1. 📸 What Is Cruise Photo Service?
On most cruise ships, professional photographers walk around to capture your memories — from embarkation day, formal nights, to dinners and even shore excursions. These photos are later displayed in the photo gallery for purchase.
2. 💰 How Much Does It Cost?
- Single print: Usually $20–$25 per photo
- Digital copy packages: Around $150–$250 depending on the length of the cruise
- Unlimited package: Some cruise lines offer all photos at a flat rate, often $200+
💡 Tip: Prices are not cheap, so it’s better to decide in advance whether you want just a few prints or the full package.
3. 🎭 When Do They Take Photos?
- Boarding day: Embarkation welcome shot
- Dining room evenings: Especially on formal night
- Special events: Parties, sail-away, captain’s night
- Around the ship: Random candids
From my own experience, the formal night pictures looked the best since everyone was dressed up. I once even bought the full package because it felt worth keeping those memories.
4. 👍 Pros and 👎 Cons
Pros:
- Professional lighting & background
- Easy way to have family/couple pictures without asking strangers
- Great for framing and keeping memories
Cons:
- Expensive (a single photo could equal a shore excursion meal!)
- Sometimes awkward poses
- You might already have a good camera/phone
5. 🛳️ My Recommendation
Personally, I think it’s worth buying at least one or two special photos, especially from formal night. If you’re celebrating something (honeymoon, anniversary, family trip), the package might be worth it. But if you’re budget-conscious, bring a tripod or ask fellow cruisers for a quick snapshot — you’ll save a lot.
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👉 Planning your first cruise? Check out my full guide here: 10 First-Time Cruise Tips You Shouldn’t Miss
