All the little extras question

[Decebal]

I booked a 10 day cruise on the Equinox through Costco, who "saddled" me with a $260 shipboard credit. :D

After reading about the beverage package Q&A, I am still a tad confused. We never drink soda or alcohol, so no dent in our pockets in that department. What about bottled water, coffee and juice? Not that big on juices, maybe one a day, if that. The coffee, again, not big snobs in that department either, we only have coffee at breakfast. Is that included already or is it extra? If they have Starbucks on board, we might have one as a treat.

In conclusion, what are the little "extras" that I should know about that is not already included in the price? (I know about the specialty restaurants). What about ice cream? Cookies? Snacks? Anything else that you thought was included, but was not? Thanks.

[lovestx]

I booked a 10 day cruise on the Equinox through Costco, who "saddled" me with a $260 shipboard credit. :D

 

After reading about the beverage package Q&A, I am still a tad confused. We never drink soda or alcohol, so no dent in our pockets in that department. What about bottled water, coffee and juice? Not that big on juices, maybe one a day, if that. The coffee, again, not big snobs in that department either, we only have coffee at breakfast. Is that included already or is it extra? If they have Starbucks on board, we might have one as a treat.

 

In conclusion, what are the little "extras" that I should know about that is not already included in the price? (I know about the specialty restaurants). What about ice cream? Cookies? Snacks? Anything else that you thought was included, but was not? Thanks.

 

We have never cruised before but will also be on the Equinox for an Eastern Med cruise in June. And I've done a lot of research here on CC regarding the beverage packages. And what I've learned is that Celebrity provides tap water, coffee, tea and iced tea throughout their dining services for no charge. If you want fresh-squeezed juices, high end coffee in Cafe al Bacio (no Starbucks on Celebrity)or bottled water, you will be charged for it. So it looks like you would only need to account for some bottled water (for taking on excursions) and the occasion coffee in the Cafe.

 

As for other charges, beyond the specialty restaurants, I would say any spa services or special fitness classes.

 

Hope others will confirm and add to this information.

[Gonzo70]

With most of the things you spoke about there are basic free options, and then specialty versions for a surcharge. For example there is free ice cream in the buffet available for much of the afternoon and evening (which most find to be good quality), but many Celebrity ships also have a gealto stand for a surcharge. Likewise free coffee is available at meals and all day/night in the buffet area (and from room service), but there is a cafe that serves espresso based coffee drinks (and other specialty coffees) for a surcharge. There is free juice from concentrate available, or fresh squeezed juice for a surcharge etc.

 

Have you pre-paid your gratuities? If not, depending on the length of the cruise all or most of the OBC can go towards the daily service charge. Also any excursions or spa treatments on board can be used by the OBC (in addition to specialty dining which you already mentioned). Also, you can withdraw cash at the casino for a 3% surcharge as a last ditch plan if you find you are not able to use it all up.

[geospyder]

We bring a couple Camelback 20 ounce water bottles and use them during the cruise for our water. Very easy to fill at the water stations either in the buffet area or gym area. They clip on to our belts when in town. There is always coffee and a couple fruit drinks available at the buffet area all day. As far as alcohol, while we enjoy a couple drinks a day on a cruise, we don't come close to drinking enough to justify the drink packages. Different strokes for different folks. Either way you will definitely enjoy the experience.

[BKFlowerMound]

You can also use your OBC on laundry services. Celebrity does not have self service laundry but you can send stuff out to be laundered.

[Decebal]

Great, thanks for all the advice. I will use what is left of the credit probably for gratuities, but I am sure it will be more than enough for a drink with a cute umbrella, (what's a cruise without one?) extra ice cream or coffee. No plans for the spa, no booze, no soft drinks.....God, we're boring. :D I am so looking forward to the trip, can't even tell you. We've cruised before but it was so long ago, our camera still had film in it. :eek:

[TeaDrinkers2012]

Shipboard credit is a goooooooooood thing. Means you have money in the bank.

 

travel agents sometimes give it to you or the cruise line does for booking thru them - kidda like an incentive to book thru them - a rebate

 

Hope this helps

 

I am still trying to see who hi-jacked my account handle ???????

 

you out there ?

 

messages about deck chairs and towels - what this about ??

[Sloop-JohnB]

Great, thanks for all the advice. I will use what is left of the credit probably for gratuities, but I am sure it will be more than enough for a drink with a cute umbrella, (what's a cruise without one?) extra ice cream or coffee. No plans for the spa, no booze, no soft drinks.....God, we're boring. :D I am so looking forward to the trip, can't even tell you. We've cruised before but it was so long ago, our camera still had film in it. :eek:

 

TO DECEBAL,

 

Sounds like a plan...

 

I would also wager that while onboard you may discover several things that you want to spend money on... there are afterall some specialty classes (like those offered by Apple), and Shops Aboard (maybe a bauble or two, or a Celebrity Souvenir), and a few special events too... the "Champagne (high) Tea" or the "Chefs Dinner" here springs to mind (both can be done with or without alcohol).

 

Between Gratuities, Specialty Restaurants, and any thing else you charge to your On-Board Account you probably won't have any problem spending the full amount by the end of the week.

 

On the otherhand, as GONZO77 has said, if necessary there is a way to "cash out" so you don't see your OBC go wanting at the end of the week.

 

Cheers!

[Decebal]

TO DECEBAL,

 

Sounds like a plan...

 

I would also wager that while onboard you may discover several things that you want to spend money on... there are afterall some specialty classes (like those offered by Apple), and Shops Aboard (maybe a bauble or two, or a Celebrity Souvenir), and a few special events too... the "Champagne (high) Tea").

 

Cheers!

 

Oh yes, I am sure my parents will find something just "perfect" for their great grandsons, and definately the Champagne Tea, I read somewhere that it's held in on the specialty restaurants. That would be so lovely. Hey, I think that $260 just got spent. :p

[subtchr]

Actually, at $11.50 per person per day for a 10-day cruise, gratuities alone take care of most of that $260. But there is still $30 or so for those other little extras!

[jcrandle]

Also, shipboard credit given by a travel agent (as opposed to any given by Celebrity) is refundable (without the necessity of the 3% hit at the casino). On our last two cruises, we didn't use all of our SBC. We received a credit on our credit card that we registered for the onboard credit unused.

[mamamzee]

Snacks are available in the buffet all day--there's always something available.

Also the specialty coffee cafes have delicious pastries in the am, little sandwiches mid-day and cookies the rest of the day. The coffee has a charge but not the snacks there. Just walk up and ask for whatever you like.

[Anubi]

Since we are planning our first Celebrity cruise, I to have a question. :o

Does Celebrity offer a coffee card such as Princess does? I love the premium coffees. But then from checking out the Celebrity boards, it sounds like Celebrity's regular coffee is far better than Princess. Just asking. ;)

[subtchr]

Since we are planning our first Celebrity cruise, I to have a question. :o

Does Celebrity offer a coffee card such as Princess does? I love the premium coffees. But then from checking out the Celebrity boards, it sounds like Celebrity's regular coffee is far better than Princess. Just asking. ;)

 

No coffee card on Celebrity. But they do have the beverage packages, which all include unlimited premium teas and coffees. Those range from the Classic Non-Alcoholic for $14 per day (plus 15% gratuity), up to the Premium Package for $54 per day plus gratuity, which includes all beverages on the ship up to $12 (and you can pay the difference for those drinks above $12).

[geospyder]

Snacks are available in the buffet all day--there's always something available.

Also the specialty coffee cafes have delicious pastries in the am, little sandwiches mid-day and cookies the rest of the day. The coffee has a charge but not the snacks there. Just walk up and ask for whatever you like.

 

I wasn't aware of that - thanks for the info.

[Aussie Bubbles]

Hi, I have sailed previously on Princess and P&O and now Princess has scrapped compulory tipping on ships sailing out of Australia. Which is where I am from. Do you have to pay these gratuities or can you tip at your own discression ie the cabin and wait staff. It really adds to cruise price if going on a 16 night cruise then there are 2 of you. Any information as I am interested in Celebrity Solstice out of Australia towards end of 2012 or 2013