Help - stewards & drinks issue

[ajn1982]

So, our (first) cruise, on Celebrity Mercury, just about a week away, and trying not to get caught out by anything ...

 

I've not yet got my head around the steward/drinks combo. I'm pretty nervous about asking the steward (or other staff) to do something, then getting hit by a big bill at the end because I didn't know what I asked for is chargeable. If I've got this right:

 

- if we have an alcoholic drink, either from a bar, by asking the steward or from the mini-bar in our room, that's chargeable

 

- if we get a coffee from the specialist coffee bar (Cova Cafe Milano I think it is), either ourselves or by asking the steward, that's chargeable

 

- but what about other drinks? For example, if we ask the steward for a soft drink or fruit juice, is that chargeable? If we just for "a coffee", is that? Will there be a list somewhere that tells me what I'm expected to pay for and what I don't? And how about other stuff I might ask the steward, eg. for fruit - do I pay for this? It's not necessarily that I mind paying, I'd just like to know beforehand!

 

Thanks in advance, fellow cruisers ...

[algorithmannie]

Good question! I can see that this would be very confusing for a first time cruiser! A good rule of thumb is that most any food will be free... if it isn't, it will be made clear (for example, specialty restaurants).

 

The only free beverages are water and plain coffee. Sometimes in the buffet there will be lemonade or iced tea... you'll know they're free because they will have self serve stations or waiters handing out the drinks. Any other juice, soda, or alcohol is likely not free. Also, hot tea can be tricky... I've seen it free on some cruises and for a fee on others.

 

Generally, you will know when things are free... they'll be sitting out in the open for you to easily take. Things that have to be served by a waiter are generally not free.

[Boo's Mom]

- if we have an alcoholic drink, either from a bar, by asking the steward or from the mini-bar in our room, that's chargeable

correct. And there will be a tip added. And, a place to add an additional tip, if you so desire.

 

- if we get a coffee from the specialist coffee bar (Cova Cafe Milano I think it is), either ourselves or by asking the steward, that's chargeable

 

- but what about other drinks? For example, if we ask the steward for a soft drink or fruit juice, is that chargeable? If we just for "a coffee", is that? Will there be a list somewhere that tells me what I'm expected to pay for and what I don't? And how about other stuff I might ask the steward, eg. for fruit - do I pay for this? It's not necessarily that I mind paying, I'd just like to know beforehand!

 

If the items are on the room service menu, they are free. ie: ice tea, coffee

If you order a coke, it will come to your room and there will be a charge with/tip attached.

If you take items from the mini bar, the charges will apear on your account, with tip.

 

Some suites will have fruit placed in the suite all the time.

Otherwise, you can always order room service (free) and keep fruit in your room. Bring fruit up from the buffet, etc...

 

Room service, of course.... is free. But it is best to offer a tip to the one who delivers the room service.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Boo's Mom]

We have always ordered iced tea and fruit juices in the dining rooms ! Always free.

[Lsimon]

We have always ordered iced tea and fruit juices in the dining rooms ! Always free.

 

These are no extra charge from room service as well.

 

If in doubt just ask whomever you are ordering from.

[Seabee]

Simple, if you sign for it there is a charge. The only exception is the mini bar in your room.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Be careful of the bottled water sitting out in your room. It is not free.

Mary Lou

[Lsimon]

Her are links to a couple of recent discussion threads that discussed what drinks are no extra charge:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1264583&highlight=free+beverages

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=25703181&highlight=charge#post25703181