Question about prices, and also cabins...

[bizzylady]

Hi - first time cruiser. Don't know anything at all about it or what to expect. Trying to make plans to go within a few months. My questions are: 1) If I looked online and saw a price of $299 per person, that would be a total of $598 for 2 people. However, how much MORE can I expect to pay... on top of that? I know they have fees and other charges. We'll probably do 1-2 excursions... about how much are those? And question 2) How do you know which level to choose? like Main? Upper? Empress? And I know I want a window for sure, and a bed for 2, not twin beds. Is that called an ocean-view room? And how do I know what area (front, back, middle?) to choose.

 

I want to be sure I choose the right level and room, and that I know a ballpark figure (TOTAL) that I will need. Thanks in advance, for any answers. Also, any other tips, suggestions welcomed.

[kitty9]

On top of the cruise fare price, you will have to pay port charges and taxes. Those costs depend on what ports you're visiting and there's no flat rate for those charges. But you can expect an additional $50 to $100 per person for those charges. Also, you have to be aware of any charges these online agencies charge. A lot of times they will put a really cheap fare online and then hit you with surcharges. When you book, make sure you know the bottom line for your charges, and make sure that final number includes everything, including any fees from that agency.

 

There's no way to tell you what an excursion costs. I've done ship tours that ranged from $25 for a simple city tour to $1400 for an excursion to the Taj Mahal to a three day land excursion to Cambodia that ran over $2500. Most simple tours are in the $40 to $80 range, per person.

 

No one can really tell you what kind of cabin to book. That's all personal preference and how much you want to pay. Some like cabins that are mid-ship near the center elevators and on a middle deck while others want to be on the top deck. It's all what YOU want. And yes, oceanview does mean a window or porthole with no balcony.

 

Most beds in a cabin are made up as one bed and if you want two twins you have to request that. Just make sure that whatever cabin you book says that the bed is a "queen convertible to two twins". Sometimes, especially in the less expensive cabins, the beds are twins and cannot be made into a queen bed.

[denmarks]

The basic cruise fare includes your room, meals in the regular dining rooms and buffets, room service, shows, and most ship facilities. Many ships also have free pizza, ice cream at various times. sushi, and hot dogs and hamburgers.

 

The extras are first tips. Figure about $10 per day per person for the tips to the room steward and wait staff. This is optional and some cruise lines automatically charge you. It can be adjusted or reversed at the end of the cruise. You should also tip a few dollars if you use room service. All bar drinks will have 15% added for a tip.

 

Many ships have alternate dining facilities that have a service charge of $15 on up. It may be a steak house or an Italian restaurant for example. There are also specialty coffee bars that charge. All bar drinks including sodas have a charge. The only free bar drinks are at the Captains Reception and the Repeat Cruiser Reception. Do not assume that the drinks being offered when you board are free. They are not. Some ships are even charging for juice at any meal other than breakfast.

 

There is a charge for any personal service such as laundry, salons, private trainers, etc. There is also gambling which includes the casino, bingo, and sometime deck games such as horse racing. A ship photographer will be taking pictures all over the ship and at special occasions. They cost over $10 each. Phone calls in the room are about $8 a minute. Some ships have cell phone service. You are charged for international roaming by your phone service at about $3 per minute. There is also a charge for using internet service on a ship but it is cheaper than phone calls.

 

Off ship excursions are expensive. They start at about $30 and can be in the hundreds. You can book them on the ship or go on your own. The ship will not leave without you if a cruise excursion is late. With one you did on your own they will not wait.

[bizzylady]

Wow, thank you both so much for all the wonderful and helpful info! I can't wait till I get to go!

[Arwenmark]

As for what part of the ship to book, if you have not sailed before and don't know if you are subject to seasickness pick a cabin as close to the middle of the ship both in front to back [Fore to aft] and top to bottom. that location will give you the least movement. Other than that it really depend on what you want to be near, or what you don't want to be near, like under the pool deck or over or under a club etc.

[cruisinsmoothly]

You can get a good idea of the total cost of your cruise including port charges and taxes/fees on most cruise line websites. The only other "required" cost is tips. You should budget ~$10/per person/ per day for these. Although you will be "forced" to pose for photos often, you have no obligation to buy any. If you do not indulge in bar drinks (alcohol or soda) , there will be no cost for those. If you do not "splurge" at specialty restaurants (the free food venues include the main dining room, the buffet, and several fast food options), there will be no cost for those. If you choose not to gamble, there will be no cost for that. The shops will welcome your purchases, but you are welcome to just browse. The shows are free. There is no cost (and no requirement) to get off the ship at ports. If you choose to, you can wander on your own, take a ship excursion (again the ship websites can give you and idea of the excursions available at your port of access and cost) or you can choose to take an independent excursion on shore. The information available on this website is sometimes exhausting to sift through, but is invaluable. Many of the people hereabouts have traveled all over and have loads of experience with cruising. Read thru the posts, take notes, print out the gems of info you are bound to come across. You will see some overly positive and some overly negative comments. Take the average of the comments and use your common sense. Most cruises are neither perfect or horrible. If you go into it with some foreknowledge and , most importantly, a desire to enjoy your cruise and a willingness to not sweat any minor inconviences, you will be hooked on cruising.

[silentbob007]

If you are looking at Carnival, the cheapest category is sometimes 1A ... this means that the room has bunks or beds that might not be able to be put together. Rooms in any other category will be able to accomodate either two twins or one queen ... they just push the beds together and rearrange the nightstands a little depending on your preferences.