What might they buy?

[Numer3]

We are taking five "kids" (ages 16, 20, 23. 3 are ours, 2 are significant others.) And I want to prepare them for costs on board. We are covering the cruise fare, gratuities, and the excursion costs. We plan to dine in the main dining room together each night. They will be responsible for everything else. I'd like to prepare them as much as possible.

 

So my question is, what are some things that they might want to buy on the cruise?

 

Of course, depending on age, there is the casino, and alcohol (I am not suggesting the alcohol package, as I'm hoping that having to buy each drink will help minimize the damage[emoji6]!)

In addition, there is the Spa, soft drinks, Ben & Jerry's, the arcade, and I think I just saw a note about a new $25 fee for non-returned towels.

Can you think of anything else?

 

And finally, how is this done? Meaning, if a credit card is not added to their online sign in page, (which I have filled out for everyone) what happens when we board the ship? Do each of them let them know that they will be paying cash at the end? And then instead is it possible to pay with a credit card on the last night? I'm sorry if I'm not asking this correctly. Not sure it matters, but we will be on the Liberty, over spring break.

Thank you!!

Lara

 

 

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[imlulu]

Last time we all cruised together, my boys were 15 and almost 21. I think my youngest charged game tokens or some such from arcade to the card. They both got soda or the non alcoholic drink package that we paid for. I can't recall which. My oldest bought a couple of souvenirs for his GF on shore. I think that was about it.

[Clarea]

You can put each person on a cash basis during the pre-cruise online check-in. Royal will let each person charge up to $500 before they ask for the account to be paid down.

[cb at sea]

Drinks are pricey...run between $6-12 for most things (or in that general range). 18% tip is charged on top of the cost of the drink.

 

Anyone over 18 can gamble...but that cost is dependent on their gambling!

Bingo is expensive. As are spa treatments, photos, etc.

 

 

Aside from drinks, I can't think of any "must have" items on a ship. I would think $300-400 would be a safe amount...if they don't spend that, the bank will gladly allow re-deposits!!

Edited January 29, 2017 by cb at sea

[cocobam]

Some fitness classes cost extra, as well as some onboard activities, like cupcake decorating, Try Dive (scuba class) or the Escape Room (depending on the ship)

 

 

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[schlimazel_traveler]

They might like to get photographs. Those can really add up.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Often read where kids run up big bills in the arcade.

 

Soda package is $8.50 per day - probably cheaper than buying soda.

 

Other purchases could include photos; general shopping like candy, t-shirts, gifts; some classes have a fee; spa; alcohol; casino; bingo.

 

If they order room service they should tip delivery person (not included in gratuities).

 

They should be aware of drinks included versus pay drinks, like fresh squeezed OJ, milkshakes. Also some restaurants are not included in the fare.

[sanger727]

Think you have almost all of it; there are shops on board, photos, misc add on food charges between specialty dining, ice cream, cupcakes, etc.

 

Only other big one I can think of is INTERNET! Make sure they are aware of cell phone costs and data costs on ship and in port and wifi costs on the ship.

 

You will be allowed to set an account up for each of them separately. They can settle them with cash and the 18+'s can use their own credit cards if they want. Only thing to watch out for is I believe royal will let the charges exceed the cash balance so they may want to see if a spending limit can be set up; otherwise mom will have to cover the balance at the end.

 

 

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[Ocean Dancer]

They may also want to buy souvenirs off ship at the ports, so they all will need some cash. $100 should be enough per kid.

[Isaboo]

Fancy coffees! Teens love those.

[Numer3]

Oh wow! So many things I didn't think of. Thank you SO much for all the input and advice!!

Lara

 

 

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[martyap]

I have a similar situation. You want to do everything possible to avoid the shock of having an enormous bill due at the end of your cruise. Why not actually make a list of all these potential additional costs so they are fully aware of where they want to spend on the ship. You could discuss possible pre cruise beverage or internet packages to see if they want to prepay any.

 

 

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[Havingfun2010]

We are taking five "kids" (ages 16, 20, 23. 3 are ours, 2 are significant others.) And I want to prepare them for costs on board. We are covering the cruise fare, gratuities, and the excursion costs. We plan to dine in the main dining room together each night. They will be responsible for everything else. I'd like to prepare them as much as possible.

 

So my question is, what are some things that they might want to buy on the cruise?

 

Of course, depending on age, there is the casino, and alcohol (I am not suggesting the alcohol package, as I'm hoping that having to buy each drink will help minimize the damage[emoji6]!)

In addition, there is the Spa, soft drinks, Ben & Jerry's, the arcade, and I think I just saw a note about a new $25 fee for non-returned towels.

Can you think of anything else?

 

And finally, how is this done? Meaning, if a credit card is not added to their online sign in page, (which I have filled out for everyone) what happens when we board the ship? Do each of them let them know that they will be paying cash at the end? And then instead is it possible to pay with a credit card on the last night? I'm sorry if I'm not asking this correctly. Not sure it matters, but we will be on the Liberty, over spring break.

Thank you!!

Lara

 

 

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The two adults, have them set up their own cash accounts, or credit card accounts. My kids always had a credit card to use for emergencies when they turned 18. Plus, being at school etc, and working, they bought things online, etc, they needed it. They can monitor their own account, and it appears they know they are responsible for all incidentals they charge. If they use cash, they can put it down, and get it back on the last night of unused money. My son, and his girlfriend, now wife, traveled with us, and I have no idea what they spent, or how much (but I do know it was almost nothing) because, they were adults, and it was their money and not my concern.