22 First-Class Cruise Perks You Can Get Without Paying First-Class Prices

8. Attend Tastings and Workshops for Free (or Nearly Free)

You don’t need to book a luxury cruise to sip fine wines or learn the secrets of French cooking. Many standard cruise lines now offer complimentary or low-cost enrichment programs that are surprisingly upscale. Think wine tastings led by certified sommeliers, mixology classes with expert bartenders, or culinary demonstrations from visiting guest chefs. Some cruises even offer hands-on pasta-making classes, whiskey seminars, or cultural presentations that feel like TED Talks at sea. Keep an eye on your daily planner and arrive early—spots fill up fast. Bonus tip: Some tastings are technically "free" with a suggested donation or if you’ve reached a certain loyalty tier, so flash your member status and you might score a seat without paying a dime. These experiences can be just as elegant and engaging as anything found in the most premium cruise tiers—minus the hefty fee.