Mr & Mrs Happy Posted September 13, 2014 #1 Share Posted September 13, 2014 We have about $150 in obc. Im trying to determine if that will be enough for us. 1) What is the average cost(s) of the pictures taken? Id like to get the one that's taken when you board and one from formal night. 2) On average, he and I will drink about 4-5 (p.p) alcoholic drinks a day. Would the cheers package be better for us or should we just pay for the drinks as we buy them? I also noticed you could buy bottles of water and soda as a package from Carnivals website. Is it worth it? I don't drink sodas but the hubster does. 3) We aren't doing any excursions but would like to buy a few souvenirs while in port and of course eat, on average how much should we budget for that? 4) The food one orders from room service, is that free? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawkIVette Posted September 13, 2014 #2 Share Posted September 13, 2014 (edited) We have about $150 in obc. Im trying to determine if that will be enough for us. 1) What is the average cost(s) of the pictures taken? Id like to get the one that's taken when you board and one from formal night. 2) On average, he and I will drink about 4-5 (p.p) alcoholic drinks a day. Would the cheers package be better for us or should we just pay for the drinks as we buy them? I also noticed you could buy bottles of water and soda as a package from Carnivals website. Is it worth it? I don't drink sodas but the hubster does. 3) We aren't doing any excursions but would like to buy a few souvenirs while in port and of course eat, on average how much should we budget for that? 4) The food one orders from room service, is that free? Pictures are taken free. You pay for the ones you like. Don't know what they cost because we never buy them. Just take our own. Drinks run around $10-11 each (includes tip). Cheers pay off after about 14 drinks a day I have heard. That's each person too. A soda at the bars are about $2.50 each. You can take on a 12-pack of soda each, if that's available too you. Souvenirs are on your own- cash or credit. Depends on your number of ports. Plan $50 a port maybe. Room service is included. $150 OBC is not much. Tips will be added if you haven't pre-paid them. That's $12/day/person right there alone. We usually have anywhere from $200-300 alone for drinks/incidentals. We do a few excursions that run it up another $300. But with tips/excursions/drinks/incidentals, that usually sets us back as much as the initial cruise purchase. Edited September 13, 2014 by HawkIVette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shmoo here Posted September 13, 2014 #3 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Pictures are about $20 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaded Lady Posted September 13, 2014 #4 Share Posted September 13, 2014 I haven't tried it personally but a lot of people using Cheers say it pays off after 6 drinks or so, 8 beers. There are different prices now for Cheers, depending on the length of the cruise. The soda program, Bottomless Bubbles, is $6 pp per day plus $15% gratuity. so for a 7 day cruise it's $50 pp. You break even I find after 3 sodas a day. If you buy the program before the ship leaves port the first day you will pay state sales tax if applicable. If you wait til you're at sea, you don't. There is an insulated drink cup you can buy as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted September 13, 2014 #5 Share Posted September 13, 2014 I haven't tried it personally but a lot of people using Cheers say it pays off after 6 drinks or so, 8 beers. There are different prices now for Cheers, depending on the length of the cruise. The soda program, Bottomless Bubbles, is $6 pp per day plus $15% gratuity. so for a 7 day cruise it's $50 pp. You break even I find after 3 sodas a day. If you buy the program before the ship leaves port the first day you will pay state sales tax if applicable. If you wait til you're at sea, you don't. There is an insulated drink cup you can buy as well. The Cheers program price has actually dropped. If you are doing a 7 day or more cruise...you only have to have 4 cocktails a day to break even. $37.50pp per day to me is a GREAT DEAL.. https://www.goccl.com/~/media/Files/Irman/bookccl/shipboard_knowledge/My_Awesome_Bar_Program.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not_Done_Living Posted September 13, 2014 #6 Share Posted September 13, 2014 (edited) I am a light spender on cruises (I don't drink or gamble) but still run up about $180 in charges on a 4 day cruise. Edited September 13, 2014 by Not_Done_Living Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthlessBoss Posted September 13, 2014 #7 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Pictures are taken free. You pay for the ones you like. Don't know what they cost because we never buy them. Just take our own. Drinks run around $10-11 each (includes tip). Cheers pay off after about 14 drinks a day I have heard. That's each person too. A soda at the bars are about $2.50 each. You can take on a 12-pack of soda each, if that's available too you. Souvenirs are on your own- cash or credit. Depends on your number of ports. Plan $50 a port maybe. Room service is included. $150 OBC is not much. Tips will be added if you haven't pre-paid them. That's $12/day/person right there alone. We usually have anywhere from $200-300 alone for drinks/incidentals. We do a few excursions that run it up another $300. But with tips/excursions/drinks/incidentals, that usually sets us back as much as the initial cruise purchase. I'd like $150 OBC. That's extra money to spend over and above the budget:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cru-cru Posted September 13, 2014 #8 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Room service is free :). Pics are $12- 20. We always buy way too many. They turn out so good. Never bought cheers. Sent from my SM-N900V using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boozebabe Posted September 13, 2014 #9 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Soft drinks are also included in the Cheers program. No need to buy extras or carry them on if you decide to do Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ehpride Posted September 13, 2014 #10 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Tips will be on your account if you haven't prepaid them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timhoke Posted September 13, 2014 #11 Share Posted September 13, 2014 We have about $150 in obc. Im trying to determine if that will be enough for us. 1) What is the average cost(s) of the pictures taken? Id like to get the one that's taken when you board and one from formal night. 2) On average, he and I will drink about 4-5 (p.p) alcoholic drinks a day. Would the cheers package be better for us or should we just pay for the drinks as we buy them? I also noticed you could buy bottles of water and soda as a package from Carnivals website. Is it worth it? I don't drink sodas but the hubster does. 3) We aren't doing any excursions but would like to buy a few souvenirs while in port and of course eat, on average how much should we budget for that? 4) The food one orders from room service, is that free? Everyone else hit the marks with their answers so I just going to hit on Cheers. We have done this on every cruise they started it, and it has always been worth the money. While I don't tend to be a heavy drinker (wife may disagree with that statement) at $10 drink (max allowable) its pretty easy to hit the daily amount so at least you haven't lost money. Even just a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, a cocktail in hand while you cruise around the decks or at one of the night clubs & you are now saving money on your drinks. Also we always bring a case of water on board at embarkation & pick up more in a port if we need it. At $3 for a single bottle you can easily save $70 by bringing your on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manmtnmike Posted September 13, 2014 #12 Share Posted September 13, 2014 We have about $150 in obc. Im trying to determine if that will be enough for us. 1) What is the average cost(s) of the pictures taken? Id like to get the one that's taken when you board and one from formal night. 2) On average, he and I will drink about 4-5 (p.p) alcoholic drinks a day. Would the cheers package be better for us or should we just pay for the drinks as we buy them? I also noticed you could buy bottles of water and soda as a package from Carnivals website. Is it worth it? I don't drink sodas but the hubster does. 3) We aren't doing any excursions but would like to buy a few souvenirs while in port and of course eat, on average how much should we budget for that? 4) The food one orders from room service, is that free? Hi Guys! We'll see you in 8 days!!!:D Have you prepaid your gratuities? If not that will eat around half your OBC. -Tips for room service delivery is generally accepted at $1-$2 per order. -If you budget for it, you can pay with credit card, if you exceed your OBC limit. -Photos are around $20 for larger and around $10 i think for smaller 5x7.. -Remember there are shops onboard and they have atm's as well, in casino, and often around guest services. - Hopefully not needed...BUT, Any use of infirmary and that also is added, and is reimbursable if you have travel ins. -Use of internet, very slow as well, is added. See you soon!!! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNJCruisers Posted September 14, 2014 #13 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Since you're doing a 4 day sailing, the Cheers program is 45.00 pp per day, plus 15%. Once you tack on your cabin/dining room tips, you'll need about 360.00 on top of the 150.00 you have in OBC. And then you'll still need money for shore excursions or seeing Kansas on your sailing. Carry on my Wayward Son....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SARGE7302 Posted September 14, 2014 #14 Share Posted September 14, 2014 We have about $150 in obc. Im trying to determine if that will be enough for us. 1) What is the average cost(s) of the pictures taken? Id like to get the one that's taken when you board and one from formal night. 2) On average, he and I will drink about 4-5 (p.p) alcoholic drinks a day. Would the cheers package be better for us or should we just pay for the drinks as we buy them? I also noticed you could buy bottles of water and soda as a package from Carnivals website. Is it worth it? I don't drink sodas but the hubster does. 3) We aren't doing any excursions but would like to buy a few souvenirs while in port and of course eat, on average how much should we budget for that? 4) The food one orders from room service, is that free? Your gratuities will average $12 pp for each day of your cruise. Depending on what size pics you want the price range from $10-$20. Depending on what type drinks you purchase beer on average cost $5.75-$9...cocktails, specialty drinks, shots, and DOD average $10; just don't get them in the souvenir cups or it will be more. You are allowed to bring a 12 pack of soda on board in your carry on as well as bottled water. As far as souvenirs while at port make sure you bring cash, and I always eat on the ship as it is free. Room service is free, but it is customary to give a small tip for each order $1-$2 is sufficient. However, over the past I have learned that if you get hungry late at night I will usually grab a bowl spoon and several boxes of cereal and a milk at breakfast and carry it back to my room and put it away until I get hungry...usually curbs my hunger til morning. Hope this helps! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbsteve Posted September 14, 2014 #15 Share Posted September 14, 2014 We have 710 between the two of us. It'll barely be enough but only because we prepaid gratuities Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr & Mrs Happy Posted September 14, 2014 Author #16 Share Posted September 14, 2014 This was very helpful. Liquor wise, we definitely wont be drinking too much. We both know how we are when we over do it :D The worse thing to be is so hung over that you cant enjoy yourself. The hubster is more of a beer drinker. I like the fruity drinks. We will bring on some sodas and water being as we can. I love taking pictures so I may limit the picture buying to 2 pics. One on formal night and the one taken after getting off in Nassau - if they still do that. I didn't pre-pay for the tips, so I bought more cruise cash. I collect shot glasses, so if I can find some when we hit the ports, that'll be awesome. Food is what my husband will be after, so that's probably where money will go if we have to spend much...LOL! Just 7 more days...woohoo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr & Mrs Happy Posted September 14, 2014 Author #17 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Hi Guys! We'll see you in 8 days!!!:D Have you prepaid your gratuities? If not that will eat around half your OBC. -Tips for room service delivery is generally accepted at $1-$2 per order. -If you budget for it, you can pay with credit card, if you exceed your OBC limit. -Photos are around $20 for larger and around $10 i think for smaller 5x7.. -Remember there are shops onboard and they have atm's as well, in casino, and often around guest services. - Hopefully not needed...BUT, Any use of infirmary and that also is added, and is reimbursable if you have travel ins. -Use of internet, very slow as well, is added. See you soon!!! Mike See you soon as well....:D We're skipping the Kansas concert. If we can find a club or an area where we can listen to other music and be able to dance, that's where we'll be... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinpsychRN Posted September 15, 2014 #18 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Don't forget to tip room service person. Pictures have gone up. They wanted $14.95 for a picture on the gangplank in a port. Small one. I remember them at $8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusin Karen Posted September 15, 2014 #19 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Your gratuities will average $12 pp for each day of your cruise. Depending on what size pics you want the price range from $10-$20. Depending on what type drinks you purchase beer on average cost $5.75-$9...cocktails, specialty drinks, shots, and DOD average $10; just don't get them in the souvenir cups or it will be more. You are allowed to bring a 12 pack of soda on board in your carry on as well as bottled water. As far as souvenirs while at port make sure you bring cash, and I always eat on the ship as it is free. Room service is free, but it is customary to give a small tip for each order $1-$2 is sufficient. However, over the past I have learned that if you get hungry late at night I will usually grab a bowl spoon and several boxes of cereal and a milk at breakfast and carry it back to my room and put it away until I get hungry...usually curbs my hunger til morning. Hope this helps!I think this is excellent advice! As far as Cheers, figure out how much you think you would drink per day and average in prices for drinks on their own (don't forget 15% tip automatically added!) and figure out which is the best bet for you. Not only are you allowed a 12 pack of soda or water PER PERSON carry on, (and up to 20 oz!!) but also a bottle of wine/pp so figure this also. AGREE COMPLETELY with not getting food at the ports of call. I know people like to do this to taste the different offerings, but many times the food is SO OVERPRICED and you get it "for free" on the ship (with the price of the cruise of course! :eek:) If you are going to a beach, have a big breakfast, sneak a couple boxes of cereal in your back pack, enjoy your day, get back on the ship and make a bee line for a food line! :p Just MHO. ENJOY every minute!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovefuninthesun Posted September 15, 2014 #20 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Pictures are taken free. You pay for the ones you like. Don't know what they cost because we never buy them. Just take our own. Drinks run around $10-11 each (includes tip). Cheers pay off after about 14 drinks a day I have heard. No, no, no! :) Break even is around 4 (four) a day - cost is $37.50 PPPD + gratuity = $43-ish. That's between 4 and 5 cocktails. Sent from my iPhone 5 using Cruise Critic App Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNJCruisers Posted September 15, 2014 #21 Share Posted September 15, 2014 No, no, no! :)Break even is around 4 (four) a day - cost is $37.50 PPPD + gratuity = $43-ish. That's between 4 and 5 cocktails. Sent from my iPhone 5 using Cruise Critic App In early August, changes were made to the Cheers program. A 7 or 8 day cruise is now 37.50 per day, a 5 or 6 day cruise is 42.50 per day, a 4 day is 45.00 per day and a 3 day is 55.00 per day. All of course add 15% tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disconnections Posted September 15, 2014 #22 Share Posted September 15, 2014 (edited) In early August, changes were made to the Cheers program. A 7 or 8 day cruise is now 37.50 per day, a 5 or 6 day cruise is 42.50 per day, a 4 day is 45.00 per day and a 3 day is 55.00 per day. All of course add 15% tip. Prices are subject to change on the day of embarkation and any previous advertised price will not be honored. The seasonality verbiage has been remove, however. Edited September 15, 2014 by Disconnections Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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