4 Overrated Cruise Tips You Should Ditch (And What To Do Instead)

I’m just back from a cruise on Explora Journeys’ Explora 2, and I was surprised how many passengers I met were still following cruise tips that, frankly, are outdated and overrated.

Many are still promoted by cruising articles and videos, yet they no longer make sense in today’s cruising world.

So, here are four overrated cruise tips I think you should ditch overboard — and, more importantly, what you should be doing instead.

⚓️ Overrated Tip #1: Staying Loyal To One Cruise Line

Many cruisers proudly talk about their loyalty status. Cruise lines encourage this, promising priority boarding, lounges, and discounts. But is it really worth it?

Not often.

To reach meaningful perks like Royal Caribbean’s Diamond tier, even if you cruise every year, it could take over a decade. Meanwhile, you’ve limited yourself to one line’s ships, itineraries, and destinations.

You could easily miss iconic experiences like Glacier Bay in Alaska or docking in central cities like Marseille or Shanghai — simply because your preferred line’s ships are too large or don’t hold the right permits.

By switching between lines, you’ll often find better itineraries and deals. For example, I once booked a Holland America South America cruise instead of Cunard that I had been loyal to for years. The fare was similar, but Holland America’s “Have It All” package (Wi-Fi, drinks, dining, gratuities, and excursion credit) added over $2,000 in value I wouldn’t have had by staying “loyal.”

💡 Smart move:

Focus on value, itinerary, and inclusions — not loyalty points.

🚢 Overrated Tip #2: Always Use Cruise Line Excursions

Cruise lines heavily promote their excursions, claiming the ship will wait for you if you’re delayed. That’s reassuring — but also costly and limiting.

Most cruise lines outsource tours to companies like Intercruises, who then hire local guides — so you’re paying multiple markups. Tours are often twice the price of booking directly with local operators and are designed for large groups rushing between sights.

You’ll also stay in the “cruise bubble,” missing the authentic local experience.

💡 What to do instead:

Use independent excursion providers like Shore Excursions Group (where you can get 5% off using my affiliate code “TFT5” at check out). They offer smaller groups, vetted operators, and a return-to-ship guarantee.
Other good options: Viator.com and VentureAshore.com.

📱 Overrated Tip #3: Always Put Your Phone In Airplane Mode

We were all told to switch off our phones to avoid costly roaming fees. But technology has changed.

Many providers now offer cruise data packages or eSIMs that work at sea. For example, AT&T in the U.S. has a plan covering 175 ships with data, talk, and text included.

I recently tested a GigSky eSIM while cruising on Explora Journeys. It worked perfectly across 220 ships for just $60 for 3GB of data — ideal for checking emails, WhatsApp, or streaming a show without needing to buy expensive ship Wi-Fi. You can get 10% off the first time you use them using my affiliate code “TFT10” at check out.

💡 Smart move:

Check your mobile provider’s cruise options or try a cruise eSIM like GigSky — and use the code TFT10 for 10% off.

🍹 Overrated Tip #4: Buying Packages Always Saves Money

Many bloggers and lines claim that buying “All-Inclusive” packages (like Princess Plus, Celebrity Always Included, or HAL’s Have It All) saves money. But cruise lines design packages to make you spend more, not less.

Onboard revenue is their profit engine. Financial reports show passengers typically spend 50–100% more than their cruise fare on extras — and packages are a big part of that.

So, rather than automatically buying them, calculate your real usage.

If you only have a few drinks a day or don’t need premium Wi-Fi, you may spend far less buying à la carte.

However, packages can make sense for convenience or if the maths truly works for you — just make sure you check with a drinks package calculator on Cruzely.com or CruiseMummy.co.uk before you commit.

💡 Smart move:

Do the maths before buying — and only get a package if it truly fits your habits.

🚢 Final Thought

Cruising has changed. Some of the “classic” tips that used to make sense no longer do.
Today’s smart cruiser focuses on flexibility, technology, and informed choices — not old-school habits.

Ditch those overrated tips and enjoy a smarter, better-value cruise experience.