This cruise is nickel and diming me to DEATH!

[beachchick]

How do we get this "coupon" on the internet? Can you tell me how to find it and do I just print it off?

 

Okay, I'm not sure if I'm mis-reading this, so here goes. If you mean a coupon for internet use onboard, it's included in the C&A booklet and only for C&A members. If you are asking where on the internet you can find a coupon for JR onboard, you can't. It is also included in the C&A onboard booklet, which is only available for past RCI cruisers who have registered for Crown & Anchor.

 

beachchick

[stbmom]

I have also been surprised by the amount of things you now have to pay for on a cruise. The most disappointing are the classes in the gym. That actually floors me. As far as JR and such - a hamburger is a hamburger to me, so I just head for WJ if I want one. But - I'll admit they are starting to nickel and dime quite a bit. My husband and I have actually started to do more all inclusive resorts due to this practice. For around the same price as a cruise - we get a huge room with jacuzzi tub, all food and drinks, and even water sports like diving, snorkeling, sailing, etc.

While I love cruising, we will probably only cruise now with our son. When we want a romantic vacation kid free vacation - we will continue going to resorts.

[cruisinfever]

I have a royal carribbean credit card and over the past year have earned over 25,000 points - which I will exchange for $250.00 ship board credit. I also booked my cruise during my last cruise so that gave me $100 in ship

board credit. I will have $350.00 credit when I walk on the ship. So that's one way to save.

[ORANGEinINDY]

Maybe it's not alot of money to you but we are a family of 5....no matter where we go on vacation it adds up big time! LOL

 

If you read some of these posts you would see that I am not the one getting worked up over petty things. :rolleyes:

 

Lurker;

This is NOT a flame, but to a small extent, you ARE getting worked up over petty thing. We went on our first cruise this spring. We did NOT go to JRs, Spa, B&Js, Chops, Portofinos, Special Coffees, Casino, Bingo, Art auction or any of the other extra fee things.

But we had more fun than almost any other vacation we've ever been on. I can't imagine the food at the special restaurants being $20 (+tip) BETTER than the included meals. (Heck, Get a couple 6 packs of 20oz cokes in plasstic bottles and pack them in your luggage). USE the spa, don't get a massage

Seriously, forget about all of that stuff and HAVE FUN on your cruise. Don't convince yourself you'll have a bad time, or you will. Enjoy what IS included.

Don't sweat the petty things

Don't pet the sweaty things

With all of that said....yeah, it ticks me off as well that there are additional charges... I hope it dosen't get to where Windjammer is free and the dinning room is extra.

[Onessa]

I wouldn't cruise if it were truley "all inclusive". I don't think many of us would want to pay the cruise charges that all inclusive would entail.

 

Many of the extra charges are there so that they can offer a wider range of activities - activities that I'm not interested in. I drink very little alcohol and no soda. I'd rather buy a wine that I like, than swill what mass produced stuff the line could afford to include in the cruise cost. I'd rather have a root canal than endure bingo. If I REALLY need a burger, I'd rather pay the JR cover charge than have to wait to have some slobs looking to get their "money's worth" out of their cruise stuffing their face (and actually I prefer the Seaview on the Radiance - no cover, no 'chain name prestige' to fight, and a better menu!).

[Retired not Expired]

I wouldn't cruise if it were truley "all inclusive". I don't think many of us would want to pay the cruise charges that all inclusive would entail.

 

Many of the extra charges are there so that they can offer a wider range of activities - activities that I'm not interested in. I drink very little alcohol and no soda. I'd rather buy a wine that I like, than swill what mass produced stuff the line could afford to include in the cruise cost. I'd rather have a root canal than endure bingo. If I REALLY need a burger, I'd rather pay the JR cover charge than have to wait to have some slobs looking to get their "money's worth" out of their cruise stuffing their face (and actually I prefer the Seaview on the Radiance - no cover, no 'chain name prestige' to fight, and a better menu!).

 

You're right. Fares for an all inclusive would eliminate many of today's cruisers. I wouldn't want to pay it.

[Nessa1dc]

Charging me for Johnny Rockets, Ben & Jerry's, etc. That doesn't bother me too much.

 

 

I'm getting a little upset at the costs for cruising though!:rolleyes:

[ElvisandTracey]

Regarding little extras-

 

I really don't mind them, because even with them, cruises are way more affordable than other travel options-I just took my family of 5 to Maui for 8 days, $10K-not including food, shopping, extras like jet skis....

 

So $10 for JR or an extra fee for golf isn't that bad-I am on the FOS in June, and I am positive that all the new extras like surfing will cost extra $$-I am already assuming that to be the case, and figuring it into the budget.

 

As for the extra dining choices-if you don't want to pay, there is plenty of "free" food-I have sailed many times on RCI, never tried any of the extra cost dining, but I must admit that my last 2 trips on Voyager-class ships was back when JR was still free-that's a little annoying, but no biggie-if you really are against paying extra, eat in the DR or Windjammer, stick to Rock wall, mini golf and ice skating, all stay out of their dreadful casinos and bingo games-

 

On my crusies I spend all my money on gambling and photos, not food and drink!!!

[TravelQN]

I've learned to look at cruising in a simple way, I've paid for my cabin, the trasportation to a wonderful island, and my food will be included. Anything else I get I'll be prepared to pay for if I want it. With all the specialty restaurants, we're lucky they don't have 20 of those and 1 for basic cruise passengers, so unless it goes that way, I'll keep on sailing.

 

I understand the negative thoughts on this subject, it seems someone is always wanting money when you turn around for this and that. But then again, there isn't anyplace else to go where they don't. You go an amusement park and your rides are included for one price, but has anyone ever come out of there without spending more? Food, drink, souvenirs, junk...

 

My first few cruises I wanted it all, the shot glasses, the menu's in a nice little book, anything I could get my hands on I probably bought. Now, I go on the cruise, spend very little extra on the ship because it isn't a novelty anymore, and don't expect any more than I know I'm going to get. My cabin, transportation through the sea, and a wonderful cruise.

 

I think that it is nice they charge for some extra's like the golf and certain things. With that example, I don't golf, I'm not interested, so if it were in my cruise price, I'd complain because I wouldn't even use something but was charged for it. Just as other things. As for the Johnny Rockets, I'm with the other poster, a hamburger is a hamburger, I'll go someplace else. And ice cream? Ben and Jerry's? Like the golf, say I didn't like icecream, didn't eat it, but it was built into my basic cruise price because the percentage of other passengers did and they ate it.

 

Your 'higher end' cruises such as Seaborn, etc. where everything is included is priced significantly higher, they can't afford to 'give' everything away, and they don't. They just charge upfront for it.

[fireguy091]

I'd rather pay the 5 bucks for JR's over the 8 bucks I spent for a worthless burger at my ritzy hotel in Cancun,lol and it didn't come with fries

[digital_curator]

I have also been surprised by the amount of things you now have to pay for on a cruise. The most disappointing are the classes in the gym. That actually floors me.

 

Remember- they don't charge for all gym classes, just the "premium" ones (yoga, pilates, and spinning). I'm actually not surprised- many land based gyms charge extra for these too!

 

And if you look in the brochures, it does mention that some specialty classes will have an additional charge.

 

I do think RCI should be more clear in its brochures about extra charges- they do list JR's in the "What's Included" section of the brochures, without mentioning an extra cost. They do a better job of noting what carries an extra charge on their website.

 

Luckilly, I found CC before I cruised the first time so I knew what costs would be. DH and I actually spent a few hundred $$ less than I thought we would and still enjoyed JR's, the spa, the casino, and had drinks whenever we felt like it. Didn't feel "nickle and dimed" at all. Accept for some all inclusive packages (where I think you often compromise quality) cruising can't be beat- we have our next one booked for $100 Cdn. pp/pd- not bad when you consider it includes food, accomodation and entertainment/activities!

 

Cheers,

[digital_curator]

I have also been surprised by the amount of things you now have to pay for on a cruise. The most disappointing are the classes in the gym. That actually floors me.

 

Remember- they don't charge for all gym classes, just the "premium" ones (yoga, pilates, and spinning). I'm actually not surprised- many land based gyms charge extra for these too!

 

And if you look in the brochures, it does mention that some specialty classes will have an additional charge.

 

I do think RCI should be more clear in its brochures about extra charges- they do list JR's in the "What's Included" section of the brochures, without mentioning an extra cost. They do a better job of noting what carries an extra charge on their website.

 

Luckilly, I found CC before I cruised the first time so I knew what costs would be. DH and I actually spent a few hundred $$ less than I thought we would and still enjoyed JR's, the spa, the casino, and had drinks whenever we felt like it. Didn't feel "nickle and dimed" at all. Accept for some all inclusive packages (where I think you often compromise quality) cruising can't be beat- we have our next one booked for $100 Cdn. pp/pd- not bad when you consider it includes food, accomodation and entertainment/activities!

 

Cheers,

[katiel53]

I think with all the advertising that's been done for cruises, many people who can't afford to cruise, feel it's within their price ranges. I agree ads, especially the full page ad that's on the back page of our travel section in Orlando, give the impression you pay one fee and all is included.

 

If instead of just booking a cruise, one read the cruise brochure or the info on the cruiseline website, most of the confusion would be cleared up. If one has used a travel agent, and the agent is worth his/her salt, the agent would try to give the client info about extra costs when he/she found out it was the client's first cruise. Unfortunately, many people just book through an online agency or even use the cruise line and don't ask any questions.

 

The tipping is something that surprises families more than other charges. To realize it might cost $400-$500 for a week for the family might mean the difference between a cruise and not cruising. Unfortunately, many don't realize the cost until too late and then they don't have the extra to tip.

 

I think research is important to any trip and I can undersand how one would be upset if there are changes made to the original plan. My thought is to go with expecting that everything has a cost associated with it, and if something I want to do is free, that's even better. I do think cruises are NOT meant for everyone, even though they are promoted as they are.

 

Please enjoy your cruises and don't go aboard with a poor attitude or your cruise will be just as bad as your attitude.

 

Katie

[tazza]

Lurker;

 

This is NOT a flame, but to a small extent, you ARE getting worked up over petty thing. We went on our first cruise this spring. We did NOT go to JRs, Spa, B&Js, Chops, Portofinos, Special Coffees, Casino, Bingo, Art auction or any of the other extra fee things.

 

But we had more fun than almost any other vacation we've ever been on. I can't imagine the food at the special restaurants being $20 (+tip) BETTER than the included meals. (Heck, Get a couple 6 packs of 20oz cokes in plasstic bottles and pack them in your luggage). USE the spa, don't get a massage

 

Seriously, forget about all of that stuff and HAVE FUN on your cruise. Don't convince yourself you'll have a bad time, or you will. Enjoy what IS included.

 

Don't sweat the petty things

Don't pet the sweaty things

 

With all of that said....yeah, it ticks me off as well that there are additional charges... I hope it dosen't get to where Windjammer is free and the dinning room is extra.

Well said, I intend to do exactly that!!!

[ElvisandTracey]

Who went and dug up this old tired thread??? I though it died?

 

Anyone who travels on non-cruise vacations knows that cruises are a bargain and a treat!!

 

Cruises are like Lays potato chips-no one can take just one....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FJTinSC]

I could not agree more!

 

The additional fee places like JR and B7J are of no appeal to me, so I do not have a problem witht eh additional fees. I would rather see the prices remain lower and not be "all inclusive".

 

Let the people who want those extra services pay for them rather than make us all pay for what we don't want.

 

I can eat at JR, B&J, Portafino's and Chops here at home, why would I want them on my cruise????

 

If you want these things, PAY UP and SHUT UP. Afterall they are OPTIONS!!!

[brn2crz]

Just returned from a marvelous trip on Mariner.We fell in love with St Martin,and are already pricing land based vacations there.:eek:

 

Please.Comparably.

What we spent on the Mariner.Corner aft balcony,airfare from Houston.Pre-cruise hotel,meals and entertainment,transfers ,tips excursions,souviners and other sea-pass expenses (bar etc) ran me about 600 less than I am finding for hotel-airfare to St Martin for 5 nights (low season)....:cool:

[leighuf]

Cruises didn't use to have all those options. Well, the soda yes. But that still cost extra.At least you HAVE those options! My first Big Red Boat cruise was HORRIBLE! It was a bare minimal cruise. I'll take the options- even if they cost me more money out of pocket.

 

Who said you had to actually buy any of those? You'll be nickel and dimed ANYWHERE unless you go to an all inclusive resort. It's plain reality (sadly). Cruises prices include room, basic board, and often times lousy entertainment. If you're expecting more from your per person cost, then don't book. But, I have a feeling you'll book anyway (like the rest of us):D

[sweety2788]

There was a thread about RCCL charging for the rock climbing wall. Now we did this on our cruise and it was never crowded. Why charge a fee for this now?

 

I have not heard anything about charging for the rock wall...that's one of RCCL's most popular and advertised features and i highly doubt that they would put a charge on it.. i was on the explorer in 2004 and the longest wait time i saw for the wall was about 10 minutes. i understand that they charge at JR's now because it was always very crowded, and many people just hung out there and stayed even after eating just wasting everyone else's time...so i think that was a good idea. just putting in my 2 cents.

~sweety~

[sweety2788]

Regarding little extras-

 

I really don't mind them, because even with them, cruises are way more affordable than other travel options-I just took my family of 5 to Maui for 8 days, $10K-not including food, shopping, extras like jet skis....

 

So $10 for JR or an extra fee for golf isn't that bad-I am on the FOS in June, and I am positive that all the new extras like surfing will cost extra $$-I am already assuming that to be the case, and figuring it into the budget.

 

As for the extra dining choices-if you don't want to pay, there is plenty of "free" food-I have sailed many times on RCI, never tried any of the extra cost dining, but I must admit that my last 2 trips on Voyager-class ships was back when JR was still free-that's a little annoying, but no biggie-if you really are against paying extra, eat in the DR or Windjammer, stick to Rock wall, mini golf and ice skating, all stay out of their dreadful casinos and bingo games-

 

On my crusies I spend all my money on gambling and photos, not food and drink!!!

 

 

Actually, i'm going on freedom 6/11/06 and RCI has already announced that there will be NO extra cost for the wave rider, which may change in later sailings depending on how busy it gets. but for now, we can surf for free. after all, it is the FREEdom of the seas, right??

~sweety~

[daytona]

I don't know when or were you are sailing but I have not seen a cruise for $700 in a long time

 

Plenty of them out there on the Rccl site. Not inside either..even Voyager class

[jagsfan]

all you newbies.........I strongly recommend booking your first cruise with

a travel agent. You will be more likely to have a cruise that fits your

lifestyle and your budget. You have someone to advise you on costs, what

type stateroom to book, what things to look out for.

And.........kids get free soda on Disney, but look at the difference in the

costs of the cruise. Disney cruises are wonderful, but really expensive.

[Merion_Mom]

all you newbies.........I strongly recommend booking your first cruise with

a travel agent. You will be more likely to have a cruise that fits your

lifestyle and your budget. You have someone to advise you on costs, what

type stateroom to book, what things to look out for.

And.........kids get free soda on Disney, but look at the difference in the

costs of the cruise. Disney cruises are wonderful, but really expensive.

I agree with jags, but it's really all in your outlook. NOTHING IS FREE. Stop thinking of some things as "free" and you'll probably stop being irritated. Either things are ALREADY INCLUDED in your cruise fare, or they are not. My father cruises Radisson, and loves that there are bottles of liquor provided in your cabin, plus wines and drinks at meals are included. Well, SURE.........have you PRICED a Radisson cruise?!?!?!? (we won't even get into the average age thing! ;)) You're paying for it all, one place or another.

 

Or, look at it this way: our first three cruises, we had a DB/E1 cabin. We flew to Florida for these cruises, and stayed in a hotel the night before. All of these costs had to be figured into our "cruise fare", even if they weren't being charged by RCCL. This past summer, we sailed on the Enchantment out of our hometown, Philadelphia. This time, in a GS!!!! It was heaven. {sigh} But it cost us LESS than those cruises out of Florida, because we didn't have to pay to GET THERE.

 

All of these cost factors are our own choices; we each need to evaluate how we spend our vacation dollars.

 

Carol