy it and then not have to do anything else. It includes WiFi, and sometimes the price is barely more than buying just the WiFi package. But I think the benefits look better on paper than they are in practice.
Casitas are pricey and distant
No one likes to compete for a deck chair on a sea day, but casitas are expensive for what you get.
Beyond the price, I think casitas are located too far away from the actual pool (usually they are on the upper pool deck) and the have no walls, which means there isn't always shade provided.
The price is cheaper on port days, but you probably don't need to worry about finding a seat at the pool on a port day because so many other passengers are off the ship.
I find Up, Up, and away balloon ride to be unreliable
The chances the Up, Up, and away helium balloon ride is actually operational the day you visit Perfect Day at CocoCay are pretty low.
The Up, Up and Away helium balloon takes guests 450 feet above the ground, providing the highest vantage point in The Bahamas. While this sounds really neat, it rarely operates.
The balloon seems to require near perfect weather conditions to operate, and it's quite rare to see it working.
The reason I don't buy it is because you can't count on it, and I'd hate to pass up something else in favor of the balloon.
If you want to try your luck, I'd skip buying it in advance and if you spot the balloon in the air on the day you visit CocoCay, head over and buy a ticket on the spot. There's less disappointment in that scenario.
Watches are notorious for being a poor value
I have yet to buy a watch on a cruise, but stories from other cruisers will likely ensure that never happens.
Many people have a watch addiction, and you'll find plenty of watches in the onboard jewelry stores. The problem is how much they are actually worth.
There are lots of stories of guests feeling bamboozled after buying a watch on a ship.
Just like the art auction, I think you should buy something because you think it will look nice to own, and not primarily for an investment.
