Surprise! It costs money!

[linda_22003]

We have been sailing Regent and it is not cheap but being all inclusive including any drinks and all tips included ,it sure makes for a more relaxed cruise. The food was great and we never felt pressured into any additional purchases.. Our final bill after 10 days was $50 for internet use.

 

I'm with you. Regent's prices seem breathtaking at first, but we certainly did not have to deal with any of the drink, tip, and other charges people are mentioning here. I don't want to be nickel and dimed when I'm on vacation. We had a large charge for shore excursions, but we knew that going in; we did not choose to arrange for personal visas in Russia, so we took the ship excursions in St. Petersburg.

[linda_22003]

I think if you can just tune out the constant hawking that goes on on most cruise ships, you will probably save some $$.

 

"Constant hawking" is not my idea of a good time. I think we chose the right cruise line! We never got any of that.

[Happy ks]

"Constant hawking" is not my idea of a good time. I think we chose the right cruise line! We never got any of that.

 

 

One day we hope to afford cruise lines that don't do this :)

 

Our one Celebrity cruise was a pleasure because of this!

[linda_22003]

One day we hope to afford cruise lines that don't do this :)

 

As my husband likes to say, it doesn't cost any more to go first class - you just can't stay as long. We made the decision that we'd rather "do it up right" and cruise less often, than spend less and go more often. We'll be going on Regent to the Mediterranean next year, and probably to Alaska in 2009.

[wwwangels]

On our first cruise --

 

Wife and I were at the lido deck buffet after just embarking and a waitress came over and asked if we'd like a drink. She had a tray of pina coladas in the cute Carnival glasses.

 

"Sure!" we exclaimed, assuming this was some type of "Welcome aboard gratuity." The drinks were something like $7 each.

 

There's not a lot of free drinks on a cruise.

 

I almost got snookered into that one until I saw other people signing for it. I knew then that they were far from free. The port parking (if you drive into port) was a $50 surprise.

[mes531]

Where do you go onboard to book your next cruise and what kind of deals can you expect?

There is a special person on board that handles future cruises with them. We usually get brochures, but give the deposit for "any" future cruise we take with them. We can then select any cruise we like, and can book through any online, or TA that has a great deal, but, instead of paying the large deposit, your $200 deposit is all that is necessary until final payment time. You also get on onboard credit from the cruise line and some other perks! It is great and is good for up to 2 years, depending on the cruise line, and also is refundable if you don't book with them. We found the best price with an online agent, had a $200 credit from the cruise line, and $100 obc from the online agent, and didn't need the large deposit!!:D :D

[onemorecruise]

The Spa services.

 

You go in for a facial or massage and come out with $200+ worth of product.

[notentirelynormal]

Ship photos and bingo are my biggest downfall. And its not my fault that when I accidently walk through the casino some money falls into the slot machines!

[kanigeta]

Two surprises for me. One wasn't huge, it was just a surprise that I was charged for the juice we ordered with our late-night room service (and it wasn't even for mixing drinks with). The other was, as mentioned a bit ago, the bill you didn't expect to pay for the "potions" you were "hard sold" after your spa or beauty treatments. The girls who work in those areas of the ship are very very good at what they do - make extra $$$ by selling product.

 

About the soda cards & the ice cream that costs alot - all I can say is I'm grateful my 2 teens weren't soda drinkers to begin with, and although they love ice cream, they thought the prices were way too high so they stuck to the free ice cream served daily. Gotta love 'em.

 

Incidentally, this thread is a good one for balancing out the other one I'm enjoying tonight - "must buys" in ports - on the Mediterranean port threads. It's very long, and with 8 ports of call coming up, my "must buy" list was growing incredibly long when I sought this one out. Thank goodness for the voices of reason!

[KC_fn]

The prices in the spa/salon are truly shocking, even on the so-called discount days. Be sure you know the prices upfront, to avoid a nasty surprise. And be aware that after your treatment, they'll try to sell you a lot of extremely expensive product.

[Payd]

Was there any one expense that caught you by surprise? Either you didn't know about it going in or it was just more than you expected?

 

Some basic expenses that I'm factoring in:

• Tips (By following the posted guidelines, I'm hoping to have an appropriate amount already set aside)
  
• Excursions
  
• Drink Card
  
• Deposit for next cruise

Uh...yup, that's about it.

 

I'm trying to work out a budget ahead of time, and I don't want to be stuck trying to pay for something I hadn't planned for, so any info would be helpful. Thanks!

 

Lunch and drinks in Grand Cayman. Just be prepared it is expensive!!

 

Payd:)

[serene56]

Where do you go onboard to book your next cruise and what kind of deals can you expect?

 

 

Carnival does not have nowhere where you can prebook a cruise and get onboard credit-- I know other lines like Princess and Royal does..

Princess you do a ghost booking- place $100 per person for any cruise up to 4 years away. we did that last February. It allows us to book a cruise with that 100 per person deposit-- and we get 100.00 cabin credit.

[Jade13]

My next cruise is a 16-night Transatlantic for only $449 a person.....plus we get $125 shipboard credit apiece for owning stock! Wouldn't find a deal like that while on the ship!

 

jettaleea

 

Who the heck is doing a 16 night for $449???? Ok, I assume an inside, but what are the dates?

[Jade13]

I saw that deal on Vacations to go and seriously considered it. In hindsight, I understand the weather was so horrible, Bermuda was cancelled and the pool deck was off limits. Transatlantics that low are a true bargain, but usually it is passage, no real ports o interest. A great deal if you have plans on the other end. Your airfare back is the trick.

 

The stock deal is through Royal Caribbean. 100 shares will get you the credits.

 

My worst experience was my first cruise with Carnival, when the cabin steward kept putting things on my son's bed like disposable cameras. My son, quite young, would rip it open thinking it was a gift and wham, the fine print got us a camera for $20 that I wouldn't want for $1.00. The poor cabin steward said he had to do it, but we were furious with the way this was handled.

 

I guess that first cruise is always the most expensive in many ways.

 

that is so tacky! Do they still do that?

[Aplmac]

I have just read the Carnival 2006 Stockholders Report.

The category that includes Bar, Casino, Excursions, Spa and Shops,including Photos

has a profit margin of 455 per cent!!!

- income is over five and a half times expenses,

yielding a profit margin of 455%

That category has over 85 per cent of the entire corporate profit.

AND you have a gratuity automatically added to that inflated drink price.

Now that's the way to run a sucker-oriented business!

[EmpressofPurple]

... but readers of this thread may find the information useful, so I'll post it again. I am a frequent Princess traveler (tho' I also have cruised RCCL, Disney and Carnival) so the names, prices, etc. are more geared to Princess offerings; you can create a similar chart for yourselves reflecting the services and items offered on your cruise/line.

 

I created this chart for friends who are new to cruising, or unaware of all the extra things one can spend money on while cruising, and to prepare a budget for both charged items and cash outlay. People unfamiliar with it tend to think of cruising as "all-inclusive" -- which it is, to a certain extent (as evidenced by the number of people on this thread who spend very little onboard) -- but there certainly is a lot to plan for in advance.

 

I prepare a customized chart for each cruise, writing down what I plan to spend in each area, what will be billed in advance, what goes on an outside credit card or cash (private port tours, port shopping; room service tips, laundry, etc.)

 

Hope it's helpful!

 

LIST OF EXTRA CHARGES ON CRUISES:

FOOD/DRINK:

· Fountain Soda at bars and in dining rooms (Soda card available for $3.95 per day for length of cruise plus tax/tip; 7 days = $27.65). Also Canned Soda / Bottled Water ($1.50/ea plus tax/tip; can bring onboard at embarkation and port stops) – have your cabin fridge emptied out by steward; better to buy a package.

· Drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), anywhere on the ship (buffet, dining room, pizza place, trident grill, café, bars, shows, pool deck, room service, etc.) I gather there is a “wine package” for wine drinkers.

· Specialty ice cream near the pool and in International Café (available for free in Horizon Court Buffet from 3:30-4:30 pm and at dinner)

· A few items at International Café (chocolate covered strawberries, fondue, caramel apples, truffles); a few Room Service items (tray of canapés, soda package, etc.); Sushi at Vines

· Specialty coffee at meals, in International café (coffee card for $24.95 covers 15 drinks plus unlimited brewed coffee at Café).

· Specialty Dining Rooms ($15 Sterlings; $20 pp Sabatinis; $25 pp Crown Grill) and Special Dining Experiences (ultimate balcony dining, Brooklyn lunch, Chef’s Table, Wine Flights/ Tastings, etc., etc.) (RCCL - $3.95 Johnny Rockets upcharge) (Disney $20 charge at Palo)

· Any meals / drinks in port (duh)… except where included at “private island” stops (Princess Cays cookout)… plus

· rental of beach chairs, loungers, cabanas, umbrellas, kayaks, etc., etc., etc. (CASH ITEM)

 

ACTIVITIES/PURCHASES:

· Port Tours / Shore Excursions / Port Hotel Day Pass ($20-$200+ per outing, privately arranged or thru cruiseline). (POSSIBLY CASH ITEM/TIPS CASH)

· Rental of beach chairs, loungers, cabanas, umbrellas, kayaks, snorkel gear, floaties, water bicycles, sea-doos, etc., at beach breaks and beachfront hotels, including cruiseline “private island” stops (CASH ITEM)

· Gambling / Casino (as you will… be sure to bring on CASH or be charged a service fee for taking out cash on your ship card) + Bingo ($10-20 per game… and now $1.50 for a bingo marker!)

· Art Auctions (can be very pricey if you buy; they often offer free champagne at preview and sale)

· Shopping / souvenirs / gifts / necessities (cosmetics / perfume / jewelry / clothes / trinkets / etc.) onboard or in port (Port “Discount” shopping books sold onboard, w/coupons for free/discounted items in port = $20-25)

· Spa treatments / Salon Services ($60-$180 per treatment – massages, wraps, facials, tooth whitening, ionithermie, manicure/pedicure, haircuts, etc.) + any Salon Products (Steiner/Lotus Spa/etc.) – expensive!

· Sanctuary ($15/half-day – quiet, shaded area with deluxe loungers and drink/food service, outdoor massages and sunset Yoga classes available)

· Thermal Suite ($130/couple for the cruise – indoor heated stone loungers, aromatherapy steam rooms)

· Some exercise classes ($10/ea. 55-min. Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, plus personal training and fitness/ metabolism testing, and they ask for tips on top of fees. The shorter, 25 mins. stretching and aerobics classes are usually free, as are the machines and jogging track, plus sales presentations)

· Renting movies on TV (about $10/movie)

SERVICES/GRATUITIES:

· Some classes including Computers@sea, digital photography instruction, materials for some scholarship@sea programs (ceramics, etc.); port lectures and other programs often have no fee.

· Photographs taken by the ship’s photographers ($10-25 per photo); developing disposable cameras/film; having prints/CDs made from your digital camera.

· Internet time (.75/min. unless you buy a package, then it can drop to .50/min – much cheaper in port) and Telephone (Yikes! Look at those costs… if you can use your cel, beware of international roaming charges)

· Laundry / dry cleaning / pressing through the ship; Self-serve laundry (CASH - I think it's $1 for washer, $1 for dryer, $1 for soap; there’s an iron there, too); tux/formalwear rental, floral purchases

· Golf simulatorand Scuba Training (no idea about these, just know they cost extra)

· Gratuities ($10pp/pd automatically added to your bill or can handle separately)

· Tips on drinks at bars or for room service orders (CASH or card)

· Any needed medical services (doctor visits charged to your account; you may be reimbursed later if you purchased travel insurance timely).

· Cruise Insurance (to cover medical services rendered, emergency evacuation, repatriation, lost/stolen/damaged baggage, camera, cellphone, laptop, etc.)

· Future Cruise Credit (FCC) – deposit to be used on future cruise, usually results in OBC (onboard credit). Can be charged to same credit card for onboard charges or another card.

· Babysitting and certain special children’s activities.

· Transfers / parking at pier (if you drive to port) / taxis to and from ship before (during) and after cruise; Tips for baggage handlers, drivers, etc. (CASH)

 

What’s Included:

· Cabin, TV movies (except pay-per-view), cabin service, toiletries, fruit delivery, safe, refrigerator (can fill with own drinks) and of course transportation to all ports of call.

· Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner in dining rooms, at 24-hr buffet, pizza place, poolside grill, most items at the International Café, room service (except for tips).

· All entertainment (production shows, singers/musicians in bars, show lounges, nightclub, movies, trivia, dance classes, poolside games, Princess Pop Star, port tour/shopping/some educational lectures).

· Special events such as champagne waterfall, pool buffet, captain’s party; several presentations such as culinary arts, galley tour, bridge tour, spa wellness (i.e. sales) presentations.

· Use of library, pools/hot tubs, gym (including some classes such as stretch and aerobics), ping-pong, shuffleboard, sports court (bball/vball), putting green, kids program (babysitting extra).

[tip]

We have been on several cruises, thus I can not tell you which line, but at the chocolate buffet which was held in the afternoon in the formal dining room, "The One Who Must Be Obeyed" was seated first as I was too busy trying to squeeze one more piece on my plate. She accepted two glasses of champagne from the waiter thinking that they were included. As I sat down I had the honor of signing the receipt. I suppose that I could have sent them back, but did not want to make an issue of it! To add insult to injury, I do not drink alcohol and she drank them both. BUT I did have a happy wife. So in the long run, what the hey?

[katier825]

I can't really say that anything surprised me because I am the queen of research. I research everything to death before I do it, so I was well aware of the cost of the extras. ;)

 

What did cost me money (unknowingly) was that my brother in law was kind enough to order a bottle of rum for us. Problem was that he called the order in from our room and we got the bill! Gee, thanks for the gift! :rolleyes: We did get a good laugh about it afterwards. :)

[julie12345]

I am a newbie, and I appreciate the warnings about no "free" drinks. Is it rude to ask "how much" when being offered things like this? I can't think of anything I hate worse than to feel as though I have been taken.

 

Thanks!

[reenigee]

Hold it. Meals at port are not included????

You mean off the ship, correct? Not on the ship while in port?

[Ryffian]

Hold it. Meals at port are not included????

You mean off the ship, correct? Not on the ship while in port?

 

While on shore, you are responsible for your own food.

 

"Free"/included dining options are available on the ship, both in port and at sea.

[petesweet]

Plan on taking a fistful of dollar bills. Even though you budget for onboard tips, you'll have contact with porters at the dock who should be tipped. Also you will want to tip those who give the tours on shore, whether you book them through the cruiseline or on your own.

 

Another expense: Don't know how far you live from the port, but you should consider arriving a day early (especially if you are flying) to ensure that you do not miss your sailaway time. Even driving is iffy because of traffic problems. I would NEVER plan to travel the day the ship leaves.

[petesweet]

And you will want to tip for room service if you use it, even though the food is free.

 

Another possible extra tip: You will be astonished at the great service you will no doubt get from your room steward and your waiter. I always like to give a little something extra to them.

[bodog]

On our first cruise --

 

Wife and I were at the lido deck buffet after just embarking and a waitress came over and asked if we'd like a drink. She had a tray of pina coladas in the cute Carnival glasses.

 

"Sure!" we exclaimed, assuming this was some type of "Welcome aboard gratuity." The drinks were something like $7 each.

 

There's not a lot of free drinks on a cruise.

We had a similar experience. Just got on board, a waitress had a tray of drinks and said "Welcome aboard, do you want a drink?" It sounded like a freebie, but alas, it was not.

[lilczarina]

I have cruise with Celebrity 3 times (as you can see from signature :rolleyes: ). Water from the tap (non-bottled) is free. Juice is free in the dining room at at the buffets, but if you ask from the bar you will be charged. I know this last part because I was feeling like I needed some cranberry juice, but that only comes from the bar or dining room--extra charge from bar. The lemonade and pass-guava juice from the buffet are not bad (esp. if you add extra lemons to the lemonade). There are times when it is especially crowded in the buffet area that the juices are weak.