Cruise Holidays

Travel expert Megan duBois has spent more than 15 years sailing the seas on different cruise lines – and she says there are some things she will ‘never buy’ as they aren’t worth the price

A seasoned cruiser who has embarked on more than 50 voyages has revealed the items she would “never buy” whilst aboard a ship. Travel guru Megan duBois has clocked up over 15 years exploring the oceans on various cruise lines.

However, Megan insists there are certain “experiences and extras” she simply refuses to pay for, as she believes they “aren’t worth the price”. From lavish spa treatments to basic keepsakes, Megan reckons there are numerous ways to pocket some savings during your getaway.

One expense Megan says she won’t fork out for is a drinks package. Most leading cruise operators provide drinks packages with costs typically ranging from approximately £50 to £75 per person daily.

Additionally, many cruise companies mandate that all passengers sharing a cabin must purchase the same package, according to Megan. As somebody who rarely drinks alcohol, Megan maintains the package simply doesn’t justify the expense.

Writing in BusinessInsider, she explained: “I stick to ordering my beverages à la carte. It saves me money and makes me really think about what I’m ordering.”

Whilst numerous cruise-goers might be tempted to indulge in pampering aboard their vessel, Megan reveals she bypasses the salon and arranges her preferred beauty treatments before boarding day. She notes that ships frequently charge “premium, much higher” rates compared to those on land.

She also relishes the sensation of stepping onto the ship “looking and feeling great”. The experienced voyager now steers clear of room service as well, unless it comes complimentary, naturally.

In recent times, she’s observed a surge in the number of trips that charge for food delivery. As a result, Megan now prefers to venture out to the buffet or dining halls.

She elaborates: “If I really want to eat in my cabin because I need some downtime or want to watch a movie, I ask the staff if there are any take-out options available.”

Another money-saving trick Megan employs is bypassing the souvenir lanyard. Many cruisers often find themselves shelling out for a lanyard to keep their crucial room key within easy reach.

These typically also serve as your ID and payment card on board the ship. However, instead of buying one, Megan has taken to storing her key card in her phone case so it’s always at hand.

Lastly, Megan reveals she steers clear of booking excursions through her cruise line. She does concede that booking via the cruise line ensures the ship will usually wait if you’re running behind schedule.

This implies that if you’re considering booking your excursions through a third-party, then you need to ensure you return with ample time to spare.

Megan said: “I like to explore the ports on my own or with a third-party excursion company. These excursions are typically more affordable and offer comparable experiences, and I always read a lot of reviews before booking.

Villa Vie Residences has announced plans for a new residential cruise ship where people can buy cabins and live at sea permanently – with prices starting lower than average London property

Ever reached the end of a cruise and wished you could just keep on sailing? Well, your dreams might soon become reality. A US firm has unveiled plans for a residential cruise ship that lets you live permanently at sea. However, prospective passengers will need to dig deep into their pockets to secure a spot.

Villa Vie Residences already operates one residential cruise ship, the Odyssey, which has been embarking on a continuous global cruise since October 2024. Despite being delayed by technical issues and leaving Belfast several months late, it’s currently navigating its way through a 15-year planned itinerary.

The current cruise is set to circumnavigate the globe multiple times, with each journey lasting three and a half years, reports the Express.

The company has now announced plans, dubbed Project Lumina, to acquire a luxury cruise ship for residents to live on either full or part-time. They suggest these all-inclusive cruises could even prove cheaper than living on dry land.

Those seeking a permanent home on the ship can bag an oceanview room from $539,999 (around £404,000) or upgrade to a suite with a balcony for $899,999 (roughly £637,000). Monthly fees will apply for residents.

However, more affordable options such as five-year ownerships and rentals are available for those not planning to make the sea their long-term home.

The average cost of a flat in London, rather dishearteningly, typically ranges between £530,000 and £610,000, making the new cruise ship a potentially more affordable option. Those who purchase these rooms aren’t required to live in them permanently.

There are alternatives available, such as renting them out when not in use. Passengers also have the option to invite guests on board for a stay, at a fee.

While the exact details of the ship remain confidential, the company confirmed in a statement that the cruise will offer ‘ultra-luxury’ and operate alongside their existing Odyssey service.

On Villa Vie’s current residential cruise, the amenities are akin to those found on a standard cruise ship, with some bespoke extras for those embarking on longer-term journeys. There’s gourmet dining, entertainment, a swimming pool, optional excursions, and regular housekeeping.

Residents also benefit from a fortnightly laundry service and include medical visits. A social club and regular events for passengers ensure no one feels isolated during this extended voyage.

Although many current passengers on the Odyssey are retirees, the cruise is also targeting remote workers and digital nomads who can work from anywhere in the world. There’s a business centre on board and high-speed WiFi provided by Starlink, enabling people to make video calls on the go.

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In a statement released to PR Newswire, the newly-appointed President Chris Cox expressed: “I’m thrilled to join Villa Vie at such a defining moment for the brand and for the category. There is incredible demand for authentic, residential oceangoing lifestyles-from attainable world-travel homes to ultra-luxury villa experiences.

“Project Lumina will be about listening carefully to that demand and translating it into beautifully designed, high-value products that feel both elevated and deeply personal.”

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This year has seen a raft of items banned from cruise ships, and if you’re planning on sailing away in 2026, make sure you don’t have any of these items in your luggage or you could risk having your possessions confiscated

While a cruise can be an excellent way to see the world, stepping on-board one of these giant floating resorts is very different to checking into a hotel. There are cruise etiquette rules to observe, and due to safety regulations and the close proximity to other guests, strict guidelines that passengers will need to follow.

In 2025, many cruise lines announced bans on common travel items, citing either safety concerns or antisocial behaviour. If you haven’t been on a cruise for a while, it’s worth double-checking with your cruise line what is and isn’t allowed in your bag.

Here are some of the items that have been banned in recent months and could end up being confiscated if you bring them on board.

1. Satellite internet

Onboard WiFi can be a big expense on top of the price of your cruise, especially for longer journeys or if you plan to use multiple devices. Some tech-savvy passengers have tried to avoid the cost by bringing devices such as Starlink Mini onboard, which provides internet via a satellite, but cruise companies have not been impressed by this ingenious hack.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are among the cruise lines which banned passenger-owned Starlink devices, although some of their ships use the system to provide WiFi at a cost. Cruise lines have claimed that satellites could cause interference to the ship’s systems and problems with its own WiFi.

2. Travel routers

Many cruise WiFi packages can only be used on one device, leading some passengers to bring routers to use in their cabins, which allows them to connect multiple devices to a single connection. However, some cruise lines are cracking down on what was once a popular money-saving hack. There have been claims that these routers could cause cybersecurity issues on cruises, and many cruise groups on social media are full of passengers complaining that their devices were confiscated when trying to bring them in their luggage.

3. Clack fans

This rather strange ban was implemented by Carnival Cruises in the USA in response to a dance craze. The 2024 song Boots on the Ground by 803Fresh spawned a popular TikTok dance that became a staple on cruises, and involves using a paper clack fan to accompany the beat. However, the American cruise line banned them from nightclubs and indoor dance floors over safety concerns, although they can still be used in spaces such as decks.

4. Bluetooth speakers

If you’re dreaming of sitting out on your balcony blasting your favourite tunes, then you may be disappointed. Many cruise lines have now banned Bluetooth speakers, citing noise levels, annoyance to other passengers, and the possibility of blocking important safety announcements. Celebrity, Carnival and MSC all have speaker bans.

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5. Upside down pineapple stickers

According to Australian news outlet Cruise Passenger, upside-down pineapples, often used as a symbol that couples are interested in swinging, will no longer be allowed on cruises run by Carnival. When asked about the stickers, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald wrote: “Thank you for mentioning that, those are definitely no longer allowed on the ships and they will be removed from any cabin door.”

Their guidelines for passengers wanting to decorate their stateroom door also state: “Items displayed during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendos/suggestions.”

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