I've been on more than 20 cruises. Here are the 9 things I never buy on board.
Ships often sell over-the-counter medications that I can get for less at my local pharmacy.
Most cruise lines sell a selection of over-the-counter medications on board, but you'll probably pay more for them on the ship than you will at your local pharmacy.
So, I bring my own medicine to treat minor aches and pains, like headaches or scrapes. My must-have items include Advil, Tylenol, Neosporin, and Band-Aids. Antacids, decongestants, and Aleve are also good to bring.
Also, remember to pack any prescription medications in their original packaging. It's important to bring enough to get you through the trip, along with some extra in case you have to extend your stay due to an unforeseen travel obstacle.
I refuse to buy lanyards on the ships.
Many cruise lines give travelers a credit-card-sized room key that doubles as an onboard charge card.
So, I purchased a pack of five lanyards from Amazon for $10, and I keep my card around my neck. That way, I don't have to worry about where I should put it as I wander around the ship.
On a recent cruise, I saw a staff member selling similar individual lanyards for about the same price.
You won't find me buying the products sold in cruise spas.
If you want a massage to help you relax during your time away, go for it.
You might even be able to score better deals than what's listed on the menu if you attend a spa open house or book a treatment when the ship is in port.
Just be prepared for the spa staff to try to upsell you products during or after your treatment. I've found that a lot of these items are marked up, and I've often been able to find them for lower prices at home.
I wait to buy jewelry and watches until I'm off the ship.
Buy a piece of jewelry or a watch on your cruise if you love it. However, I've found that prices are often much higher on ships, even if the onboard stores selling them advertise special deals.
If you're going to buy expensive jewelry, do your research and ensure the items' quality meets your expectations.
This story was originally published on March 21, 2023, and most recently updated on September 23, 2025.
