New and full of questions

[Chloebags]

Just booked our cruise for Oct 08, and now that we have paid for it I am wonder about a million different things.

 

Can anyone please help?

 

We are going for 2 weeks on the Carnival Valor, and we have a few questions

 

Roughly how much are drinks on board?

Best ideas for the excursions (either booking your own or the ship ones)?

Hurricans???? Are we likley to get hit by one :eek: ?

 

How much money should we be looking at spending on board (I know about the card swipe thing), but what I am wondering is how much roughly will we spend, we are not big spa people but a treatment or 2 might be nice. The Casino not massive gamblers, but oh has his own money for that. Mega terriffied that this will break the bank, the cruise and flights already have cost loads

 

The list goes on but these are the main ones.

 

 

TIA

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

We don't sail Carnival but I am certain that someone will be here shortly to answer your questions about the Valor.

 

You may also want to post your questions on the Carnival board.

 

As for Hurricanes -- all captains are provided with weather information and will do their best to avoid a hurricane area. They do not want to risk the ship and the passenger lives.

[luv2cruz66]

Just booked our cruise for Oct 08, and now that we have paid for it I am wonder about a million different things.

 

Can anyone please help?

 

We are going for 2 weeks on the Carnival Valor, and we have a few questions

 

Roughly how much are drinks on board?

Best ideas for the excursions (either booking your own or the ship ones)?

Hurricans???? Are we likley to get hit by one :eek: ?

 

How much money should we be looking at spending on board (I know about the card swipe thing), but what I am wondering is how much roughly will we spend, we are not big spa people but a treatment or 2 might be nice. The Casino not massive gamblers, but oh has his own money for that. Mega terriffied that this will break the bank, the cruise and flights already have cost loads

 

The list goes on but these are the main ones.

 

 

TIA

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic! You've come to the right place! I learn something about cruising everyday on this site!

I've only cruised 4 times (#5 this October on the Destiny) so I'm a novice but you will find all your answers by searching the boards of this site!

 

Drink of the day.....around 6.50......mixed drink aprox. $4 - $5 and the best bargain in my husbands opinion is a "bucket of beers" (not sure of $)

 

Hurricanes.....cruise ships will reroute in the event of a hurricane....so if you are scheduled to cruise the western Caribbean and there is a hurricane in that location, you will be taken to the Bahamas for example.....not your original itinerary but you still get your vacation!

 

Excursions......as a first/second time cruiser we booked our excursions through Carnival....they do a great job......in my opinion they were very well organized and we enjoyed them....but they are definitely more expensive...if you are comfortable with researching the port and reading about those ports on this site you may want to book your own excursions to save money

 

$$ spent on ship.....the great thing about cruising is that everything you NEED is paid for....your room, your food, your entertainment and non-alcoholic beverages. We definitely spent more on ship on our first cruise...the sail and sign makes it easy because you are not actually handing over cash....it adds up quickly...so to answer your question how much do you spend it is completely up to you.......i would decide ahead of time how much you "want" to spend each day......add $50- $100 a day to that and that should about do it!

**where we spent the most $$ on our first cruise??...alcohol ! because we hadn't been away without the kids for 11 years! And pictures because we hadn't had formal pictures taken of just the two of us since our wedding day! Beware...they can take great pics of even most unphotogenic (sp?) people!

Happy Cruising!

[Janan]

To answer your questions is sort of dependent on you.....I sailed on Carnival in 2006 then (I would assume it's the same now) Drinks were equivalent to what you would pay in a bar (maybe less) but remember the 15% gratuity is added on to the bill. The spa, My wife and I never use (too expensive for us) but if you do use their services, if you go on a port day it may cost less...also towards the end of the cruise they seem to have some specials. My Wife and I set aside about $600.00 to $1000.00 for our ship expenses (we only drink on the cruises we go on but we do tend to drink alot,and we have never been on a 14 day only 7 day cruise) this also depends on if we have already prepaid for our excursions (which Carnival will let you do) For Excursions If this is your first cruise I suggest you take ship sponsored excursions only so you can get a "feel" for what goes on and be stress free (if your late getting back to the ship on a ship sponsored excursion...they have to wait...if it's a private excursion they don't have to and most of the time won't) my wife and I feel comfortable enough to mix and match (some ship excursions and some private excursions).

 

As far as Hurricanes, I doubt you will get hit by one (technology is very good in this day and age) but if there is one in the area you may have some rough seas. so to be cautious I would research on sea-sickness remedieswe also find being as close to the middle of the ship helps....but everybody has their own thoughts on this.

 

Above all; ENJOY yourself IMHO (in my humble opinion) Cruising is the best type of vacation you can take (it can be the epitome of relaxation.... that is whatever relaxation means to you!:D )

 

I hope this helps and if I can answer any more questions you have I will....

 

Andy

[Chloebags]

Tahnks for the advice.

 

I had looked at taking about $1800 for the 2 of us, so that should be enough and more.

 

I think we may look at what the escursions are before we leave and maybe try and book what we really fancy.

 

I do have one more quick question though, in the bar it was said that there is 15% grat added, but we were told be the travel agent that when we board the ship, out card would automaticaly be debited with $140 for tips, so does this mean another 15% is getting added?

 

Sorry for being dumb, but you know what it is like first time crusing you want to know everythign cos you are "lost at sea" for the last of a better phrase lol:p

[SJS]

I agree with the previous poster. You can spend a fortune on your cruise on extras or very little. Most lines have a drink of the day special. On some lines you can check your daily total on your sign and sail on the TV screen that can give you an idea of how much you are spending per day.

 

What ports are you visiting? Some places it is very easy to just take a cab to a great beach (such as St. Martin or St. Thomas) and have even taken cab tours of an island for half the cost of the ship sponsered ones. Go to the ports of call board. There is a ton of good information there!

 

Have a great time!

[Chloebags]

These are all our ports of call

Grand Cayman, CaribbeanRoatan Island, HondurasBelize City, BelizeCozumel, MexicoMiami, FloridaNassau, BahamasSt. Thomas, CaribbeanSt. Maarten, Caribbean

 

We decided since this was our first time, that we should do it in style :D

[CaptData]

Here is an average price list that I have given to friends. I have not been on Carnival but these seem to be their's as well.

 

Free

 

coffee, tea, juice (in the morning), ice tea, shows, rockwall, movies in theaters, walking track most gym equipment (gym class cost), pool games, trivia, demos (towel folding, napkin folding, cooking ect (wine tasting can be free or cost), mini-golf, ice skating, roller blading, meals, pizzas, dancing lessons.

 

All drinks come with a 15% gratutity automaticly

 

Pop/soda - $$1.75 + tip

Soad card - $6.00/day bought on first day for trip (6 x 14 = $84.00) + tip

 

Specialty coffee - $2.95 and up + tip (on some cruise in the Dining Room and some statrooms these can be free (RCCL Conciega Lounge is an example).

 

Bottled water - $2.25 + tip

 

Alcolic fruity drinks, foo foo - $3.95 and up (if you don't tell them they will give you it in a specialty glass that you pay for. This will raise the price to $*.50 and up very quickly. + tip

 

Beer - $3.95 and up per bottle, Bucket of beer may be available and it is 6 beers for the price of 5.+ tip

 

Wine can be bought by the glass or bottle. By the glass $5.00 and up, by the bottle $22.00 and up + tip

 

Martines are diffrent on each line, I believe on Carnival they start at $6.50 and up now (this could be wrong on RCCL they start at $8.50). + tip

 

Pictures - $15.95 and up (formal night ones usually are more around the $19.95 mark).

 

Spa - this depends on day you use it. Port days are cheaper. It starts around the $49.00 mark to close to $200.00. Tips are included in price in some cases. They will try to sell you products which are over price just tell them you do not want this speech.

 

Specialty Resturants This vary in price but usually $25-30. This is the tip but some people will tip more. These are great for special occasions. They usually take two to three hous to eat here.

 

Casino is whatever you wish to spend. I would put a limit on here.

 

Bingo is played everyday and each game pak is (or was $25.00) good for one session.

 

Gym class, spinning ect ($10/ type)

 

Wine Tasting - this one is free sometimes but it depends on who is doning it. It will cost a min of $10.00 for first timers.

 

Martini class/tasting depends on line some charge $10 some more and some don't do this).

 

Computer Classes/photography class, scrapebooking depend on how many classes ect. This will have various charges, some may be free if you bought the product.

 

Golf Simulator - $25.00

 

Shore Excursion start around $39.00 and up. Read to see if you are allowed fto go on it. Check for min age and weight.

 

In Grand Cayman do do the Sting Ray City tours.

[Chloebags]

That you so much, that is a really full and comprehensive list.:D

 

It clears up so many queries that I had.

 

Thank you again:D :D

[navybankerteacher]

Tahnks for the advice.

 

I had looked at taking about $1800 for the 2 of us, so that should be enough and more.

 

I think we may look at what the escursions are before we leave and maybe try and book what we really fancy.

 

I do have one more quick question though, in the bar it was said that there is 15% grat added, but we were told be the travel agent that when we board the ship, out card would automaticaly be debited with $140 for tips, so does this mean another 15% is getting added?

 

Sorry for being dumb, but you know what it is like first time crusing you want to know everythign cos you are "lost at sea" for the last of a better phrase lol:p

 

The $140 automatic charge is for cabin steward, dining roon staff, etc. Drinks have an additional 15% added to the bill. Also, if you use room service for meals, there is no charge, but you should give a cash tip to the waiter -- it's a good idea to bring perhaps $100 in ones.

[cb at sea]

Don't bring a wad of $1.00 bills! Too bulky! Bring large bills (easier to carry) and get them broken down on the ship. (The casino has PLENTY of small bills!)

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

Just booked our cruise for Oct 08, and now that we have paid for it I am wonder about a million different things.

 

Can anyone please help?

 

We are going for 2 weeks on the Carnival Valor, and we have a few questions

 

Roughly how much are drinks on board?

Best ideas for the excursions (either booking your own or the ship ones)?

Hurricans???? Are we likley to get hit by one :eek: ?

 

How much money should we be looking at spending on board (I know about the card swipe thing), but what I am wondering is how much roughly will we spend, we are not big spa people but a treatment or 2 might be nice. The Casino not massive gamblers, but oh has his own money for that. Mega terriffied that this will break the bank, the cruise and flights already have cost loads

 

The list goes on but these are the main ones.

 

 

TIA

 

Agree that it is what you decide to spend. You can essentially not have any charges on your sign & sail if you stick with the free beverages, don't drink alcohol, don't buy souveniers, stay away from the camera's. don't eat at the supper club, avoid the spa etc. My DH is a soda-holic but Carnival only has Coke products which he hates. He drinks Pepsi One so we always bring a couple 12 packs onboard with us so no paid soda. We always drink alcohol so that is our majority of charges. We buy pictures and a few souveniers. We always drink tea at dinner and punch or tea during lunch and coffee for breakfast so we never pay for regular beverages just alcohol.

 

The $15/per day per person gratuities covers the room stewards, dining room staff, buffet staff but does not cover your bartenders. Anytime you go to a bar to order something, the 15% tip will automatically be included. I always tip my room steward extra up front an extra $20 or 40 and if my wait staff is as awesome as my last cruise, I always tip him extra at the end of the cruise. I also sing karaoke so everynight was the same bartender & waitress so we tipped them extra too and they took really good care of us. Bring ones to tip porters, shuttles drivers etc.

 

Spa services are very expensive - do them in port somewhere if possible & save the $. JMO

 

Drinks vary - but I would order a double jack & coke and DH a beer and it was $12 so pretty reasonable I think. DoD were expensive - we broke the bank when we first boarded the ship buying rounds for everyone:eek:

[montana200024]

That you so much, that is a really full and comprehensive list.:D

 

It clears up so many queries that I had.

 

Thank you again:D :D

 

Hi there...we have done the same B2B on the Carnival Valor twice now...we love that ship and those ports...

 

hope you have a blast...we sure did...we had so much fun, we cruise on her again...now they have the jumbo tv..great..we sat in the hot tub at night under the stars and watched movies...

[dna1990]

Have fun on this side of the pond.

[Darkwolfe]

Having been to Belize, I suggest you look up "Major Tom in Belize" on google and check out his excursions. You'll save a bit and have a blast.

 

Go cave-tubing, that was a great trip.:D

[darl]

Tahnks for the advice.

 

I had looked at taking about $1800 for the 2 of us, so that should be enough and more.

 

I think we may look at what the escursions are before we leave and maybe try and book what we really fancy.

 

I do have one more quick question though, in the bar it was said that there is 15% grat added, but we were told be the travel agent that when we board the ship, out card would automaticaly be debited with $140 for tips, so does this mean another 15% is getting added?

 

Sorry for being dumb, but you know what it is like first time crusing you want to know everythign cos you are "lost at sea" for the last of a better phrase lol:p

.... Don't every think you are "dumb"....everyone was a first-time cruiser on their first cruise! I understand your confusion regarding the tips. I will try to explain. When you buy a drink onboard you will have 15% added to the tab, so don't add a tip.......the $140 you are referring to is automatically added to your cruise bill, and covers tips to your waiters, room steward, etc. You are free to give them an additional tip at the end of the cruise if you so choose. They do get to keep this tip for themselves. I might point out that if you choose not to have the $140 added to your bill (you can go to the pursers desk to arrange this to be taken off your bill) any tip you give directly to the staff is turned over to their department to be divided among those that took care of you on your cruise. I hope I have not confused you.

[Hamburg Avon Lady]

Have you considered purchasing travel insurance?? Many health care policies do NOT cover you outside of the US - especially in case you need to be hospitalized in a foreign port and need to leave the cruise and fly home on your own. Check out the "InsureYourTrip.com" website to compare policies - depending on your personal situation - you may want just the basic policy or

do the more comphensive "cancel for any reason" type. We have some medical issues as well as a very elderly MIL (93) in poor health. Plus my DH's

business is a 24/7 hotel/restaurant - and one just "never knows" what may

happen before or during our trip. I consider the insurance money VERY WELL

spent. Be sure to ask about it with your travel agent. Have a great time !!

[Bonnie Nagel]

I disagree- we needed ones from the start and no one had change.